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Home , Armenians in China, Hong Kong

Newsletter # 3

An Interview with the CHINAHAY President of the Armenian Community of , Mr. Henri Arslanian The Armenian Community

of China to Offer a

Scholarship to Study at

NEWSLETTER # 3 ’s AUA

Celebrations of Armenian Independence Day

Armenian Students’ Union in China: Opportunities and Perspectives from Students’ Viewpoints

ChinaHAY Commemorates Genocide Centennial

Nanjing: in China Commemorate Centennial, Show Solidarity with China’s Massacre

Shanghai: Armenian Cultural Evening Dedicated to the Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide

Beijing: Andin: Armenian

Journey Chronicles, an

award-winning documentary

by Ruben Giney

The Armenian Community of China

Jack and Julie Maxian Kong Armenian Centre 11/F, Block A, Tonic Centre, 26 Kai Cheung Road, Bay, Kowloon

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENTArmenians have OF been THE active ARMENIAN in China from the 17th century to the 1950s, when most of COMMUNITY OF CHINA, MR. HENRI ARSLANIAN

Interviewed by Anahit Parzyan

them left. We used to have Armenian communities in major cities like or but also in less expected places like Tibet or Inner . There was even an Armenian Church in in Northern China, while the Armenian Relief Society had a chapter that was run out of the Armenian Club of Shanghai. Armenians have also been extremely successful in China. For example, one of the most significant individuals in the history of is a gentleman by the name of Sir Paul Catchik Chater, who was an Armenian orphan from Calcutta, . He become such a leading figure in business and politics that to this day many buildings and streets in Hong Kong are named after him and companies he started are still active

and listed on the . 1. Please tell us a bit about the community and its main So in a way, we are not new to China but are simply goals. walking in the footsteps of our ancestors.

The Armenian Community of China has three main 2. How do you think the Armenian Community of pillars: to unite and bring together individuals of China is different from some of the other Armenian Armenian heritage living in China, to share with the Communities globally? world at large the remarkable history of Armenians in Although Armenians have been active in China for China and to be the natural between Armenia and centuries, we had the rare opportunity in 2013 to set-up China. a proper organizational structure for the governance of We are a relatively young community that is totally our community. We had the chance to start with a blank independent with no religious or political affiliations, sheet of paper and build what we believed should be the built on the pillars of independence, transparency and model for an Armenian community of the future -- a governance. We aim to become a best-in-class Armenian version 2.0. We looked at many communities and organization, a role model for the . organizations globally and decided to keep what we believe worked best, while changing and innovating as Many Armenians in Armenia and in the are not needed. We kept in mind the long-term interests aware of the fact that we have a very active and fast of not only our community but also of the to growing Armenian community in China. Our group is come. composed of hundreds of Armenians from For example, mandate as President of the community all around the world, mainly living, studying or working is limited only to 2 years and our constitution forces me in , Shanghai, Nanjing, , and to step down after my term to ensure that we always Hong Kong. We even opened our first Armenian centre have new individuals with new energy and new ideas to two years ago in Hong Kong. lead the organization. Also, despite our small size, our 2 accounts are audited by Ernst and Young and are 4. Earlier this year, the Armenian Community of China publically available on our website so that every member had some very unique events surrounding the 24 of our community knows exactly where each is Genocide commemoration events. Can you tell us spent. about it? What was the reaction of the media on this topic? In addition, we make a very active effort to integrate the non-Armenian partners and spouses in our community. Like all Armenian communities in the diaspora, the Over the past decades many Armenians stepped away wanted to organize some events from community life, often because they felt their around April 24, while being sensitive towards our non-Armenian partners were not welcome. We want to Chinese hosts. For that reason, we decided to organize change that completely. Women are also actively some cultural events in Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing involved in the leadership of our community, with where our Chinese friends had the opportunity to get almost half of our board of directors composed of acquainted with Armenian culture, art, music and, of women. course, history. Our main remembrance event took place in Nanjing, which is where China experienced the sad Gandhi famously said, “be the change you want to see in episode of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre – an event, which the world”. We have done just that but in the context of has many similarities with the Armenian genocide. building our Armenian community.

