Passing on Calligraphy Culture Through Brush and Ink – Teacher’s College Spring Couplet Contest Welcomes Year of the Horse

(Miri, 4th) The Year of the Horse has arrived, ushering in the vibrant spirit of spring! The Chinese Language Society of Sarawak Campus, Malaysia Teacher Training Institute, hosted its first ever "2026 Early Spring Breaking Snow, Gallant Steed Rides the Wind – Spring Couplet Calligraphy Competition" on January 24th (Saturday) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Friendship Hall. On the day of the event, 86 contestants and 6 faculty judges gathered to write spring couplets onsite with brush and ink, welcoming the arrival of the Jiawu Year of the Horse. Most participants were members of the Chinese Language Society, with a few non-members participating as well. The atmosphere was warm and festive.

Two Topics to Choose From – Testing Onsite Skill

This competition aimed to promote calligraphy art and traditional Chinese New Year culture. The organizers prepared two couplets, each rich in Year of the Horse symbolism, for contestants to choose from: “A horse leaps sky-high with bold spirit, spring returns to all lands drawing a grand blueprint” and “Brush strokes like dragons and snakes bring auspicious air, horse gallops vast fields and brings the spring breeze.” Contestants could practice one in advance, but were required to complete their works onsite on the day of the competition to authentically showcase their personal calligraphy level.

Mainly for Members, Limited Spots for Non-members

This event was open mainly to members of the society, but limited slots were also offered to non-members to foster exchange among calligraphy enthusiasts.
The competition did not charge any registration fee; those interested could submit their details via a link provided by the society. The society encouraged everyone to seize the opportunity, register early, pick up their brushes, and write the spirit of spring together, welcoming the renewal of all things in the Year of the Horse.

Attractive Prizes – Certificate for All Participants

The competition awarded a Champion, First Runner-up, Second Runner-up, Fourth Place, and Fifth Place, as well as three Special Excellence Awards, ten Excellence Awards, and two Commendation Awards. Winners received cash prizes and certificates in recognition. All contestants who completed their entries received an e-certificate (E-Sijil) as a memento.
Event advisor Ms. Han Rui Qin expressed her delight at the successful completion of the competition, and highly praised the students for demonstrating a high level of calligraphy mastery.
Ms. Han noted that a highlight of this competition was the enthusiastic participation of non-Chinese students, demonstrating how calligraphy art transcends ethnic boundaries. She said the students wrote confidently on stage with excellent results, thanks to their hard work and diligent practice beforehand.
She said: “Seeing the students’ works brings me much joy. Calligraphy is not just about writing; it is also a process of ‘training both the brush and the mind.’”
She stressed that such competitions not only hone young people’s willpower, but also play a positive role in passing on the art of Chinese calligraphy.
Ms. Han also expressed special thanks to the organizing committee, praising their enthusiasm and meticulous planning, which ensured the event went smoothly and successfully.

Passing Down Culture, Promoting Calligraphy

As chairperson of this event’s organizing committee, student Kong Yuting said: “I feel honored to have led the team in planning our first spring couplet writing contest. Throughout the preparation process, working with a group of passionate and responsible committee members gave me valuable confidence and motivation. Seeing the event run smoothly and successfully, especially witnessing the participants’ focus and display of talent, filled me with pride and accomplishment.”

She pointed out that this preparation process made her deeply appreciate that cultural inheritance requires not only ideals, but also practical action and team coordination and persistence. This contest not only promoted the arts of calligraphy and Chinese New Year culture, but also built a bridge for intercultural exchange, allowing the warmth of culture to be passed on through each brush stroke. She sincerely hopes for more such events in the future, so that the calligraphic spirit will take root and blossom in more young hearts.

List of Competition Winners
Champion: JOHAN Lee Si Yieng (LEE SII YIENG)
First Runner-up: NAIB JOHAN Hui Siew Ji (HUI SIEW JI)
Second Runner-up: TEMPAT KETIGA Kong Yuting (KONG YEE TENG)
Fourth Place: TEMPAT KEEMPAT Soo Hui Leng (NELSON SOO HUI LENG)
Fifth Place: TEMPAT KELIMA Yeoh Xin Yi (YEOH XIN YI)

Special Excellence Awards (3 winners) ANUGERAH KECEMERLANGAN ISTIMEWA
Huo Cai Li (CHARLIE KHOK CHAI LEE)
Soo Hui Ting (GRACE SOO HUI TING)
Li Zhi Jun (JENA LEE ZHI JUN)

Excellence Awards (10 winners) ANUGERAH CEMERLANG
Lim Yuan Ting (LIM YUAN TING)
Yang Hua Er (DIANA YONG HUA ER)
Liu Shao Nie (LAW CHAW NEE)
Wong Hui Ping (WONG HUI PING)
Chen Yin Xi (ANGEL TING AN QI)
Zheng Pei Ru (CHANG PEI RU)
Chen Yan Tong (TRICIA TAN YAN THONG)
Chen Hui Hui (TAN HUI HUI)
Qin Yu Qi (SAM YOKE KEI)
Pui Xin Ru (PUI SIN RU)

Commendation Award (SAGUHATI)
Chen Cheng Yan (JANE TING SING YIEN)
Nabila (ALIEYA NABILA BINTI ZUWARI)