The 15th SUSS Cultural China Public Lecture： Professor Xu Zidong on Eileen Chang’s Literature and Life

Jointly organised by the SUSS Centre for Chinese Studies and Lianhe Zaobao, the 15th SUSS‘ Cultural China Public Lecture was held on 26 October 2025 at the SPH Media Auditorium, attracting over 200 attendees.

This year’s lecture, titled “Hong Kong Style, Shanghai Tune: Eileen Chang’s Cross-Border Storytelling and Cultural Drift” commemorated the 30th anniversary of Eileen Chang’s passing. The event featured Professor Xu Zidong, Honorary Professor at the University of Hong Kong and Zijiang Chair Professor at East China Normal University, as the keynote speaker.

Professor Xu captivated the audience with his engaging and insightful presentation, offering multi-layered interpretations of Eileen Chang’s works. He also shared personal anecdotes about his “encounters across time” with Chang and how these experiences inspired his renowned publications, Nowhere to Place and Close Reading of Eileen Chang.

In his welcome address, Associate Professor Foo Tee Tuan, Director of the SUSS Centre for Chinese Studies, highlighted the enduring relevance of Chang’s writing, which intertwines themes of urban transformation, female destiny, and identity.  He humorously remarked that, as someone who first encountered Chang’s works through film adaptations, this lecture was a valuable “make-up class.”

A lively dialogue session moderated by Mr Lim Fang Wai, Senior Correspondent at Lianhe Zaobao， offered deep insights into Chang’s life, her literary aesthetics, and the cultural contexts shaping her work. Their exchange and vivid storytelling drew enthusiastic responses from the audience, sparking meaningful questions and reflections during the Q&A session.

Heartfelt thanks to all participants and partners for supporting this inspiring event, celebrating the timeless beauty of literature and the spirit of cultural exchange.

Associate Professor Foo Tee Tuan delivered the welcome address.

符诗专副教授致欢迎辞

(From left to right) Lee Huay Leng （SPH Editor-in-Chief, Chinese Media Media Group), Goh Sin Teck (Editor, LianHe Zaobao) Professor Xu Zidong, Associate Professor Foo Tee Tuan (Director, CCS@SUSS), Lin Fang Wei （Senior Correspondent）

(从左到右）华文媒体集团社长李慧玲 、联合早报总编辑吴新迪 、许子东教授、中华学术中心主任符诗专副教授、联合早报副刊资深记者林方伟。

Professor Xu Zidong entertained the audience with his wit and engaging interaction.

许子东教授以风趣幽默的口吻，有问必答和现场观众互动交流。

Moderator Lin Fangwei, a devoted fan of Eileen Chang, joined Professor Xu Zidong in exploring the literacy value and life experiences of the renowned writer.
对谈人林方伟是资深‘张迷’，与主讲人许子东教授一起探讨对张爱玲的文学价值和人生经历等话题。

Group photo of all invited guests and participants.
全体大合照  

第十五届“社科文化中华讲座”：许子东教授畅谈张爱玲的文学与人生

由新加坡社科大学中华学术中心与《联合早报》联办的第15届社科文化中华讲座，于2025年10月26日在报业中心礼堂圆满举行，吸引了逾200名观众到场聆听。

本届讲座以“港风上海调：张爱玲的跨域叙事与文化漂泊”为题，适逢张爱玲逝世30周年，邀请到香港大学中文学院荣誉教授、华东师范大学紫江讲座教授许子东担任主讲嘉宾。许教授以深厚的文学功底，生动幽默的讲述，分享他对张爱玲作品的独到见解，并回顾了他与张爱玲“隔空相遇”的趣闻，以及这些机缘如何促成他日后撰写《无处安放》《细读张爱玲》等专著。

新社科大中华学术中心主任符诗专副教授在欢迎致辞中指出，张爱玲的作品交织城市变迁、女性命运与身份漂泊的主题，对当代读者仍具深刻启发。他笑言自己以往主要通过电影改编认识张爱玲，此次讲座可谓一场“补课”。

对谈环节由《联合早报》副刊资深高级记者林方伟主持与许教授展开交流，探讨张爱玲一生辗转的际遇与其独特的叙事风格，十分精彩，加上现场观众踊跃发言提问，气氛热烈高涨且充满共鸣。

感谢所有出席者与合作伙伴，让我们共同见证文学跨越时空的魅力！