On Sep. 22nd, a special day for all kinds of student associations at Tianjin University to recruit freshmen, a lively and robust performance was staged at Peiyang Square by the 24 Festive Drums Troupe from the School of International Education. The troupe outlined the unique charm of Tianjin University with their powerful dance in an exciting burst of drums. As the first registered student association founded by international students from Malaysia, the troupe has been serving as the medium to promote cultural communication and immersion not only between Malaysia and China, but also among other countries since it recruits students from different countries.

Lou Xiangyi, the Malaysian student in charge of the 24 Festive Drums Troupe, is a postgraduate student majoring in cross-cultural education in the School of International Education. She has been in China for six years. Her passion on traditional culture drives her dedication to protecting the intangible cultural heritage of both China and Malaysia. During all her summer and winter vacations, she has travelled around China with her tutor, doing field work to collect information about aspects of intangible cultural heritage.

On August 24th, 2017, Lou founded the 24 Festive Drums Troupe with several Malaysian students at Tianjin University with only one team leader with a 6-year drum-playing experience and the other 13 novice drummers. The 24 drums were presented to them by the School of International Education at TJU and the Association of Graduates from Universities and Colleges in China and Malaysia.

Zheng Zhousheng, the vice president of the Malaysia 24 Festive Drums Association, flew directly to Tianjin twice from Penang, Malaysia to train drummers at Tianjin University. Lou proudly introduced the 24 Festive Drums. She said that the 24 Festive Drums were created on the basis of the 24 festivals in the lunar calendar of China and combined with the Lion Drum in southern China, Kung Fu, and dance.

In 2009, the 24 Festive Drums were formally recognized as the intangible cultural heritage of Malaysia.

Lou also delivered her warm welcome to Chinese students and international students at TJU to join the troupe and promote traditional Chinese and Malaysian cultures together.

To date, the troupe has conducted several performances in Beijing, Tianjin, Chaozhou and other places in China.

“Every member in the troupe appreciates beating the drum every time. This is a good chance for them to exercise their spirit and strengthen the bond among each other.” Lou emphasized.

Wang Yijing is the vice president and Ji Xiaoxuan is the secretary of the troupe team. These exchange students from Malaysia expressed their resolve to build a better troupe.

“Both Chinese and Malaysian cultures are interesting, and we hope everyone can learn about these cultures.”

Lou and others also took the chance to give international freshmen some advice about studying at TJU.

They said freshmen should not be afraid to make mistakes since much knowledge comes from one’s own exploration and failure.

Lou emphasized that freshmen must make more Chinese friends to establish and enlarge their circle of friends.

Wang said, “What I regard as most important is to study hard and remember the reason why we chose to study here.”

Ji suggested that freshmen should not only remember their original study aspirations, but learn to be independent and strong.

Written by Wu Wenjing & Qiu Jingyi

Translated by Yu Jiali

Editors: Eva Yin & Doris Harrington