The Giant Panda and The Power of Cute

Pandas are so adorable that it is difficult not to fall in love with them. Undeniably one of the most successful ambassadors that expresses China’s soft power, their cuteness has an immense hold on us. Beyond that, presenting pandas as gifts conveys notions of guanxi 关系 (connections) and mingming 命名 (naming). Join Dr Cheng Wen-Haur from Mandai Wildlife Group, Dr Graeme Smith from Australian National University and Dr Lim Chye Hong from Singapore Art Museum as they shine a spotlight on panda mania, cross-cultural exchanges, and the protection of wildlife.

The programme will start from:8pm Singapore | 11pm Sydney | 1pm London | 2pm Berlin | 7pm Chiang Mai/ Jakarta

ABOUT COLLECTION AND CONNECTION

This talk explores the role of gifts in global diplomacy across cultural boundaries. These gifts, exchanged within the context of institutions that acquire, conserve and exhibit the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity, have fascinating stories to tell.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dr Cheng Wen-Haur is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Life Sciences and Operations) and Chief Life Sciences Officer at Mandai Wildlife Group. A veterinarian by training, Dr Cheng has held senior leadership positions in zoos in Australia and China. He is also the President of the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association (SEAZA) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Species360.

Dr Graeme Smith is a Fellow in the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University. He is one of the few Western scholars to have worked within local government in China. He has won best article prizes awarded by China Quarterly and The Journal of Pacific History, and co-hosts the award-winning Little Red Podcast with former NPR and BBC China correspondent Louisa Lim.

Dr Lim Chye Hong is an art historian by training, with many years of experience in the museum and heritage sector, including curatorial, programming, and leadership positions in Australia and Singapore. A specialist in Chinese art with sound knowledge of Australian and Contemporary Art, Dr Lim is currently Head of Education, Programmes and Access at the Singapore Art Museum.

Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the programme.

Photography and Videography

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Accessing the Programme

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