Liu Qiwen (Malaysia)

Ph.D. Candidate in Design Studies

First Prize Winner, 2025 "Donghua University Outstanding International Student" Scholarship

My academic path has spanned from the tropical warmth of Malaysia to the dappled shade of Shanghai's plane trees along the Huangpu River. It was at Donghua University that this journey across mountains and seas found its crucial point of convergence and deepened focus.

I was drawn to Donghua not only by Shanghai's open and inclusive spirit as a global metropolis but, more fundamentally, by the university's profound heritage in design innovation. This legacy resonated deeply with my own scholarly aspirations, forming the very bridge that connects my cultural upbringing in Southeast Asia with my desire to explore traditional Chinese culture.

On campus, the precise hum of intelligent equipment in the labs harmonizes with the quiet concentration of the libraries. This dynamic forms the backdrop of my daily academic life. It is within this educational environment—a deep fusion of tradition and modernity—that I can fully immerse myself in research exploring the intersection of cultural heritage and innovative design, embarking on an academic journey that is both rigorous and inspiring.

01 Core Mission: Reimagining Tradition in Contemporary Design

My research focuses on revitalizing traditional crafts in multicultural contexts, a direction inspired by Malaysia’s diverse heritage and my academic interest in Chinese craftsmanship. Guided by my supervisor, I employ digital methods in cultural heritage, applying them to projects ranging from Malaysian Batik and Nyonya motifs to Chinese embroidery and paper-cutting. This work has led me to a key principle: true preservation lies not in replicating traditions, but in creatively reinterpreting their core spirit for contemporary life—a conviction that continually strengthens my research.

Donghua’s international environment has expanded my research outlook. Engaging with global peers on topics from craft globalization to digital heritage, and sharing cultural practices daily, has solidified my view of design as a vital medium for cross-cultural communication.

My multilingual skills allow me to serve as a cultural bridge in collaborations, ensuring accurate cultural adaptation. This experience underscores that effective cultural translation in design conveys core meaning, not just superficial motifs.

02 Navigating Challenges: Growth Through Academic Rigor

My research path involved overcoming key bottlenecks: digitally capturing cultural craft details, building theory to link tradition and modernity, and merging design with technology. I addressed these through focused analysis, consulting literature and mentors, and collaborating with peers. This process revealed that academic growth, like mastering a craft, demands both precision and perseverance.

03 Unwavering Commitment: Carrying the Torch of Heritage

Looking back at my time at Donghua, I am grateful for the cutting-edge facilities of its national research platforms, my supervisor’s guidance in cultivating rigorous scholarship, and the global exchange of ideas that broadened my perspective. The late nights in the library, early mornings adjusting parameters in the lab, and moments of sharing insights at international conferences have collectively shaped my identity as a cross-cultural researcher and clarified my academic mission.

Looking ahead, I will continue to focus on innovating with cultural heritage, building bridges between craft and contemporary life, and between cultures across the globe. I believe every piece of cultural memory deserves a modern voice, and every tradition holds wisdom for today. In a globalized world, using design to sustain diverse craft heritage and foster cultural dialogue is my core purpose—and my greatest responsibility as a researcher.

Source: Donghua University