Hebe Ren

Hebe Ren

Delegates

Bachelor of International Relations

2nd year

What is your cultural/ethic heritage and what do you love about it? How has it shaped you?

I am 50% Uyghur. I am very obsessed with Uyghur literature, fashion, and music.

I didn’t actually get to spend much time in Xinjiang because of my parent’s work. I left when I was only 5. I can speak some Uyghur but am not fluent. Even though I went back almost every summer alone before covid, I still sometimes struggle to identify myself. I’m neither patriotic enough to be Chinese, nor exotic enough to be Uyghur. I sometimes struggle to define who I really am.

But to me, identity is all about how you see yourself in this world and where you feel your heart truly belongs. Well, I always see myself as a citizen without nationality and I’m still not sure what my heart wants even today. I want to see, travel, and explore the entire world before I finally settle in a place that I might eventually call 'home'.

What language/s can you speak? Or what language/s would you love to learn?

I speak Mandarin, English, Cantonese, Uyghur and some Spanish. I am currently learning (struggling with) Persian. I've been a huge fan of Persian poems and that's probably the reason why I chose to learn this language. 

What made you interested in Asia and the Pacific regions? Where would you ideally travel?

My Uyghur heritage has always intrigued me to explore more in Central Asia. I find Central Asian cultures extremely fascinating. I have been to Kazakhstan once when I was a little kid and I always want to go on a train trip from Xinjiang then all the way to Central Asia.

What issue in Asia or the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

The unique Regional Security Complex that the 5 Central Asian countries contain and how that is affected by shifting world power dynamics. Central Asia has very important geopolitical value and it is very interesting to study this region's culture and politics.

Do you have any favourite books/movies from Asia or the Pacific regions? Why would you recommend it?

I am in love with Persian poetry. I am very charmed by the beautiful their choices of words are and how they make your soul tremble. My favourite poets are Rumi (everyone loves him), Saadi, and Rudaki.

I am also a huge fan of Japanese literature. I love him you can experience a very different culture and observe how that culture shapes people living in that society by just reading their literature. My top writers are Keigo Higashino Natsume Sōseki, and Haruki Murakami.

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Updated:  11 May, 2022/Responsible Officer:  Dean, ANU College of Asia & the Pacific/Page Contact:  CAP Web Team