About Us
Dathong Academy is dedicated to promoting and advancing traditional Chinese culture by providing a platform for learning, exchange, and practice. We aim to reach the general public and seekers of wisdom by offering courses at various levels, nurturing individuals of virtue and culture
What is "Da Thong"?
The ancient concept of "Da Thong" - When the Great Way is practiced, the world belongs to the public.
The original concept of "Da Thong" began in the "Great Harmony" chapter of the *Book of Rites* (commonly referred to as the *Liyun Da Tong* chapter).
Over 2,500 years ago, during the Spring and Autumn period, Confucian sage Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC) explained to his disciples: If a society can practice the "Great Way," it will be able to elect leaders who are both virtuous and capable, who value trust, seek harmony, and naturally establish an ideal world where everyone helps and loves each other, without the pursuit of personal wealth, and contributes selflessly to the public. In such a society, there will be no conspiracies, deceit, theft, or wars, thus creating a "Da Thong World." The original text is as follows:
"When the Great Way is practiced, the world belongs to the public. The virtuous and capable are chosen, trust is upheld, and harmony is pursued. Thus, people do not only care for their own parents, nor solely for their own children, but ensure that the elderly are taken care of in their later years, the strong are employed in their prime, and the young are nurtured as they grow. Orphans, the lonely, the disabled, and the sick all receive support; men have their roles, women have their place. Wealth is not hoarded for oneself but is shared for the good of all. Strength is not used for personal gain but for the benefit of the community. As a result, schemes are closed off and do not arise, theft, rebellion, and unrest do not occur. Thus, doors are left open, and this is called the 'Da Thong' (Great Harmony)."
The contemporary concept of "Da Thong" - Beauty in harmony, and the world in unity.
At the beginning of the 21st century, Chinese sociologist Professor Fei Xiaotong (1910–2005) offered a more profound contemporary interpretation of the "Da Thong" concept: "Let each beauty shine in its own way, appreciating the beauty in others. Beauty in harmony, and the world in unity." This reflects the ancient wisdom of traditional China, advocating for the principle of coexistence among different civilizations around the world, and is regarded as a "Sixteen-character Maxim" for handling relations between different cultures.
"Let each beauty shine in its own way" means to protect the cultural characteristics of each country and ethnic group, without the need to dominate others from a high position; "Appreciating the beauty in others" means respecting the cultural values of other countries and ethnicities, with a gentleman being harmonious yet different, enabling others' beauty to flourish; "Beauty in harmony, and the world in unity" is about appreciating the diversity of world cultures, encouraging a hundred flowers to bloom and a hundred schools of thought to contend, while rejecting the idea of supremacy, forceful dominance, and tyranny. If this is achieved, it will naturally lead to the ideal flourishing age of "Da Thong," where all people within the four seas are brothers, and loving others as if they were family.
In short, by respecting the outstanding civilizations of all countries and ethnic groups, and through mutual admiration and exchange, the convergence of interests can naturally be expanded. By rejecting old mindsets of "you lose, I win" or "the winner takes all," and advocating for new concepts of win-win, multi-win, and shared prosperity, we can naturally establish an orderly civilization among all ethnicities and create a harmonious era of shared development and the "Da Thong" world.
The transcendent concept of "Da Thong" - Compassion, Benevolence, Unity, and Harmony
Professor Sun Baoxiang (1916–2000), a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of California, summarized his decades of experience of self-transformation and helping others, proposing the "Da Thong" spirit of "Compassion, Benevolence, Unity, and Harmony." He encouraged the exchange of diverse cultures and cooperation among different religions, aiming to pursue the "Da Thong" spirit of civilizational unity and racial harmony. In doing so, he pioneered the concept that "religious education creates miracles, resolving grievances and elevating all."
Professor Xu Yuantai (1967–), building on the "Da Thong" principles advocated by the aforementioned sages, encourages all those with affinity and good faith to "remember the source when drinking water," to be grateful and give back. He inspires people to "aspire to establish a true heart in the void" and "not seek comfort for oneself, but wish for all beings to be free from suffering." By integrating the essence of the *Diamond Sutra* and the profound teachings of the *Buddha’s Supreme Victory Dharani*, he practices the diamond-like meaning in the layperson's form. He invites all good-hearted people and venerates the holy sages from all paths, saying, "In the fire of unity, the hearts of all are one, and through the harmony of heaven and humanity, we chant the Dharani." He vows, "May all beings, from the countless beings in the endless rivers of samsara, enter into the Nirvana of no remainder, return to the source and be free from worry for eternity," which is called "Infinite ordinary beings and saints, an endless Da Thong."
