15th Phang Huang Cup Calligraphy Competition marks milestone in Chinese cultural heritage

KUCHING, 28 June 2026 - The 15th Phang Huang Cup Calligraphy Competition was held this morning at the Chung Hua Middle School No.3 here. The competition brought together students, teachers, and calligraphy enthusiasts in multiple age categories in a celebration of Chinese cultural heritage and artistic tradition.

The event was graced by Guest of Honour Ms Ashley Pan, granddaughter of the late Phang Huang, the founding patron of the competition. Also present were Honorary Adviser of the Fujian Province Calligraphy Association, Wang Cheng-mian; President of the Fujian Province Calligraphy Association, Deng Fang-ci; and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Huang Shi-jing.

In his opening address, Acting President-General of the Malaysia Calligraphy Association, Zhang Shao-lun, said he was honoured to witness what he described as a calligraphy gathering of deep cultural significance.

"The Phang Huang Cup Calligraphy Competition reaching its 15th edition is truly no small feat. This is not merely the continuation of a competition but a steadfast upholding of a cultural mission," he said.

Over the past 15 years, the Phang Huang Cup, held in honour of the late Phang Huang, has provided a platform for students, teachers, and calligraphy enthusiasts to learn, exchange ideas, and showcase their work. Zhang said that it has played a vital role in keeping Chinese calligraphy alive within local communities and schools.

Zhang praised the  late Phang Huang for his extraordinary foresight in recognising the importance of cultural education.

"Mr Phang Huang was well aware of the importance of cultural education, and he also understood the profound influence that calligraphic art has on the character, aesthetic sensibility, and cultural identity of the next generation. He supported calligraphy activities through concrete action, planting precious seeds for the cause of local cultural development," Zhang said.

"The fact that the Phang Huang Cup has been able to continue edition after edition is a testament to Mr Phang Huang's vision and spirit."

Tribute was also paid to the Pan family for their commitment to the competition over the years.

"The Phang Huang Cup has become not just a competition name but a symbol of cultural heritage," Zhang said, adding: "The presence of Ms Ashley today further reflects the Pan family's regard for calligraphic art, Chinese education, and cultural preservation. This long-standing support and perseverance is something we deeply cherish and are grateful for."

Zhang spoke at length on the deeper values embedded in the practice of calligraphy, describing it as an important treasure of Chinese culture.

"Calligraphy is not only about brushstroke technique, structure, and composition — it places even greater emphasis on one's inner disposition, attitude, and personal cultivation. To write a character well, one needs focus, patience, resolve, and perseverance. And these qualities are precisely the indispensable strengths we need on the path of learning and in life," he said.

He added that for young people especially, the pursuit of calligraphy carries lessons far beyond the competition itself.

Adding to that, Ashley said: "Every brushstroke tells a story. Every generation carries a legacy. As the Pan family, we are honoured to preserve the traditions, culture, and artistry passed down by our late grandfather, a renowned Malaysian calligrapher whose enduring legacy continues to inspire us to share and celebrate our heritage with future generations."

This year's competition featured multiple categories, including the Open Category, Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary, and Teacher Category. Organisers noted that the broad participation reflects the wide public appeal of calligraphy, and shows how important it is to practice the tradition from a young age, with support from schools and all sectors of society.

Zhang expressed gratitude to the Fujian Province Calligraphy Association, as well as to Adviser Wang Cheng-mian, President Deng Fang-ci, and Organising Committee Chairman Huang Shi-jing for their leadership and dedication.

"Organising a competition requires many meticulous arrangements and selfless contributions behind the scenes. It is precisely because of everyone's efforts that the Phang Huang Cup can continue to be held and has become a cultural brand of influence and value in the local community," he said.

Addressing participants ahead of the competition, Zhang said while the competition does have rankings, what is more important is the learning and growth gained throughout the process.

"As long as you are better today than you were yesterday, and as long as you are willing to keep persevering, you are already on the right path in your calligraphy journey," he said.

The Phang Huang Cup Calligraphy Competition is an annual event organised by the Fujian Province Calligraphy Association, supported by the Malaysia Calligraphy Association.