Beyond the festive flourish of red paper couplets bearing auspicious characters, Chinese calligraphy is anchored in rigour, patience and sustained discipline. Ng Swee Kheng, the president of the Federation of Calligraphy Society Malaysia, said mastery rests on consistent training and long-term dedication, as every character carries its own architecture and technique. Growing interest, he noted, is reflected in large-scale gatherings such as the Kuala Lumpur World Calligraphy Carnival 2024 and the 2026 National Huichun Calligraphy Convention, which drew thousands of enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Chinese calligraphy in Malaysia, he added, has developed a distinct identity through the integration of local elements such as batik motifs and Malay poetry. “This is my first experience with Chinese calligraphy, and I am pleased to learn something new.

Source: The Star February 16, 2026 15:20 UTC