Latest news with #ChineseCulturalCentre


Identity
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Identity
Egyptian, Chinese Music Shine at NMEC Concert
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) was filled with a vibrant atmosphere of joy and unity as Egyptian and Chinese musicians graced the stage for a special concert entitled 'Conversation and Connection: Music Connects the World.' Organised in partnership with the Chinese Cultural Centre in Cairo, the event drew guests, dignitaries, and performers from both nations in a heartwarming celebration of shared cultural heritage. Dr. Eltaysb Abbas, CEO of the museum, spoke about the profound ties between Egypt and China, two ancient civilisations with histories stretching back millennia. 'Music is one of the most essential threads in the fabric of any civilisation,' he said. 'Through music, we express both joy and sorrow, and it plays a vital role in our traditions, rituals, and day-to-day life. Across time, music has been a key channel for human connection, weaving us together even when separated by geography or language.'


Syyaha
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Syyaha
Egyptian, Chinese music shine at NMEC concert
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) was filled with a vibrant atmosphere of joy and unity as Egyptian and Chinese musicians graced the stage for a special concert entitled 'Conversation and Connection: Music Connects the World.'Organised in partnership with the Chinese Cultural Centre in Cairo, the event drew guests, dignitaries, and performers from both nations in a heartwarming celebration of shared cultural Eltaysb Abbas, CEO of the museum, spoke about the profound ties between Egypt and China, two ancient civilisations with histories stretching back millennia.'Music is one of the most essential threads in the fabric of any civilisation,' he said.'Through music, we express both joy and sorrow, and it plays a vital role in our traditions, rituals, and day-to-day life. Across time, music has been a key channel for human connection, weaving us together even when separated by geography or language.'Dr. Abbas also emphasised the museum's commitment to celebrating not just the physical artifacts of Egypt's grand past, but the intangible cultural treasures that continue to bring people together, including music.'It's every person's right, no matter where they are, to connect through the universal language of music,' he added, highlighting the museum's aim to foster understanding and friendship among all these sentiments, the Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, Liao Liqiang, lauded both nations as proud standard-bearers of civilisation, praising their mutual respect and commitment to appreciating the world's rich tapestry of cultures. He mentioned Chinese President Xi Jinping's 'Global Civilisation Initiative,' a call to strengthen dialogue and learning between cultures, a vision that has found a strong partner in President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who recently affirmed that 'human civilizations are meant to complement and benefit each other, not to create conflict or war.' The Ambassador also pointed to the significant role Egypt played in supporting the creation of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations, as well as regional cooperation through the China-Arab Centre for the Global Civilisation Initiative, in partnership with the Arab League. These joint efforts, he said, showcase the promise of collaboration in building global peace and evening's performances swept the audience into a world of sound, with Egyptian and Chinese musicians enchanting listeners with both traditional melodies and modern arrangements, a reflection of how music continues to evolve and bring new generations together, blending the richness of the past with the vibrancy of the present. On the sidelines of the event, representatives from the Chinese Culture Centre warmly showcased a variety of their activities and products, inviting guests to learn more about Chinese traditions. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, an Egyptian tannoura performance also took place and was met with enthusiastic praise from the attendees, who were captivated by its colourful display and lively rhythms. Both highlights beautifully reflected the evening's spirit of cultural exchange and shared appreciation.


CBC
29-01-2025
- Business
- CBC
Foot traffic still down in Vancouver's Chinatown despite revitalization efforts, community leader says
Province, city and feds all committed money to revitalize historic district Image | CHINATOWN STRUGGLES Caption: Fred Kwok, chairman of the Chinese Cultural Centre, in Vancouver on Feb. 8, 2021. He says ongoing revitalization efforts are making the area cleaner, but foot traffic remains down as public safety concerns continue. (Ben Nelms/CBC) The chair of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Vancouver's Chinatown says revitalization efforts are making the area cleaner, but pedestrian traffic continues to be down in the historic district. Fred Kwok, who has seen the area change significantly over the last three decades, said that the pandemic and an associated uptick in public safety challenges have continued to depress foot traffic to the area, which has been designated a national historic site. The province, city and feds all committed money to help revitalize the district in 2022 and 2023, amid concerns over graffiti and public violence during the pandemic. And while Kwok says the neighbourhood has since become "neat and tidy" compared to previous years, the public safety challenges have caused many businesses, particularly restaurants, to close. "Pedestrians on the street [are] way less compared with the past," he told CBC News on Tuesday. "Weekday, weekend, same thing." While he says that one-time events certainly help make the area feel more vibrant, he has found that people hesitate to come back afterwards. Seniors ask for more assistance Vancouver's Chinatown is among many Chinatowns in North America experiencing a demographic shift, as gentrification, high rents and income inequality have led to many low-income residents, seniors and family businesses being forced out. Sheng Lung Lee, a senior who lives in an affordable housing building in Vancouver's Chinatown, says many in his position have seen their children move away and are living on government assistance. "I am renting here for a cheap price," he said in a Mandarin-language interview. "Without it, I would have to pay between $800 to $1,000. I only get $1,500 from the government each month. How do I live?" Image | CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE Caption: Chinese Cultural Centre board chair Fred Kwok outside the centre on May 1, 2020. Kwok says that it's the people who make Chinatown vibrant. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC) Open Image in New Tab Kwok says that new developments in the neighbourhood will take a couple of years to pave the way for newer residents to populate the area. "It's the people who make Chinatown vibrant," he said. "Without the people, it doesn't matter how pretty you make the place look like; it's just not going to change anything." The City of Vancouver has formed advisory panels with Chinatown residents and facilitated decades of revitalization efforts in the area. Kwok applauded the effort being put in but acknowledged it's difficult to forecast how things will turn out for the neighbourhood.