What is "Academy"?
"Academy" are different from the "schools and academy" of new-style education. Modern universities train students to be proficient in the "art of making a living" such as Chinese, history, philosophy, and legal sciences, but they do not care about preserving the "conscience" and "benign" "way of conscience" of their students. As a result, they are "proficient" but "lacking." Since the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the People's Republic of China, China and Southeast Asian Chinese communities have resolutely said goodbye to traditional Chinese education and fully embraced the new style of Western education. Although they have successfully cultivated a group of "talents who do things", they may not understand "talents who are human beings." It is difficult to have both virtue and talent. It has been the case since ancient times, and even more so today. The "Academy" is a folk education organization in ancient China. It originated in the Tang Dynasty and flourished in the Song and Yuan Dynasties. It was mostly privately founded or hosted by famous contemporary scholars. It is a place for the exchange of ideas and culture, and it is also an academy for cultivating both moral and talent. It emphasizes Taoism and virtue, integrates "lectures, temple worship, and coursework (assessment)", and plays an important role in the history of ancient Chinese education. The "Yingtian Academy" in Shangqiu, Henan, the "Songyang Academy" in Songshan, the "Yuelu Academy" in Changsha, Hunan, and the "Bailudong Academy" in Lushan, Jiangxi are known as China's "Four major academies". Fan Zhongyan, a famous minister in the Northern Song Dynasty, was once the "dean" of Yingtian Academy, and Zhu Xi, a famous theorist in the Southern Song Dynasty, presided over and lectured at the "Bailudong Academy", which had a profound influence. "Da Thong Academy adopts the traditional name 'Academy' (書院) instead of the modern term 'College' (學院), reflecting its aspiration to uphold and carry forward the finest traditions of Chinese culture. To honor the past while inspiring the future." "Exchange multicultural ideas, cultivate virtuous talents with both moral and talent; nourish the righteousness of heaven and earth, and make the law perfect in ancient and modern times. 」
purpose Da Thong Academy
Regardless of race and religion
Da Thong Academy belongs to all Zhengxin disciples, Dathong co-cultivation, as well as future new disciples and great virtues from all walks of life, regardless of nationality, race, or religion.
Practical up-cultivation and down-cultivation
With the main themes of Yunshui participation in learning, enlightenment with fate, and purifying all life, the children of the academy are taught to respect the saints, praise the sages, follow the good law with joy, cultivate and cultivate, and cross him by themselves.
Promote compassion and gratitude
In line with the great principles of "great compassion for the missed, great sorrow for the same body" and "Hengshun all lives, follow the merits of joy", Da Thong Academy welcomes all brothers and sisters who are open to the truth equally, grateful for the good law, cherish each other, achieve each other, and improve together.
Promoting harmony and tolerance
In addition to promoting the culture of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, it also learns, respects, and tolerates other religions and cultures, and promotes all good laws in the world and in the world.
Compliance with countries and laws
Comply with local government laws and relevant institutional requirements for religious and cultural management.
Da Thong Academy
Vision
Low light legacy method
Participate in learning, educate, lead good faith, and work together to build a worry-free pure land of "the world is public, choose talents and abilities", "The beauty of beauty, beauty and commonality" and "compassion, benevolence, unity, and harmony".
Yuan Shao Tathagata
I ask the saints to be merciful and help me. The immeasurable Ganges sand counts wet eggs and foetuses, and I will enter endless nirvana and perish. With one heart, heaven and man are united：
I am willing to make a sincere foundation for the void, and I am willing to renew the name of wisdom for all souls.
I am willing to continue to learn for the truth, and I am willing to open peace for the righteousness of the law.
About Us
Our Team
Ding Hesheng Professor
「 To assist in development as the original intention, record history之美」
Professor Ding Hesheng is the former director of the Chinese Department of the National University of Singapore, the director of the Yunmao Chao Chinese Culture Research Center, the Yale-Singapore National University College and Guanyin Hall Buddha Temple Chair Professor, Raffles Chair Professor, and the Dean of Da Thong Academy.