3. What are the ties between ChinaHay and other communities of ?

Armenian communities are growing very fast, not only in China but also across Asia. For example, there are also relatively active communities of various sizes in , , , , South , India, and .

All the leaders of all the communities across Asia have quarterly conference calls where we update each other of the initiatives and projects that we are each leading in our respective jurisdictions to ensure that we are properly synchronized and can work together when possible. This ensures， that we are all connected and The Armenian Community of China visited the Nanjing can work together when need be, for example the recent Massacre Museum and laid flowers in remembrance of initiatives to restore the old Armenian Churches in the victims of all Genocides and massacres, including the Myanmar and Bangladesh. Armenian Genocide and the Nanjing Massacre. By having our remembrance events held in Nanjing, we wanted to show solidarity with our Chinese friends, show sympathy for the atrocities they have gone through as well and be thankful to them for being so welcoming over the past centuries towards Armenians.

We also had a number of cultural events from exhibitions of Armenian artists in Nanjing, performances in Shanghai, documentary viewings in Beijing and remembrance dinners in Hong Kong. A documentary on the Armenian Genocide translated into Chinese is now even available on Chinese social media websites.

3 Our commemoration events across China were covered supporting Armenian and Chinese academics currently in the Armenian media globally. To our surprise, they researching old Armenian history in China. were covered in the Turkish media as well, to highlight We also want to solidify the links between Armenia and our active Armenian community in China. We took it as China and we do this in multiple ways. For example, a compliment! dozens of Chinese university students are now enrolled 5. What are some of the ongoing projects for the in courses offered in Beijing. We Armenian Community in the coming year? even helped promote videos in Chinese talking about in Yerevan, videos that are now posted on Chinese social media platforms.

We also believe in building professional links within our community. For example, we have a very successful annual Armenian academic conference in China where all the Armenian academics living and working in China come together to connect and find ways to work together. We also have a number of professional groups – from one that brings together Armenians in in Asia to another that brings together the dozens of Armenian students across China.

We are working on a number of projects within our 6. What would be your advice to anyone who wants to community. For example, we have between 70 to 90 learn more about the Armenian Community of China or students from Armenia coming every year to study in the Armenian history in China? China. However, there are very few Chinese students A great resource is our community going to Armenia. We are launching a scholarship this website, http://www.chinahay.com or our Facebook year in partnership with the American University of page. They contain not only updates about our Armenia where the Armenian Community of China will community but also information and links about cover the travel, healthcare and living costs of Chinese Armenian history in China. students willing to go and pursue graduate studies in Armenia. We believe that these students can then be a natural bridge between Armenia and China. It is also the right moral gesture to give back to our Chinese friends who have been welcoming Armenians for centuries.

We also have a number of ongoing initiatives aimed at sharing the inspiring Armenian history in China and Asia with the global community. For example, we have an ongoing fellowship with the Gulbenkian Foundation,

4

Armenian Community of China to Offer Scholarship to Chinese Students to Study at Armenia’s American University of Armenia

September 29, 2015 Yerevan, Armenia

The Armenian Community of China and the American University of Armenia

Signed a Memorandum of Understanding

YEREVAN, Armenia – On September 29, 2015, the the generosity and openness of the Chinese nation Armenian Community of China signed a towards Armenians over the past centuries. We believe Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the in the power of and hope that this scholarship American University of Armenia (AUA) to provide will encourage talented Chinese students to come to scholarships for Chinese students to study at AUA. Armenia to pursue graduate studies. The Armenian Henri Arslanian, President of the Armenian Community Community of China is based on the pillars of of China, and AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian independence, transparency and governance and we are met in Yerevan to sign the MoU and solidify the proud to partner with a likeminded organization like the collaboration. American University of Armenia with which we share similar values and vision” Beginning fall 2016, the Armenian Community of China AUA students come from all over the world, and on a will commit to covering the living costs, healthcare, and daily basis get to enjoy the university’s many research of at least one Chinese student who pursues centers and -of-the-art facilities. In addition to graduate studies in Armenia. AUA will then provide a offering 8 master’s degrees, AUA launched its Merit Scholarship to aid in the payment of the student’s undergraduate degree program in 2013, after which the international tuition fees. number of applicants from outside of Armenia tripled from the 2012-2013 school year. The joint effort puts AUA on the higher education map AUA Provost Dr. Randall Rhodes commented, “AUA is in China, promotes the university’s global outreach, and well positioned to attract students from China and other creates a precedent for international recruitment from East Asian nations due to its location at the cultural and Eastern Asia. geo-political crossroads of the post States Henri Arslanian remarked, “We are very proud to offer and . International students can explore these such a scholarship to our Chinese friends as a token of regional issues, live in a very safe environment, and appreciation for study at a accredited university.

