Latest news with #ChineseBridge
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Feature: A young Iraqi's journey to top of Chinese proficiency competition
ERBIL, Iraq, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Mohammed Sarkawt Azeez, a freshman at Iraq's Salahaddin University, has claimed first prize in the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for foreign university students in Iraq. Azeez, who goes by the Chinese name Mu Ming, celebrated the win by sharing a photo of his award certificate on WeChat, writing: "I got first place!" His message quickly drew congratulations from friends and classmates. The competition, held on Monday under the theme "One World, One Family," featured three segments: a talent performance, a themed speech, and a Q&A session. Contestants demonstrated a wide range of skills, from Sichuan Opera face-changing and Tai Chi to traditional calligraphy and ink painting. Mu's emotive rendition of the Chinese song "Jin Sheng Yuan" (The Affinities of This Life) drew particular praise from judges and audience members alike. When his name was announced as the winner, Mu stood momentarily in stunned silence before breaking into a wide smile. "I never imagined I could achieve something like this in just seven months," he said, eyes shining with excitement. Mu, a native speaker of Arabic and Kurdish, also speaks English and Turkish. Yet he says learning Chinese has been a completely different experience. "Chinese culture is deep, elegant, and rich in history," he said. "Learning the language has opened my mind. I stay up late practicing pronunciation, memorising characters, and studying Chinese culture." His decision to major in Chinese was driven by a belief that it would "open the door to the world." His parents, he added, have supported him from the start. "They know how passionate I am, and they believe this path will create future opportunities." Now set to represent Iraq at the global finals in China later this year, Mu is preparing for a larger stage. "I know it will be a bigger challenge, but I'm ready," he said. "I want to use this opportunity to grow, to share our culture, and to connect with others." Beyond language learning, Mu's ambitions are broader. He hopes to establish a business platform linking Iraq and China, aiming to introduce more Chinese products to Iraq while promoting Iraqi goods and culture in China. "It's more than just business," he said. "It's a bridge - a bridge of understanding and friendship between our people."
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
South African students shine at the 24th Chinese Bridge proficiency competition
The 24th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, South African Regional Finals concluded successfully. Image: Supplied The 24th 'Chinese Bridge' Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, South African Regional Finals concluded successfully. Held in an atmosphere of celebration and cultural exchange, the event brought together 15 outstanding contestants from seven universities across South Africa, who showcased their linguistic talent and deep appreciation for Chinese culture. Deputy Consul General Tang Changan of the Chinese Consulate General in Cape Town and Mr. Wang Tianbao, Longyuan South Africa Renewables (Pty) Ltd, attended the competition in person to cheer on and encourage the contestants. The competition was proudly and exclusively sponsored by Longyuan South Africa Renewables (Pty) Ltd. After a series of compelling performances and rigorous competition, Thakane Masia from Rhodes University claimed First Prize. Her powerful performance, titled 'My Love-Hate Relationship with Chinese', creatively combined various artistic elements with a narrative that traced her personal journey of learning Chinese. Her dynamic stage presence and expressive storytelling earned her top honours. Thakane will represent South Africa in the global finals of the 'Chinese Bridge' competition in China, where she will compete alongside international participants. Neville Boon from the University of Cape Town was awarded Second Prize and has been invited to travel to China to observe the global finals. His self-written and directed Chinese-language rap performance, 'Appreciation', stood out for its originality, fast-paced rhythm, and modern style, earning enthusiastic praise from both judges and audience members. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The 24th 'Chinese Bridge' Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, South African Regional Finals concluded successfully. Image: Supplied Third Prize went to two students from Stellenbosch University: Ashiquah Norodien and Taaraa Lakay. Ashiquah impressed the audience with her graceful singing, while Taaraa delivered an engaging and informative presentation on Chinese tea culture, which was met with rounds of applause and admiration. The competition featured a variety of segments, including prepared speeches, talent showcases, and a newly introduced online Chinese knowledge quiz. These multifaceted challenges allowed participants to demonstrate not only their language proficiency but also their cultural insight and artistic creativity. The 'Chinese Bridge' competition continues to serve as a vibrant platform for cross-cultural dialogue and friendship. Its success in South Africa highlights the enthusiasm of young people to connect with Chinese language and culture, further strengthening educational exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations.
