"I am like a ranger, wandering around all my life," said Prof Tze-ki Hon, Acting Dean of UIC's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS).
Before coming to UIC, he had worked and lived worldwide for nearly 30 years. He went to the University of Michigan, US, for his MA in Asian Studies after receiving a BA in history from the University of Hong Kong, and later gained a PhD in History from the University of Chicago.
Prof Hon at UIC
We invited Prof Hon to an exclusive interview, who shared his understanding of liberal arts education, humanities and social sciences and communication of Chinese culture.
Liberal arts education is in my DNA
Although Prof Hon's destinations kept changing, one thing remains unchanged, "Liberal arts education is in my DNA. I've always lived in its atmosphere."
In his opinion, liberal arts education must be highlighted, for it is people-oriented, melts the boundaries of disciplines as well as national borders, and equips students with a holistic and international view.
"Liberal-arts talents are rare in the world today. They are well-rounded and fit the needs of globalisation. They will be extremely competitive as our country embraces the age of 'Global China', and UIC is dedicated to the mission," said Prof Hon.
Prof Hon in the interview
He added that liberal arts education cultivates students to be a whole person, especially at UIC. It focuses not only on their professionalism but spiritual world, reflecting the core of education.
"We should teach them how to learn, ask questions, and more importantly, reinforce their mental strength while interacting with the outside world."
Our society is human-oriented, and so are Humanities and Social Sciences
Being a scholar in the Humanities and Social Sciences field, Prof Hon regarded it as the root of human beings. "Our society is human-oriented, so its development should include both physical and mental infrastructures."
He referred to Humanities and Social Sciences as a tunnel, allowing our spirit to communicate with others. "It makes you look into 'you' and armours you with inner power. It guides you to absorb strength from the interactions with the external world."
As for the academic discipline itself, Prof Hon pointed out that it keeps evolving. "In the modern world, we are heading at full speed towards the age of globalisation and digitalisation, and so are Humanities and Social Sciences," he said.
Prof Hon speaks at the opening ceremony of the Master Programme in Social Work
"They have ridden with the tide and adopted digital tools," added Prof Hon, and he used UIC as an example.
"FHSS has established a new programme named Digital Social Science and applied the sense of data to social science research. With such effort, we hope our faculty can integrate all advantages of our programmes and other faculties under UIC's new academic structure. Step by step, we hope that someday, FHSS can even realise interdisciplinary cooperation among different faculties, colleges and nations.
"Digitalisation is a bridge that connects us with other disciplines, giving us new methods and angles, and I believe we will generate more influence in the future."
Chinese culture provides new thought space for overseas scholars
Prof Hon has a unique finding after studying Asia and Chinese cultures for decades. "Chinese culture is essential for overseas scholars because they can find new thought space in it, no matter in Laozi, Zhuangzi or Yijing, enabling them to understand the principle of science better."
Prof Hon speaks at a workshop held by the Chinese Culture and Global Communication (CCGC) Programme
Observing the phenomenon, Prof Hon published several books on Chinese classics to lead the foreign audience into Chinese culture more deeply, systematically and clearly. "I will use languages and expressions they are familiar with to introduce our thoughts, approaching and displaying our culture from their perspectives adaptively."
He also shared his vision of Chinese culture on the global stage. "The topic of 'China' will be more diverse and grander to attract more audience. I believe the time will come when talents worldwide are gathered and enjoy the globalisation of China, and I really look forward to it."
Words of wisdom for students
Prof Hon has high expectations for Humanities and Social Sciences students:
"I hope they can focus on the long-term and the future, be patient while sensitive to catch their timings; I hope they can discover their true passion, pursuing their career out of love; I hope they master the quality of flexibility, staying calm and active even living in new environments; I hope they can develop a global mindset, connecting to the world and being part of it.
"And finally, I hope they can all be happy, harvesting their own happiness through the journey of life."
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photos provided by Covee Wang and the interviewee
Editor: Deen He
