Scholarship Reframes Chinese Thought and the Definition of "China"
TAIPEI, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 Tang Prize in Sinology has been awarded to Professor Ge Zhaoguang, Distinguished Professor of Arts and Humanities at Fudan University's National Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies and Department of History, "for his mastery of ancient Chinese thought. From his early work on Chan Buddhism, Daoism, and the history of philosophical thought, to his more recent series of studies on 'What is China,' he has consistently offered original insights and groundbreaking discoveries. His achievements have not only exerted a far-reaching influence within China but have also resonated throughout the global Chinese-speaking academic community, as well as in Japan, Korea, North America, and Europe."
Professor Ge's scholarship spans a wide range of fields, including the history of Chinese thought, religion, literature, and classical philology. He is especially renowned for his work in the history of thought, with An Intellectual History of China being the defining achievement of the first half of his academic career. In this work, Professor Ge argued that intellectual history should shift its focus from the "center" to the "margins," from the "classics" to the "ordinary," and from "elite thought" to the ideas and lived mental worlds of common people, thus opening new possibilities for dialogue between intellectual history, cultural history, and social history.
In recent years, Professor Ge has devoted considerable effort to exploring historical discourses on "China." He has successively published a trilogy of studies on "China," including Here in 'China' I Dwell: Reconstructing Historical Discourses of China for Our Time, What is China? Territory, Ethnicity, Culture, and History, and Lishi Zhongguo De Nei Yu Wai: Youguan "Zhongguo" Yu "Zhoubian" Gainian De Zaichengqing [The Inside and Outside of Historical China: A Reclarification of the Concept of "China" and its "Borders"]. Drawing extensively on traditional textual and visual materials, as well as Sinitic records of the diplomatic journey to China from Joseon, Vietnam, and other neighboring states, he examines China's complex relations with the surrounding regions through perspectives from beyond its borders, inviting renewed reflection on the relationship between "historical China" and "contemporary China." This approach has shaped new directions in historical research over the past decade and more.
Professor Ge has also conducted extensive research on Buddhism, Daoism, and Chinese popular religion, while devoting long-standing attention to Chinese literature. Refusing to be confined by modern Western disciplinary divisions, he founded the National Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies at Fudan University, where he has worked to promote exchange across traditional fields such as literature, history, philosophy, religion, and art. With his works having been widely translated into English, Japanese, Korean, German, and French, he has reshaped international understanding of Chinese thought and culture.
About the Tang Prize
Since the advent of globalization, humanity has enjoyed unprecedented benefits from advances in civilization and science. Yet a multitude of challenges, such as climate change, the emergence of new infectious diseases, the widening wealth gap, and moral degradation, have surfaced along the way. Against this backdrop, Dr. Samuel Yin established the Tang Prize in December 2012. It consists of four award categories: Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Every two years, four independent and professional selection committees, comprising many internationally renowned experts, scholars, and Nobel laureates, choose Tang Prize laureates who have made substantive contributions and generated a far-reaching impact on the world, regardless of race, nationality, gender, or religion. A cash prize of NT$50 million (approximately US$1.6 million) is allocated to each category, with NT$10 million (approximately US$320,000) of it being a grant intended for research or educational outreach programs to encourage professionals in every field to examine mankind's most urgent needs in the 21st century, and become leading forces in the sustainable development of human society through their outstanding research outcomes and active civic engagement.
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2026 Tang Prize in Sinology Awarded to Ge Zhaoguang
MACAO, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a news report from Tin Media Group:
Skål International Kuala Lumpur has achieved a historic milestone by being named Skål International Asia Club of the Year 2026, the highest recognition awarded to a Skål club in the Asian region, at the 55th Skål International Asia Congress held in Macau.
The prestigious accolade marks the first time the Kuala Lumpur club has received the honour since its establishment in 1958, ending a remarkable 68-year wait and placing the Malaysian chapter among the region's most outstanding tourism industry organisations.
Selected from 42 Skål clubs across Asia, the award recognises excellence in leadership, member engagement, industry contribution, club activities, growth initiatives, networking, and commitment to advancing tourism and hospitality within the region.
The achievement represents a significant moment not only for Skål International Kuala Lumpur but also for Malaysia's tourism industry, highlighting the country's growing influence and leadership within the regional tourism community.
Commenting on the achievement, Mahendran Daniel, President of Skål International Kuala Lumpur, said:
"Winning the Skål International Asia Club of the Year Award for the first time in our club's 68-year history is a truly proud and humbling achievement. This recognition belongs to every member of Skål International Kuala Lumpur, past and present, whose dedication, friendship, and commitment have helped shape our club into what it is today."
"I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our Board of Directors, members, partners, and supporters who have worked tirelessly to elevate the profile of our club and contribute positively to the tourism industry. This award reflects the collective efforts of an incredible team."
The recognition comes at a particularly significant time as Skål International Kuala Lumpur prepares to host the 56th Skål International Asia Congress 2027, which will take place from 27 to 30 May 2027 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Held under the theme "Bridging Asia. Empowering Global Tourism.", the congress is expected to attract tourism leaders, hospitality executives, destination marketers, travel professionals, government representatives, and industry stakeholders from across Asia and beyond.
The four-day programme will feature high-level networking sessions, tourism forums, business-to-business engagements, cultural experiences, destination showcases, and strategic discussions focused on strengthening regional tourism cooperation and growth.
Mahendran Daniel added:
"This award gives us tremendous momentum as we prepare to welcome Skålleagues and tourism leaders from across Asia to Kuala Lumpur in 2027. We look forward to showcasing Malaysia's renowned hospitality, vibrant culture, world-class tourism offerings, and our vision for stronger regional collaboration."
"Hosting the 56th Skål International Asia Congress presents a unique opportunity to bring together the region's tourism community, foster meaningful partnerships, and contribute to the future development of tourism across Asia."
As one of Asia's longest-established Skål clubs, Skål International Kuala Lumpur has played an active role in supporting tourism development, professional networking, and industry collaboration for nearly seven decades.
The Club of the Year recognition further strengthens Kuala Lumpur's position as a leading destination for tourism, business events, and international industry gatherings, while reinforcing Malaysia's commitment to fostering tourism excellence and regional cooperation.
Skål International Kuala Lumpur expressed its appreciation to Skål International Asia, the judging panel, club members, industry partners, and supporters whose contributions made the achievement possible.
With the region's highest club honour now secured, attention turns to Kuala Lumpur's preparations for what is expected to be one of the most significant Skål gatherings in recent years.
About Skål International Kuala Lumpur
Established in 1958, Skål International Kuala Lumpur is one of Asia's oldest and most active Skål clubs. It brings together leaders and professionals from all sectors of travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, transportation, and related industries, promoting friendship, networking, and business opportunities while supporting the sustainable growth of tourism.
About the 56th Skål International Asia Congress 2027
Date: 27–30 May 2027
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Theme: Bridging Asia. Empowering Global Tourism.
The Congress will bring together delegates from across Asia and beyond for four days of networking, business engagement, knowledge sharing, destination experiences, and industry collaboration.
For updates and registration interest:
Website: http://www.event.skalkl.org/
Email: skalkl179@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/skalkl
Instagram: www.instagram.com/skalkl
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Malaysia's Skål International Kuala Lumpur Crowned Asia's Best Skål Club After 68 Years, Sets Stage to Host 56th Skål International Asia Congress 2027
