Power of Symbols in Chinese Tradition and Culture

This was the title for our latest design lecture at PAMSC given by Prof. Teh Kem Jin from NUS. The two-hour long lecture was presented in a interesting and informal manner; discussing the power of symbols in Chinese Tradition and Culture and its relevance to modern society in general and to design in particular.

This was overhead at the after-talk lunch:-

Si Yong: ..(upon hearing that Stephen's new baby is a boy) your first child is a girl?

Stephen: Yes.

Si Yong: that's good. Get it? (writing a Chinese Character with his fork on the paper plate with curry gravy) - first the girl then the boy is the Chinese character for 'good'

Stephen: Oh! (a banana* learns something new as an aftermath to a fruitful lecture) - that means I can close shop.

 女+子

 *banana - local slang for a person of Asian who is more assimilated into Western culture than Asian -  white inside while yellow outside. 

Some would argue that the word is represents woman with a child but I think credit should be given to Si Yong for his interpretation to suit the situation. We think that the other 50 participants are similarly informed and inspired.