5

The Armenian Students’ Union in China

This conference brought together Armenian students, doctoral candidates and researchers based in China. The focus of this historic conference, introduced by Armenian media, was on multidisciplinary science perspectives. Since then, the number of Armenian students and researchers in Chinese universities has increased even more, and on November 29, 2015, the Armenian community of China and its students’ union held the second Online Conference of Armenian Students and Researchers in China. Its main aim is to unite Armenian scientific potential in China and provide a unique platform for Armenian scholars and students to introduce their research to one another and begin a process of

cooperation. The aim of the Armenian Students’ Union in China is to unite all Armenian students and serve as a platform for On behalf of the Armenian Students’ Union I wish all cooperation between students and researchers. It brings Armenian students in China a productive educational year together students from the whole of China, making it and great achievements. easier for us to communicate with one another, share our experiences, information and knowledge, and help and With the best wishes, support each other through any difficulties. The union has Mher Sahakyan its own social media groups: on Facebook and on China’s Founder and Coordinator of the ASU in China famous WeChat social network. Here people can find interesting information about conferences, seminars and scholarships and other news. These groups serve an important function – and the many new members who join our big family every day are welcomed into a unique and friendly atmosphere.

Last year was a great year for the Armenian Students’

Union in China. From the beginning of 2014, we effectively succeeded, in a short time, in uniting around 90 Armenian students and researchers across China. Later that same year, on November 30, the first Online Conference of

Armenian Researchers and Students in China took place.

6

Armenian students in China talk about “What it’s like to be a student in China”

The number of Armenian students studying in China is great benefit to have a large number of patients, who increasing annually. The Chinese Government supply a large amount of practical knowledge. Scholarship Program as well as scholarship programs offered by the Ministry of Science and Education of I think the main difficulties arise because of a lack of Armenia and many other such programs offer a wide knowledge of the language, as well as from the range of opportunities for Armenians who wish to study differences in culture.The Armenian Students’ Union in in one of the most powerful in the world today. China helps students to overcome these difficulties. The China’s is based on government union also helps you to feel less alone, as you can investment in education, and a period spent studying in interact with other Armenian students in China and learn China offers a unique chance to learn the language of about important events. I believe that China’s online the world’s second largest economy. For this edition of conference, organized by the Students’ Union, was a ChinaHAY newsletter, we interviewed Armenian students very interesting and successful project, which provided to find out why and how they came to China, the great opportunities for students to learn about each advantages and disadvantages of studying in China, other’s achivements and represent our own scientific how best to overcome any difficulties and what their work. Another good thing about our students’ union is visions are for the future. that it is active and creative, and its members are

dedicated to their work. Emma Kazarian, University, Ophthalmology I wish great success to our students studying in China and greater opportunities in the future, including the chance to return to Armenia and use our knowledge and experience for the prosperity of our .

My wish is for our students and newcomers to be strong, to overcome any difficulties they face, as well as fully enjoying the student life in China.

In 2012 the Ministry of Education of Armenia Saren Abgaryan, Shanghai Jia Tong University, Law announced an educational program, and I came to China School graduate student after receiving that scholarshiFrom my viewpoint, being a student in another country forces you to be more organized and to learn to make decisions on your own. It makes you a more responsible person, and I appreciate this greatly.