Professor Ding's research areas include Chinese religious culture, Taoist culture, Trinity Leader culture, Southeast Asian Chinese immigrants and Chinese temple networks. Professor Ding is the author of a number of works on Taoism and Chinese folk beliefs and religious beliefs, including –
- "Taoist Rituals and Folk Beliefs in South and East China" (1993)
- "Trinity Leader: The Spread of Faith in South and East China" (1998)
- "Compilation of Religious Inscriptions in Fujian" (Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, Putian fascicles, co-authored with Professor Zheng Zhenman) The Secondary in South, East, and Southeast Asia
Professor Ding also directed a documentary about the ceremony and celebration of farmers in Putian, Fujian, China, "Boring in Heaven", which was well received.
Xu Yuantai Associate Professor
「 Use a different perspective, interpreting history之美」
Professor Xu Yuantai, doctoral supervisor, is the director of the Southeast Asian Chinese Literature Research Center, Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese at Xiamen University Malaysia, senior researcher at the National University of Singapore, Researcher at the Institute of Humanistic Buddhism at Fo Guang Shan, Taiwan, Deputy Director of the Academic Committee of the Singapore SFCCA, International Academic Consultant of Tsinghua Palace in Malacca, and Abbot and Vice President of Da Thong Academy. Professor Xu's research areas include Chinese religious culture, Confucian and Taoist thought, Chinese folk beliefs, the history of Chinese immigration in Xinma, the network of Chinese temples and museums in Xinma, and the history of education in Xinma Chinese School. Professor Xu is the author of –
- "A Brief Introduction to the Spread of Chinese Buddhism in Singapore" (co-authored with Master Nengdu et al., 2010)
- "History and Model: A Study on the Spread of Taoism and Buddhism in Singapore" (2013)
- "The Light of Buddha in the Lion City: A Century-old History of the Development of Buddhism in Singapore" (2020)
For more than ten years, Professor Xu has worked closely with Professor Ding Hesheng to conduct research on the history and religion of Chinese immigration in Singapore and Malaysia, and jointly published –
- "Compilation of Chinese Inscriptions in Singapore: 1819-1911" (Volume 2, 2017)
- "Compilation of Chinese Inscriptions in Singapore: 1912-2019" (Volume 2, Typesetting)
- "Compilation of Chinese Inscriptions in Singapore: United Temple" (Volume 2, Typesetting)
- "Tombstones of the Qing Dynasty in Singapore" (in print)
- Singapore Chinese Historical Geographic Information System (SHGIS) Website
- Singapore Chinese Communication Network (SBDB) Website
Since chairing the Southeast Asian Chinese Literature Research Center, Professor Xu has actively trained more than 50 young students from China, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries to participate in the study of Chinese history, Chinese New Villages, Chinese guilds, Chinese religions and other topics in Singapore and Malaysia, and trained them to jointly publish a number of outstanding journal papers internationally.Top academic journals, such as:
- "Research on the Chinese Clan Burial Grounds in Singapore: A Case Study of the Establishment and Maintenance Model of the Hengshan Pavilion in the Fujian Clan Burial Ground"
(Xu Yuantai, Ding Hesheng, Yan Yingwei, Xue Yiran, etc., Journal of Nanyang, 2019)
- "The Buddhist Cause: The Era and Life of Li Juncheng"
(Xu Yuantai, Tang Chang, Zhu Junkai, "Religious Studies" 2022)
- "Research on the United Temples of Singapore – Analyzing Unity from the Perspective of Individual Temples"
(Xu Yuantai, Wang Yidan, Ding Hesheng and others, "Religious Studies" 2022)
- "Connecting Overseas Chinese: Xue Wenzhong's Temple Network in Singapore and Malacca"
(Xu Yuantai, Zhu Junkai, "History" 2022)
- "The Development and Changes of Chinese Society in Singapore in the 19th and 20th centuries–an Analysis from the perspective of Dialect Group Tombs"
(Xu Yuantai, Liu Yilin, Zhu Junkai, et al., "History" 2022)
- "Historical Geographic Information System of Malaysia – A Case Study of Chinese Temples in Johor State"
(Xu Yuantai, Gui Weikai, Ding Hesheng, etc., "Religious Studies" 2023)
Li Angang Professor
Li Angang
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Honorary Dean
Career Experience
• Member of the International Confucian Federation
• President of the Chinese "Journey to the West" Cultural Promotion Association
Key Achievements
Dato Tan Boon Leng
Dato Tan Boon Leng
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Advisor
Current Position
Career Experience
Areas of Expertise
Lin Huili
Lin Huili
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Advisor
Career Experience
• Head of Electronics Division, Private Enterprise (1975 – 1985)
• Long-term Full-time Service in Charitable Organizations (1986 – 2025)
Consultant Profile
Formerly a head of the electronics department of a private enterprise, he decisively transitioned to philanthropy in the 1980s, serving a long time with Buddhist organizations in California and serving for many years as General Secretary of the American Buddhist Academy. I have been invited to serve as an advisor to Datong College. Drawing on my extensive experience, I will provide strategic advice on the college's cultural promotion, educational development, and community services, helping the organization refine its development planning and direction.
