Chinese Studies Research Group Seminar 21August 2009

Chinese Studies Research Group Lunch Seminar

Date: Friday, 21 August 2009

Location: Tutorial / Committee Room, Ground floor, Baillieu Library.

RSVP to Bick-har Yeung bhy@unimelb.edu.au by 17 August 2009 for catering purposes.

Program

10:45 - 11:00

Registration and morning tea

11:00 - 11:10

Welcome (Ji Ma, President, Chinese Studies Research Group)

11:15 - 11:55

Topic: Electronic waste and informal recycling chain in China.

Speaker: Xinwen Chi, Ph.D Candidate, Department of Resource Management and Geography, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, the University of Melbourne.

Summary:

Electronic waste (E-waste) becomes another global environmental challenge in the 21st century. Over the past decade China has witnessed a booming increase of private investment in e-waste recycling and wide construction of modern refining facilities; however illegal imports and polluting ‘backyard’ e-waste practices also grew up and became predominant in Guiyu, Guangdong and Taizhou, Zhejiang. Nowadays many formal recyclers encountered supply shortage problem as informal collectors often win e-waste by offering higher purchase price. Seen the overwhelming individual practices of selling e-waste to bicycle collectors and second-hand shops, and difficulties of survival and growth of formal recyclers, it is worthwhile to look into this industry from the informal perspective.

This study intends to develop a view of how e-waste flows in the informal recycling chain in one area, disclose the links, overlaps and interactions between formal and informal recycling forces, and discuss the role and value of informal sector in the industry. By exploring the benefit and risk share among various stakeholders, it will analyze economic, environmental and social factors influencing e-waste movement at different stages, and point out the institutional weakness and conflicts caused by ignorance of certain factors. After comparing the mechanisms of formal and informal recycling, it then goes further to debate the correlation and proposes possible cooperation between these two sectors.

12:00 - 12:40

Topic: The relocation of Yongle Gong (永乐宫的搬迁）

Speaker: Dr. Hui-chuan Wang, Ph.D, AB & P, the University of Melbourne.

Summary:

Yongle gong is a Daoist temple built in the 13th century (Yuan dynasty) in Shanxi province (山西), China. Dedicated to the founding fathers of the Quanzhen sect (全真教), the significance of the temple is shown both in its architectural design and mural paintings.

Yongle gong was almost forgotten following the decline of the sect after the 14th century and was rediscovered in the late 1950’s. The entire temple was, however, soon relocated due to the construction of a reservoir in a section of the Yellow river.

This seminar is based on a video recorded during the process of the relocation program of Yongle gong and has just published recently. Various issues will be looked at regarding the methods used for this relocation program.

12:45 - 1:10

Topic: Chinese Studies Research Group Meeting

Chair: Ji Ma, President, Chinese Studies Research Group.

Agenda:

1. Report from the President
2. New member election ( one member vacany to be filled)
3. Vote for CSRG reaffliated with SGR
4. CSRG seminar planning 2010

1:15 - 2: 00 Lunch

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