Studying in China is a big advantage for me because I can get engaged in research, which provides the chance to participate in international conferences. It is also a

7 After successfully completing my MA in Shanghai, I language at Beijing Language and Culture University; applied for the PhD program at Jia Tong University and and in 2013 in Armenia I applied to the program was selected to continue my education in China. I won a announced by the Ministry of Education and received a scholarship on the Chinese Government Scholarship scholarship to continue my education through the Program announced by the Ministry of Science and Master’s program at the People’s University of China Education of the RA. (Renmin University of China).China is the world’s fastest-growing country. It also builds world-class I think that studying at the top universities of China can universities, and the Chinese government is making provide a number of advantages in terms of career major investments in education. It has signed development and personal and social achievement. agreements on mutual recognition of academic In the current, rapidly growing world – where China, qualifications in a number of countries, including the US, due to its economic potential, stands among the most UK, France, and 65 other countries and regions. important countries of the world – an excellent Thus you are assured a high-quality education. knowledge of Chinese is a great advantage. Armenian–Chinese relations have also been strengthened within the framework of broader Speaking about the Armenian Students’ Union in China, cooperation. Consequently, economic and political I would say that it helps students to overcome the relations are a good platform for professionals to adaptation period they face; it also supports students as strengthen those ties. they connect and help each other when they are in need. One of the biggest advantages is that it helps to spread information on upcoming community and union events and activities so that everyone is informed and able to participate. It is important to note that each year the Armenian Students’ Union organizes an online scientific conference where participants can share their findings, with the prospect of being published.I would like to wish success to all Armenian students studying in China, and I would advise newcomers to be flexible, open to It is worth mentioning that living abroad is not an easy learning and making new friends. task. The adaptation process will take time. The Chinese way of thinking is quite different from the Armenian one. Sona Tunyan, People’s University of China (Renmin Language is another difficulty. English is not so popular University of China), International Relations in China, and it takes time to become proficient in the – but it is possible.

One of our greatest achievements is the Armenian Students’ Union in China. I can proudly say that it is very active in organizing events and activities, during which students try to find solutions to any pressing questions.

In China, Armenian students are very united. Mher Sahakyan, the head of the Armenian Students’ Union in China, organizes annual online scientific conferences, during which students present their research articles and I have been living and studying in China for four years. analyzes. Participants get the chance to be published, In 2012, I received a scholarship to study Chinese which I think is is a very good opportunity. 8 I wish great success to Armenian students in China in My wish for Armenian students is that they are strong their studies and hope that they can represent the culture and self-reliant, that they study well and that whatever and respectfully to the Chinese happens they can always overcome their difficulties. nation and to the world.I advise newcomers to do their My advice to newcomers is to be organized, to be best to study and gain as much knowledge and skill as hardworking and strong and, of course, to uphold the they can in China. I strongly recommend that they reputation of Armenia. integrate as soon as they can into Chinese life, that they are active and open to innovations. Koryun Achoyan, Fudan University, Shanghai

Gayane Gyulnazaryan, Beijing Language and Culture University, Chinese–English

In 2010, after high school, I came to China through the intergovernmental cooperation program between Armenia and China. I learned Chinese at the Beijing

Language and Culture University for one year, then I I won the competition organized by the Ministry of graduated from the University of International and Science of Armenia to get my scholarship and Economics with a major in economics. In 2015 I to study at Beijing Language and Culture University. was accepted to do a Master’s degree by Fudan University Shanghai, with one year studying Chinese at One advantage of studying in China is, first, the chance Nanjing Normal University. to study in the intensive Chinese learning system, which allows you to get great results in a relatively short period Even at high school I wanted to study in China, and of time. some years later I realized that it was the right decision. I love and miss my homeland, but I have to admit that I I also think studying abroad provides great opportunities can no longer imagine my life without China. to meet new people and to interact with the different cultures they represent. It is an interesting process. It is I think the biggest advantage of learning in China, of also a difficult process because you may experience course, is the knowledge of Chinese, primarily because culture shock: the huge difference between the culture of its popularity and great demand all over the world. and customs you bring from your country to China may And although it is quite difficult to undertake an make you feel quite uncomfortable for a while, but education in your fourth language, requiring hard work, fortunately I was lucky enough to be able to overcome it is worth mentioning that working hard will give you this and adjust. an excellent professional knowledge. Among other advantages are the opportunity to become independent The Armenian Students’ Union in China is a support and the chance to meet and communicate with many platform for anyone with difficulties. It is also a people from different parts of the world. platform to share knowledge and information, care and support, to help each other and to feel united.

