PETALING JAYA: Enthusiasts of Chinese literature will be in for a treat next week as prominent scholars from 12 countries will meet to discuss a variety of topics surrounding the masterpiece Hong Lou Meng (Dream of the Red Chamber).

Over 30 scholars including those from Japan, South Korea, Canada, Germany, Slovak Republic, Australia, China, Hong Kong and Malaysia will gather to share views, knowledge and expertise on one of the four Chinese great classical novels at the Sixth International Conference on Hong Lou Meng on July 26 and 27 at Grand Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Hong Lou Meng, originally called Shi Tou Ji (meaning the record of the rock), was composed during the Qing Dynasty by Cao Xueqin.

The novel depicts a love story between Jia Baoyu, the main protagonist, and his cousin Lin Daiyu, along with the ups and downs of four leading aristocratic families.

Conference organising committee adviser Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy said the participants would gain better understanding of Hong Lou Meng and its relevance to various areas including human nature, philosophy, history and translation.

"This is a golden opportunity for Hong Lou Meng enthusiasts as this is the first time the conference is being held in Malaysia since it was first started in the United States 28 years ago," he said.

He said 300 participants were expected to attend the conference, adding that most of the seats had been taken up.

Chan, who is Universiti Malaya Chinese Studies Graduates Association (Pejati) president, was speaking at a press conference after receiving RM200,000 from Kurnia Asia Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Kua Sian Kooi. Kurnia Insurans (M) Bhd is the main sponsor for the conference.

Kua said the conference would help to cultivate young scholars' interest in Chinese literature and culture heritage.

The conference is jointly organised by Pejati, Universiti Malaya's Chinese Studies Department and The Society of A Dream of Red Mansions China.

Tickets for the conference are priced at RM150 for Malaysians, RM80 for students and USD60 for international participants. For details, contact 03-7967 5658.