Source: Research Institute of Chinese Paleography
Written by: Research Institute of Chinese Paleography
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On October 10, 2014, the Symposium Commemorating the 120th Anniversary of the Birth of Prof. Rong Geng and the 20th Annual Conference of Chinese Paleography Research Association opened in Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) in Guangzhou. The conference was jointly hosted by Chinese Paleography Research Association, Research Institute of Chinese Paleography of SYSU, Publicity Department of the CPC Dongguan Municipal Committee and SYSU Alumni Association in Dongguan, and co-organized by Centre for Chinese History of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The conference attracted paleography scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as countries including the US, France, Japan and South Korea. The Symposium received over 130 papers, covering the latest research results in various fields of paleography such as oracle, bronze inscriptions in Shang and Zhou Dynasties, characters of the Warring States Period, characters of the Qin and Han Dynasties. Several papers discuss the academic achievements, teaching experience, and the spirit and character of Mr. Rong Geng.

At 9:30 in the morning, the opening ceremony of the Symposium was held in Swasey Hall on South Campus of Sun Yat-sen University. It was chaired by Prof. Chen Weiwu, Director of Research Institute of Chinese Paleography of SYSU. Prof. Chen Chunsheng, Executive Deputy Secretary and Vice President of SYSU; Prof. Wu Zhenwu, President of Chinese Paleography Research Association and Vice President of Jilin University; Prof Cheung Kwong Yue from Centre for Chinese History of The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Mr. Chen Weimin, Vice President of SYSU Alumni Association in Dongguan; and Mr. Rong Yang, family representative of Mr. Rong Geng, addressed the conference. Then, as students of Mr. Rong Geng, Prof. Zeng Xiantong and Prof. Chen Weizhan gave a report respectively. Prof. Zeng Xiantong spoke highly of the publication of A Complete Collection of Rong Geng’s Academic Works, and pointed out that the 22 volumes reflect Mr. Rong Geng’s perseverance and rigor in academic studies. Prof. Chen Weizhan recalled the life of Mr. Rong Geng, saying that the “Rong Geng Spirit” is still inspiring for the scholars today.

In the afternoon, all participants went to Dongguan for the two-day group discussion sessions. During the conference, they also visited Mr. Rong Geng’s alma mater Dongguan Middle School, Dongguan Museum and Former Residence of Mr. Rong Geng. After the group discussions, a ceremony was held for the establishment of Rong Geng Academic Publishing Fund.