9 Newcomers, particularly those who come to China Nare Haroyan, Shanghai Normal University, PhD in immediately after graduating from high school, face a Psychology lot of obstacles. In addition to the homesickness, it is also quite hard to become a member of a completely different world. It’s hard to become involved in an environment where nobody knows you and where you cannot exchange even a single word with local people and you are completely different.

The first period of my stay in China was very difficult, but I was lucky enough to meet Armenian students at our university who helped me a lot. Newcomers face a lot of different problems and it is very nice now to be in a position to help them. From my personal point of view, the Armenian Students’ Union in China manages Armenia’s Ministry of Science and Education brilliantly to unite all Armenians in China, taking the announced an educational program, which I won, and so steps to help and support us. Now it takes only a few I received my scholarship to study at the Pedagogical minutes to ask something using the Armenians Students’ University in Shanghai. That is how I came to China. Union in application and almost First my scholarship covered my Master’s degree here, certainly someone will respond immediately. In addition, then after graduating I got a Shanghai government there are numerous events and conferences held in scholarship to do my PhD at the same university. different cities. I think it’s important to know that you’re not alone here – at any time hundreds of fellow citizens I consider it an advantage to study Chinese in China, to are ready to assist. learn and apply it to the study of Chinese teaching technique, which is very practical and useful.In terms of difficulties, I can hardly think of any – the people are friendly and warmhearted, for instance. Maybe the most difficult part was to start the classes in Chinese, but any hardship there is already in the past.

One of the most important achievements of the Armenian students in China is the Armenian Students’ Union. I think it is one of the most amazing things we Finally, I would like to reassure all newcomers that have here; people always ask questions, get very quick everyone is here to help with a wide range of issues. answers and help each other in different ways. I am And that in overcoming difficulties, you become quite happy to be a part of it as it keeps me close to my stronger and more experienced, in Nietzsche’s famous peers and my culture and I know that if I need words. You have an excellent opportunity to study, so something, our group is always there to provide support try to use it to the maximum. or help.I hope our students can get as much from China as possible. This is an amazing country full of traditions I'm very happy with my decision and grateful that I have and culture. I hope they can use every day to acquire received such in-depth knowledge and invaluable new things, and be close to the Chinese. experience, and have made friends who have stood by me through it all. I hope newcomers can learn as much as possible and enjoy it as much as they can.

10 ARMENIANS IN CHINA COMMEMORATE GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL

ARMENIANS IN CHINA COMMEMORATE GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL, SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH CHINA’S NANJING MASSACRE

The Armenian Community of China organized a landmark parallel, Michael Hayrapetyan, a talented pianist and series of cultural and artistic events in cities across China, associate professor at the Moscow University of Art and to mark the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. These Culture, performed at the Concert Hall of the Nanjing events, held in Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai during the Institute of Art. His musical piece, “The Secrets of weekend of April 24-25, shared the Armenian history, art Armenia,” was inspired by the work of classical Armenian and culture with the on a historic composers. occasion. “It is a big honor to share our musical history with our Chinese friends,” said Hayrapetyan, who resides in China and regularly performs for Chinese audiences. The highlight of the weekend was the main gathering in Nanjing,which was chosen in solidarity with China, as it The musical performance was followed by an evening of was in Nanjing that Japanese troops massacred hundreds remembrance, during which Chinese and Armenian guests of thousands of Chinese during the Second Sino-Japanese shared their family histories. The documentary “The River Ran Red” by Mickayel Hakobian, which was recently translated into Chinese for the first time, was shown to the attendees.

