May discourse be with you

Suzhou-based Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University's inaugural public lecture, 'from Star Wars to street art', focuses on cross-cultural exchange, Alywin Chew reports in Shanghai.

Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University held its first public lecture in Shanghai on Dec 5, featuring Lee Li-heng, a prominent festival and culture event curator as its keynote speaker.

Themed "from Star Wars to street art", the lecture about cross-cultural exchange comprised a talk on the career and philosophies of Lee and a panel discussion about how films like Star Wars can bring together cultures from the East and West.

Professor Igea Troiani, the dean of international affairs at XJTLU and the moderator of the panel discussion, says that she was heartened by the reception and expects more events of a similar nature to be held in the future.

"This first XJTLU international event is significant in showcasing how our university values positive transcultural exchange. We were thrilled to have a full house of attendees interested in discussing what we can do differently as one of the select number of Sino-UK universities in China and how we can contribute to creating responsible, tolerant global citizens," says Troiani.

"As an international university, XJTLU is globally engaged. Being able to understand local culture results from connecting at a community level, and a public lecture is a good example of this. Such an event also provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about our institution and to speak with our academics and heads of departments in a different environment."

During his presentation, Lee, who has curated a series of high-profile art and cultural events over the past decade, spoke of the importance of having "universal content" in his festivals and cultural events as this serves as a starting point for people from different cultures to get together.