This year marks 130^th birthday of Mr. Ma Yifu, master of Chinese studies and writer of Zhejiang University anthem. On 23^rd April, 2013, a commemoration conference of 130^th birthday anniversary of Mr. Ma Yifu and symposium of Chinese studies was held with the joint efforts from Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Research Institute of Culture and History, Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies of Peking University as well as International Ma Yifu Humanistic Research Center of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University Archives, Department of Art of Zhejiang University. Meanwhile, an exhibition on Ma Yifu’s calligraphic works and “Ma Yifu and Chinese Studies”, an Oriental Forum keynote speech were held. With these activities, students would review and remember with gratitude the precious ideological, spiritual and cultural legacy of Ma Yifu towards Zhejiang University and the world.

More than 100 scholars from over 20 universities, e.g. Peking University, Tsinghua University, Beijing Normal University, Hunan University, Sichuan University, Suzhou University and Nanhua University, Taiwan as well as over 10 research institutes, e.g. Central Research Institute of Culture and History, Chinese Institute of Literature and Philosophy of “Research Institute of Chinese Studies”, Taiwan were present at the conference and exchanged their views on the ideologies and creations of Ma Yifu in Chinese studies, poetic studies and calligraphy, centering three themes—“Chinese Studies and the Contemporary”, “Classics, History and Buddhism” and “Literature and Art”. In particular, Professor Du Weiming, director of Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies of Peking University and director of International Ma Yifu Humanistic Research Center of Zhejiang University sang high praises for the profound and extensive academic studies as well as the reclusive and noble character of Mr. Ma Yifu; meanwhile, he placed his expectation on the International Ma Yifu Humanistic Research Center of Zhejiang University to shoulder the mission of humanistic studies, thus cultivating “intellectuals” with humanistic concerns and leaders with great responsibility for a truly civilized society.

The ceremony for the first release of A Complete Collection of Ma Yifu’s Works and A Collection of Ma Yifu’s Calligraphy published by Zhejiang Ancient Books Publishing House was also held. The books were presented to International Ma Yifu Humanistic Research Center of Zhejiang University by Zhejiang Research Institute of Culture and History. At the same time, International Ma Yifu Humanistic Research Center of Zhejiang University was formally established.

Mrs. Ding Jinghan, daughter of Ma Yifu’s nephew and donator of Ma Yifu’s calligraphic works as well as some relatives of Mr. Ma Yifu were also present.