War in 1937. As with the Armenian Genocide, it is an event that still goes unrecognized by its perpetrators. In the Exhibition Hall of the Art Institute of Nanjing, celebrated Armenian painter Sevada Grigoryan presented his collection entitled “Awakening.” The opening ceremony started with the sounds of Duduk, Vahe Der-Hovakimian perfo rmed Dle Yaman, which is “It was a very touching evening and reinforced the considered to be the symbol of the Armenian Genocide In solidarity between the Armenian and Chinese,” said Lee Yen, a resident of Nanjing. 11

One day before, on April 24 an Armenian cultural evening, dedicated to the remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, was held in the prestigious Bund of Shanghai. An audience of both Chinese and Armenian attendees

“China has welcomed Armenians for hundreds of years,” said Henri Arslanian, President of the Armenian community of China. “There are many similarities between our nations and cultures. We wanted to share a of Armenian culture, as a way to thank our Chinese friends enjoyed a performance of classical music and Armenian for welcoming us to their country.” dance performed by the talented artist Hripsime Petrosyan, President of the Armenian Students Union in China Mher as well as an art exhibition of works by Chinese students Sahakyan mentioned in his speech. By creating we inspired by the events of the Armenian Genocide. continue and prove that the Armenian is invincible “Our goal was to share with Chinese friends our rich and unfaltering” artistic history, while highlighting the common threads of our two ancient cultures,” said Astghik Poghosyan, an accomplished Armenian violinist. Poghosyan has studied in China for five years and regularly performs on Chinese television. The evening concluded with a candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who were systematically massacred by the Ottoman Turks in 1915.

The Armenian Community of China, also known as ChinaHay, has been growing tremendously in recent years. Its members mainly live in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

That same night the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Beijing hosted renowned documentary filmmaker Ruben Giney, a resident of China since 2004. Giney presented his latest award-winning documentary, entitled “Andin: Armenian Journey Chronicles.” The film recounts the long history of Armenians in China and the historical linksbetween the two civilizations.

12 Representing Armenia in China Armenia Within the Framework of Intercultural Communication

Over the past few years, China has organized a series of Armenian and Chinese Kids Represent Armenia intercultural communication events in many educational institutions. Members of ChinaHAY actively participate in these events, proudly representing Armenia with its rich culture and unique heritage. Here are the details of some of those events:

Summer Gala Concert Armenian Music at Shanghai Conservatory of Music

On 19, ChinaHAY member Astghik Poghosyan, a Master’s degree program student at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, together with her classmates, participated in the SCM Summer Gala Concert and performed Armenian Music. The group dedicated their performance to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian On June 1, in Nanjing at the New Oriental Genocide. , Chinese and Armenian children represented Armenia within the framework of the Intercultural Communication Program on International Children’s Day. Satine and Nane, two four- and five-year-old girls from Armenia, together with their Chinese friends, presented Armenian dances, music, culture and cuisine. In total, more than 60 children took part in the traditional Armenian dances. Attendees admired the dances, got information about Armenia’s rich culture and had a go at writing some Armenian characters. It was a good opportunity to introduce Armenia to Chinese people.

“I am honored that Shanghai Conservatory of Music gave me the opportunity together with my friends from different countries to perform my traditional music and dedicate the performance to this important year for all Armenians in the whole world. I am happy that I can use music to spread the important facts of our history to people that might have never heard about it,” said Astghik. 13 Representing Armenia in China

ChinaHAY in Photos

Gayane Gyulnazaryan and Armine Arzumanyan represent Armenia and Artsakh.

Left: Araksya Nersisyan shares traditional Armenian dishes. Center and right: Astghik Zakharyan and her friends present Armenian dances, traditional clothes and culture.

Arpine Deroyan and Armen Deroyan represent Armenian traditional clothes “Taraz”

www.chinahay.com

Jack and Julie Maxian, Hong Kong Armenian Centre, 11/F, Block A, Tonic Industrial Centre, 26 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon 14

Editor: Anahit Parzyan