Page 25 - 022022 PULSE@FASS e-Bulletin

Issue no. 2 | 2022

Tribute to Dr. Seng Yan Chuan

1965 - 2022
Senior Lecturer of the Department of Chinese Studies

Dr Seng Yang Chuan, an eminent scholar on Malaysian Destiny Could U-Turn), Lin Lianyu de Zhengrong
Chinese (Mahua) literature, Chinese classical literature Suiyue (The Eventful Years of Lim Lian Geok), Mahua
and an expert on the Hong Lou Meng (Dream of Red Zuojia yu Shehui Guanhuai (The Mahua Writers and
Chamber), passed away peacefully on 14 May 2022. Their Social Concerns), Hong Lou Meng Qingjie (The
Aged 57, Dr Seng was a senior lecturer at the Chinese Hong Lou Meng Complex). She was also well-published
Studies Department, University of Malaya and heading in academic journals on literary topics. Her published
the Hong Lou Meng Research Centre (Dream of the Red Malay-translation of the entire collection of the Hong
Chamber Research Centre) of the university. Lou Meng widened access to this much loved work.

Born in 1965 in Muar, Johor, Dr Seng was the daughter Dr Seng started her teaching career as a tutor at the
of the late Mr Ma Han, a celebrated Mahua writer. She University of Malaya upon completion of her studies.
graduated with a B.A. (Hons) in Chinese Studies, an M.A. She was at the Chinese Studies Department for 33
and a PhD, also in Chinese Studies from the University years, developed and taught many inspiring courses
of Malaya. Besides her deep involvement in academic such as Mahua Literature, Chinese Classical Novels,
affairs, she was also a prolific and prominent writer. Novels of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Creative
Writing, Hong Lou Meng Study, among others.
Her accolades include the 2nd Malaysia Distinguished
Teochew Youth Literature Award, the 8th Bing Xin The Chinese Studies Department of the University of
Literature Award (Prose Category) and Malaysia’s Ten Malaya is grateful to Dr Seng for dedicating her best
Most Popular Female Writers Award. Her published years to the department, teaching and conducting
works include Huoche Xiang Neiwai (Inside and academic research. Her writings will continue to be
Outside of the Train Cabin), Yong Bu Fangqi (Never enjoyed by many; her students, her colleagues and
Give Up), Ruguo Shengming Nenggou U-Zhuan (If Life lovers of Mahua Literature.

25 | Pulse @ FASS