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Feature: For Saudi youth, learning Chinese is a crucial path to cultural understanding
RIYADH, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Under the bright sunlight of Jeddah, red Chinese knots swayed in the breeze, national flags fluttered, and the melodic notes of the guzheng filled the auditorium at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). The air rang with cheerful greetings -- "Nihao!" and "I love China!" -- as Saudi students welcomed visitors in Mandarin. On May 27, the Saudi finals of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for foreign college and secondary school students began in this coastal city, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of China-Saudi diplomatic ties and the ongoing China-Saudi Cultural Year. For the first time, the event featured a dedicated middle school division, drawing 15 university and 15 secondary school participants from across the kingdom. "Learning Chinese is a journey of growth, with both sweet and bitter moments," said Meshari Almutairi, a student from the KAU. "Chinese characters looked like paintings when I first started. But I kept going. I believe this 'key' will one day open the door to truly understanding China." Among the most inspiring performances came from Ahmed Alarishi, a visually impaired university student. "I love the Tang and Han dynasties. I learn by listening to documentaries and talking with Chinese friends," he said. Using auditory tools and Pinyin, Ahmed taught himself Mandarin. "It's not that difficult. You just need time and dedication." Alarishi's recital was followed by a performance of Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese fitness routine, which brought the audience to its feet. "Understanding a culture brings you closer to the soul," he said. "Chinese is my window to the world." "Ahmed is one of our most dedicated students. His love for learning drives him to overcome every challenge," said his instructor Zhang Wenyi. The student spent two months preparing for the event, and he aspires to pursue his master's and doctoral studies in China, aiming for a future in academia. The growing interest in Mandarin reflects a wider trend. Since 2023, over 100 Saudi middle schools have introduced Chinese courses. Wang Junbao, a Chinese teacher in Riyadh with teaching experience across Africa, South Asia and Latin America, said Saudi students are increasingly fluent not just in Mandarin, but in expressing their hopes through it. "They're drawn to Chinese culture," he said. "Their curiosity is sincere." Zhang Xinying, director of the Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University, echoed the sentiment. "In the eyes of many Saudis, Chinese is not just a language -- it's a life skill," she said. "As China-Saudi cooperation deepens, Mandarin is becoming a strategic tool for the next generation." For students like Saba Anwar from Al-Brayan Model School in Jeddah, the motivation is clear. "I hope to work for a Chinese company someday," she said. "I see more Chinese firms building roads, ports and factories here. Learning Chinese will help me find a good job." Quoting a well-known Arab proverb, Wang Qimin, Chinese Consul General in Jeddah, said, "'Seek knowledge, even as far as China,' -- Saudi youth are now living that wisdom, using Chinese as a bridge to build lasting ties."
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
"Chinese Bridge" competitions held for primary, secondary school students in Nepal
KATHMANDU, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The final rounds of "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competitions for primary- and secondary-school students in Nepal were held on Friday in Lalitpur, a city in the Kathmandu Valley. Ten finalists competing in the fifth "Chinese Bridge" Chinese show for foreign primary school students shared in speeches their rich experiences and thoughts about learning the Chinese language. They demonstrated their Chinese cultural talents through songs, dances, paper-cutting, calligraphy and Wushu rhythmic exercises. Another ten finalists competed on the same stage but in the 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for foreign secondary school students. While most speeches were themed on "Fly High With Chinese," one touched upon Oracle bone inscriptions, or Jiaguwen, an ancient Chinese language named for its inscriptions on tortoise shells and animal bones, while the other displayed a clapper talk show. In addition to talent shows featuring songs, dances, kung fu, sword-dance, paper-cutting, Chinese tongue twister and playing of bamboo flute, the secondary-school contestants had an extra contest over their knowledge of Chinese culture. Ashlesha Adhikari and Aarogya Niraula outcompeted the others in the competitions and shall travel to China for the global finals for primary- and secondary-school students, respectively.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Chinese proficiency competition held in South Africa
CAPE TOWN, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The South Africa finals of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students took place on Friday in Cape Town, the country's legislative capital, where participants showcased remarkable language abilities and cultural talents. Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and organized by the "Chinese Bridge" Club in Cape Town, the event was co-sponsored by Confucius Institutes across the country. This year's competition, themed "One World, One Family," consisted of three segments: a quiz on China-related knowledge, a Chinese language proficiency contest, and a showcase of Chinese cultural talents. Fifteen university students won rounds of applause and cheers from the audience. Thakane Masia, a second-year student from Rhodes University, emerged as the winner. Masia, whose Chinese name is Ma Kaini, will represent South Africa in the global finals to be held in China. Masia said the competition was intense and that all contestants performed well. She expressed her pride in winning first place and noted the value of Chinese as one of the official languages of the United Nations. Masia believed her Chinese language skills will be an asset in her future career. "With my politics degree, I also know Chinese. I can communicate with a lot of different people. It can also help if I have business or political engagement with China in the future," she said. In a video message, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng highlighted the role of language cooperation as a key part of people-to-people exchanges. "As an important component of people-to-people exchanges, language cooperation between China and South Africa empowers mutual understanding between our peoples and contributes to the enduring friendship between our two nations," he noted. Wu expressed hope for the contestants to find inspiration in the beauty of the Chinese language, form lasting friendships, and become active ambassadors for China-South Africa friendship and cooperation. Tang Chang'an, deputy consul general of the Chinese Consulate-General in Cape Town, attended the event, saying that language is not just about grammar or vocabulary -- it is about understanding, connection, and respect. "Through your effort and your interest in language and culture, you are helping build a stronger, more connected world," he added, encouraging the contestants to continuously bridge diverse cultures through the power of language, friendship, and shared dreams. Wu Changhong, chairperson of the "Chinese Bridge" Club in Cape Town, described the competition as a celebration of language and culture. She praised the participants for demonstrating excellent language proficiency and a deep appreciation of Chinese culture. "The event not only enhanced students' language abilities but also fostered cross-cultural understanding and built bridges between people," she said.
