Articles by Helen Chang

The Upcoming Forum on “Terror Attack, Security & Human Rights”

After the terror attack on November 2, 2020 in Vienna, on top of the pandemic lockdown, the topic of security vs freedom cannot escape the public attention any more in Austria. In this context, SINOPRESS, together with Urban Forum, is initiating a forum intending to recall the very terror attack and to bring up the security issues of urban public spaces. The forum is also aiming to discuss such issues as the coordination of international legal instruments to prevent terrorist acts, the political challenges of cyber security, the social integration vs the religious freedom, the COVID-19 lockdown vs personal freedom,…


Special Edition: Art Songs and Classic Music Online Events 2021

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationships between Austria and China, the Association of Euro-Chinese Educational Events and Golden July Music Festival Vienna have worked together to promote a series of performances as special online concerts starting March, 2021.  Following is the program of the concert on March 6., which took place in Franz Schubert Conservatory Concert Hall. More will follow up. The organizers are in the process of setting up a regular online platform to enable the audience to enjoy the unique performances in the long run.                                                                                  Program (20210306): Frühlingsglaube Text: Ludwig Uhland Music: Franz Schubert…


Happy New Year of the Ox

  Dear Readers, Happy New Year of the Ox! Enjoy the blessing Ox painted by the Chinese artist living in Austria, Ms ZHAO Yusheng! This year, the Chinese New Year, the so-called Spring Festival, began on February 12 , 2021 and will last until February 26, 2021 with the traditional Lantern Festival. After 2020, the Year of the Rat which was infested with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the whole world is looking forward to the better blessed year ahead. According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Ox is more of a lucky year for men and women born in the Year of the Ox, of the Snake, of the…


Message on the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ Message on the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust on 27. January 2021 Today we honour the memory of the six million Jews and millions of others who were systematically murdered in the Holocaust by the Nazis and their collaborators. This year’s anniversary takes place under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has revealed longstanding fractures and injustices in our societies and contributed to a resurgence in antisemitism and xenophobia. The Holocaust was the culmination of two millennia of discrimination, attacks, expulsions and periodic mass killings of Jews. It…


Hongai Institute, a Success Story of COVID-19 Treatment with TCM Methods

Since the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 crisis has generated immense medical, social and economic problems worldwide. The situation in Austria is no exception. Facing challenges, the Austrian government has henceforth ordered two hard lockdowns in order to bring the infection under control. Throughout this devastating period, an alternative treatment team based in Vienna is gaining more and more attention, campaigning all the way along with TCM methods for the COVID patients. Hongai Institute for traditional Chinese medicine and integrative preventive medicine, led by Dr. (TCM) LI Hongying, MPH, has been dedicating successfully to the COVID patients who are not hospitalized…


HIGHLIGHTS OF PASCO’S ONLINE-HELD ANNUAL MEETING THIS YEAR

On November 29, 2020, PASCO (Promotion Association for Scientific and Technical Cooperation between Austria and China) held its annual meeting per Zoom platform, abiding by the corresponding policies by the Austrian government due to the Covid-19 situation. Around 60 participants including the invited guests attended the online activity, enjoying the rich program highlighted by the expert lectures, this year unmistakeably on the topic of COVID-19. PASCO is a talent hub based in Vienna, Graz and Leoben in Austria, striving for bridging scientific and technical projects of mutual interest between Europe and China. It is well connected with other associations for…


Beethoven Forever —- “An die ferne Geliebte”

This year of 2020 was to commemorate Beethoven’s 250 birthday. The Vienna music world prepared numerous related music events/feasts without realizing them due to the rampant continuation of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet two young men took a brave move to pay homage to the master despite of the glooming atmosphere around the famous Musikverein mansion. The evening of October 10th saw the highlight of an energetic and dedicating concert entitled “An die ferne Geliebte” (To the distant beloved, Op. 98). Amid the touching applause of the audience, Mr. Byron YUE and Mr. Di YANG bowed and smiled broadly, knowing that…


A Lesson Vienna Should Learn after the Terrorist Attack

On November 2, 2020, Vienna was hit by a terrorist attack. 4 people were killed and 23 injured, of which more than 10 in critical situation. As a top livable city, Vienna enjoys a worldwide reputation for safety, tranquility, elegance, tolerance and good public infrastructure. The attack in this peaceful city is not only shocking, but also beyond belief.   The attack took place the night before the curfew ordered by the Austrian government due to the worsening situation of Covid-19. Many citizens came to the city center to enjoy the last-hour freedom in a “carnival” like mood. The area…


BACOPA’s Video Presentation of Prof. Wolfgang Kubin

A series of recent short videos presented by the Austrian Book Publisher BACOPA offer the viewers great moments of the well-known German scholar as well as Chinese expert, Professor Wolfgang Kubin reading literary passages of his friends as well as his own works. Professor Kubin has always adopted a philosophical perspective to study Chinese literature and intellectual mentality, which draws curiosity and oddity in his own homeland. The interview with the publisher, Mr. Walter Fehlinger, opens the heart of the Professor as half an Austria, too. Enjoy!


UN Secretary-General’s Message on 75th Anniversary of UN Charter

Today we face a global pandemic.   Worldwide, people rightly raise their voices against racism.   Confronting problems is a start. But we also have to solve them.   We have a timeless guide to tackle our shared challenges and fix the world’s fragilities.   That guide is the United Nations Charter.   The Charter was signed 75 years ago – and its principles ring just as true today.   Faith in fundamental human rights.   The equal rights of men and women.   The dignity and worth of every person.   International law and the peaceful settlement of disputes….