Prof. Florence Kuek, Prof. Yang Gexin, and Dr. Lim Teck Ghee in discussion!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Universiti Malaya
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Phone: +603-7967 5000
Universiti Malaya to Host Book Launch on Groundbreaking Ethical Critique of Han Suyin’s Autobiography
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2025 — The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, proudly announces the launch of a compelling new academic work by Dr. Florence Kuek titled "An Ethical Literary Criticism of Han Suyin’s Autobiography: Braving Irrationality." This highly anticipated event will take place on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM at The Cube, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Universiti Malaya.
Dr. Kuek, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaya, offers a timely and penetrating analysis of The Crippled Tree, a major autobiographical series by Han Suyin. Her book reveals the deeply entrenched misogyny, racial bigotry, and geopolitical turmoil faced in 20th-century China, as seen through the lens of a Eurasian woman's lived experiences. The work boldly confronts irrationality in identity, power, and memory, offering readers new ethical frameworks for engaging with literary autobiography.
Joining Dr. Kuek in discussion are two distinguished thought leaders:
- Prof. Yang Gexin, expert in English and Comparative Literature at Zhejiang University, China.
- Dr. Lim Teck Ghee, respected economic historian and prominent Malaysian public intellectual.
“This book is not just a scholarly intervention but a call to reconsider how personal narrative and national history intersect in shaping global literary discourse,” said Dr. Kuek. “Han Suyin’s works deserve renewed attention, and I hope this critical lens can deepen our understanding of her international influence.”
The book launch promises to be an engaging academic and literary discourse, offering members of the media, scholars, and the general public a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of ethics, literature, and identity politics in Asia.
Media representatives are cordially invited to attend and cover the event. A dedicated QR code for registration is available on the event poster or via the FASS, UM website.
For media enquiries or to schedule interviews with the author or discussants, please contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya.
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