From Kuala Lumpur to Beijing: The Dream That Started It All
In the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, a young man named Qu Baiquan (区栢铨) harbored a dream that seemed unconventional to many around him. In 2019, as he filled out his university applications, Qu made a bold decision: he wanted to study broadcasting at one of China's most prestigious media universities.
Qu's desire to study in China was not a sudden whim but a seed planted during his childhood. Growing up in a Chinese-Malaysian family, Qu was exposed to Chinese culture and media from an early age. He vividly recalls watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics on television, enchanted by the mascots and the grandeur of the event. This fascination with China deepened during a high school study tour in 2016, when he visited Shanghai and Hangzhou. The experience left an indelible mark on him, sparking a feeling of connection that he had never felt before—a sense of returning home despite being in a foreign land.
In Malaysia, Chinese culture is preserved and passed down through various means, including Chinese education, community organizations, and the media. However, the Chinese spoken there is often interspersed with Malay, English, and regional dialects, making the pure, standard Mandarin of mainland China a rarity. Qu's passion for the language and culture grew during his study tour, leading him to vow that he would return to China to immerse himself fully in its language and traditions.
The Road to Success: From Struggle to Triumph
Upon returning to Malaysia, he participated in every Chinese-language competition he could find—debates, speech contests, poetry recitals—anything that would bring him closer to mastering the language he loved. His dedication paid off in July 2019 when he received an acceptance letter from the Communication University of China (中国传媒大学), his dream school.
But the journey was far from easy. In Malaysia, there were no agencies to guide students through the process of applying to Chinese universities, let alone for a specialized field like broadcasting. Qu had to navigate the complicated application process on his own, relying on internet searches and forums for guidance.
Despite his efforts, Qu initially did not get into the broadcasting program he had so eagerly pursued. Instead, he was placed in the advertising program due to his strong background in the arts. This was a setback, but Qu was not one to be easily discouraged. He sought advice from senior students, practiced relentlessly, and finally successfully transferred to the broadcasting program.
Once on the radio program, Qu quickly realized the challenges ahead. The gap between him and his Chinese classmates is daunting. His Southeast Asian accent became a significant obstacle, which made his grades barely pass in the first semester. This period of self-doubt almost caused Qu to consider resigning. But then a professor encouraged him to build confidence and made him determined to persevere.
Every day, Qu would wake up at dawn to practice his pronunciation, imitating news anchors like Kang Hui (康辉) from China Central Television. He would record himself, send the videos to his teachers, and make corrections based on their feedback. Slowly but surely, his hard work began to pay off.
A Journey of Sound and Stories: The Art of Broadcast and Cultural Exchange
As Qu Baiquan progressed through his studies, he began to appreciate the unique power of language and its role in cultural transmission. His immersion in the broadcasting program at China’s top media university exposed him to the art of voice and sound.
One of the pivotal moments in Qu’s journey was his exploration of the Beijing Sound Art Museum (北京声音艺术博物馆). The museum, with its diverse collection of sounds ranging from traditional Beijing street vendor calls to ancient musical instruments, captured Qu’s imagination. He was deeply moved by how sound could encapsulate the essence of a place and its people, realizing that broadcasting was not just about delivering information but about conveying the heartbeat of a culture.
Qu’s appreciation for the role of sound in storytelling led him to incorporate this newfound insight into his own work. For his graduation project, he chose to highlight a Malaysian specialty: durian. In a clever twist, he titled his project “Durian Forget-Me-Not,” using it as a gateway to introduce Chinese audiences to Malaysian culture. Through this project, Qu showcased the intricate process of durian cultivation and harvesting, capturing the vibrant life of a durian orchard from dawn to dusk. His project wasn’t just a gourmet exploration; it was a cultural bridge intended to foster understanding and appreciation between China and Malaysia.
The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. For Qu, this milestone is more than a historical event; it represents a personal commitment to enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations. As a Malaysian student in China, Qu has not only immersed himself in Chinese culture but has also made it his mission to share his own heritage with his Chinese peers.
Through short videos and daily updates, his social media gave his followers a glimpse of his life in Beijing. Qu's frank and enthusiastic sharing helped to unravel the mystery of China for his Malaysian audience.
He has actively engaged with his Chinese classmates, sharing stories about Malaysia’s diverse landscapes, rich traditions, and vibrant cuisine. He even brought a few of his Chinese friends to Malaysia, allowing them to experience firsthand the changes brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative. His aim is to create a dialogue where both Chinese and Malaysian students can learn from each other, appreciate their differences, and celebrate their commonalities.
With a suitcase packed with memories and stories and a newfound appreciation for the power of sound and language, Qu is ready to return home. He envisions himself as a cultural ambassador, eager to share his experiences and the lessons he has learned. The skills he has acquired and the insights he has gained will not only inform his future endeavors but also contribute to a greater understanding between the two nations he now holds dear.
In the end, Qu Baiquan’s story is not just about a Malaysian student’s journey to China but about the universal quest for knowledge, connection, and cultural exchange. His narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance, the beauty of cross-cultural interactions, and the profound impact of education on bridging worlds.
