Passing Down the Craft: Bringing Malaysian Spinning Top Culture into Schools

The Japanese anime series "Beyblade" once swept through Taiwan and the Chinese-speaking communities in Asia. The iconic scenes of the main characters launching their tops with precision, shouting their names and special moves, were undeniably cool. This immense popularity may be linked to the fact that spinning tops have long existed in Chinese culture. As the need to preserve traditional culture grows stronger, Gan Hui Qiong, a new immigrant from Malaysia, took on this responsibility. Her proposal, titled "Little Hands Holding Big Hands, Spinning Beautiful Memories", received funding from the National Immigration Agency's "Dream Building Project". She also partnered with Qingxi Junior High School to promote Malaysian culture and spinning top craftsmanship.

Cross-Cultural Learning: Blending Cultural Heritage into Education

During the summer vacation, Gan Hui Qiong and her son returned to Malaysia to learn spinning top craftsmanship from local master Rimy Azizi Abdul Karim, exploring the history and cultural significance of spinning tops. They were also invited to collaborate with Peng Shun-Wang from Qianyi Tops to introduce students to the rich culture of spinning tops.

Gan Hui Qiong explained that spinning top culture is widespread throughout Malaysia, with each state having its own unique top designs that vary in shape, size, and weight. Some tops even require two people to operate, with one notable example weighing 8 kilograms. In Selangor, Malaysia, competitive spinning top games are also popular.

Together with Peng Shun-Wang, Gan Hui Qiong guided students in creatively painting their tops, teaching them practical spinning techniques, and hosting competitions. The activity received enthusiastic responses from the students.She and her son also took advantage of the summer vacation to return to Malaysia, where they learned how to make spinning tops from local master Rimy Azizi Abdul Karim, exploring the history and cultural significance of the traditional toy. (Image/Source: Global News Network for New Immigrants)

Cultural Classroom: Opening the Colorful World of Malaysia

Beyond spinning tops, Gan Hui Qiong also promoted Malaysian cultural exchanges by vividly introducing the country's geography, climate, and resources. She explained that Malaysia's tropical climate, with its year-round heat, allows for abundant natural resources such as petroleum, palm oil, rubber, and tin mining, along with a rich variety of tropical fruits.

She further introduced Malaysian cuisine, beverages, and famous landmarks. Notably, she highlighted the difference between Lei Cha in Taiwan and Malaysia — in Taiwan, Lei Cha is typically a sweet dessert drink, while in Malaysia, it is a savory soup served with rice.

Picture Books as a Medium: Reviving Old Traditions in New Ways

Gan Hui Qiong previously participated in the "New Immigrant and Foreign Worker Native Language Picture Book Writing and Empowerment Award Program", where her book titled "I Am a Spinning Top" received honorable mention. The book illustrates the evolution, design, and gameplay of spinning tops, while also introducing the craftsmanship behind the toy.

Through this picture book, Gan Hui Qiong aims to preserve and pass down this traditional craft. Additionally, she was invited by the National Immigration Agency to share her experience as a past winner, offering insights on writing project proposals to new immigrant participants preparing for the "Dream Building Project".

Her dedication to preserving the traditional art of spinning tops and promoting Malaysian culture has made her an inspiring role model for new immigrants.Her dedication to traditional spinning top culture and her Malaysian heritage serves as an inspiring example for new immigrants. (Image/Source: Global News Network for New Immigrants)

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