Over the years, I have accumulated cross-disciplinary experience. Maintaining a pragmatic and forward-looking perspective, I prioritize listening, communication, and coordination, and am adept at building consensus to advance progress. I am always passionate about public welfare and aspire to give back to society, growing through collaboration with all sectors.
Teh Keng Hwa
Teh Keng Hwa
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Advisor
Current Position
• Principal of Daowen Primary School(Present)
Career Experience
Er Ai Suan
Er Ai Suan
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Advisor
Career Experience
Ar. Lee Wee Meng
Ar. Lee Wee Meng
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Chairman
Current Position
• LEE M Architect(Present), Managing Director
Chairman Profile
A graduate of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Lee Wee Meng is a professional and experienced registered architect with over 40 years of experience in architectural design. He excels in project planning, architectural detailing, architectural design, and engineering coordination, managing both public and private projects with exceptional skill and expertise in commercial and residential buildings.
Under his dedicated leadership, Lee Wee Meng has successfully established reliable and trusting relationships with clients through his dedication and professionalism in every project. He collaborates closely with industry engineers and frequently engages in in-depth discussions with consulting engineers to ensure that design solutions are aesthetically pleasing, spatially efficient, and cost-effective, maximizing the value of the building's space.
In recent years, Lee Wee Meng has actively incorporated the concept of "green architecture" into his designs, committed to promoting sustainable development. He consistently upholds professional ethics, promotes environmental awareness, and dedicates himself to society and the environment.
Lee Siew Mei
Lee Siew Mei
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Vice Chairman
Current Position
• Fiffy Sdn Bhd(1993 – Present), Chairman
Job Description
With over 30 years of experience in business leadership, she currently serves as Chairman of Fiffy, a renowned Malaysian baby brand, overseeing overall operations, brand strategy, and market development. With a 53-year history, Fiffy specializes in the research, development, and sales of baby clothing and products. Currently, with over 700 stores and counters nationwide, Fiffy provides consumers with safe, comfortable, and high-quality baby products.
Key Achievements
Professional Skills
Fiona Leong
Fiona Leong
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Vice Chairman, Secretary
Current Position
Work Experience
Job Responsibilities
• Built a sales team for a German equipment distributor
• Developed and expanded the Malaysian market
• Monitored overseas procurement and transportation progress
2. UR Coffee Sdn Bhd(2019 – 2022), Planner Manager & Head of Production Department
Job Responsibilities
• Developed global production plans, coordinated factory capacity allocation, and ensured supply met market demands across regions
• Adjusted monthly/quarterly production schedules based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and raw material availability
• Monitored production line efficiency, analyzed bottlenecks, and proposed optimization measures (e.g., equipment scheduling, manpower allocation)
• Coordinated with sales, marketing, and logistics departments to translate customer orders into executable production directives
• Analyzed historical data (such as seasonal sales peaks) to optimize stock preparation for new product launches or promotional campaigns
Lee Sock Hong
Lee Sock Hong
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Treasurer, Committee Member
Career Experience
• LEE M Architect(present), Manager
Jackson Ng
Jackson Ng
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Secretary
Career Experience
• Cuppachoice International Pte Ltd(2000 - 2023), Operations Supervisor
Job Description
Job Description: With 23 years of experience in operations management in the food and beverage industry, I am fully responsible for daily operations, employee training, supply chain coordination, and quality control, ensuring products meet international certifications (GIC, HACCP) and customer requirements. Possessing strong on-site problem-solving skills and cross-departmental collaboration experience, I support the company's stable growth and market expansion.
Key Achievements
Professional Skills
Mong Mei Hwa
Mong Mei Hwa
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Accountant
Career Experience
Lee Ken Chern
Lee Ken Chern
Position at Da Thong Academy
• Committee Member
Current Position
• Ditrolic Energy (2024-Present), Investment and Project Finance Executive
Career Experience
Job Description
Lee Ken Chern has nearly seven years of experience in market research, business consulting, and investment. His expertise covers market research, market entry strategies, financial modeling, financial credit assessment, and bank financing. With this multidisciplinary background, he excels in assisting international companies entering the Malaysian market and investing in new energy.
