Latest news with #ChineseProficiencyCompetition
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Botswana hosts Chinese proficiency contest for primary school students
GABORONE, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The final of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for primary school students in Botswana was held Friday in the capital, Gaborone. Organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana (CIUB) and hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, the event showcased local people's growing interest in learning the Chinese language and culture and highlighted the deepening cultural and educational ties between the two countries. The competition featured three segments, namely a written test, a speech, and a talent show. Ten students from five local primary schools demonstrated their skills in poetry, singing, dancing, martial arts, and traditional Chinese paper-cutting. Eleven-year-old Nomsa Kelepile, who began learning Chinese at the CIUB in March this year, emerged as this year's champion. Delighted by her achievement, she said she looks forward to representing Botswana in the global finals to be held in China. "Children are the future, and language is the bridge (that) connects people," said Cui Yin, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Botswana. "Botswana's bright young minds will brighten the future of Botswana and bridge our two countries and peoples." As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and Botswana, Cui said that such educational exchanges will continue to deepen bilateral cooperation. Pansy Mphinyane, a representative from the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, emphasized the broader impact of cultural exchange, noting that learning Chinese at a young age lays a foundation for lasting friendship and mutual understanding among children from both countries.
The Star
4 days 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
4 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
30-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Zambia hosts national final of Chinese language proficiency competition
LUSAKA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia on Friday hosted the final round of the Chinese language proficiency competition. The event featured 10 students competing in the final of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in Zambia, and nine students in the 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students in Zambia. Participants demonstrated their proficiency in the Chinese language and showcased their knowledge of Chinese culture through poetry recitations and performances of Chinese pop songs. Speaking at the opening of the event, Wang Sheng, minister counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, said the Chinese Bridge competition serves not only as a platform for language and cultural expression, but also as a bridge connecting China with the rest of the world. He encouraged the students to use the competition as a springboard for continuous personal development and cultural exchange. "I hope that through the Chinese Bridge competition, more and more Zambian youth will develop a passion for the Chinese language, master it, and gain a deeper appreciation of China from a multidimensional and comprehensive perspective," he said. Wang further said China and Zambia are all-weather friends and that cooperation in all sectors, including people-to-people exchanges, has grown, guided by the principles of mutual respect, equality, and common development. He urged young people to embrace the development opportunities brought about by the friendship between the two countries through learning the Chinese language. Felix Masiye, acting vice-chancellor of the University of Zambia, praised the Chinese language for being a vital bridge that connects nations and cultures, facilitates access to technology and business, and fosters people-to-people relationships. Masiye commended the Confucius Institute for its role in promoting the learning of Chinese in Zambia and for training local teachers. He said such efforts would significantly contribute to the widespread teaching and adoption of the language across the country. Mubanga Museba, a student at Kasama Girls Secondary School in northern Zambia, emerged victorious in the secondary school category. She expressed her joy over the victory, noting that the outcome was unexpected given the high level of competition among the contestants. Museba said she began learning Chinese out of love and passion for the language, as well as a desire for self-development.
The Star
17-05-2025
- General
- The Star
20-year-old university student emerges champion of "Chinese Bridge" contest in Tanzania
DAR ES SALAAM, May 17 (Xinhua) -- A 20-year-old Tanzanian female university student emerged as the champion of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students held on Friday at the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam. Kuluthum Athman Maftah, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at the University of Dar es Salaam, triumphed over 11 other university students in a hotly contested competition sponsored by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, with support from the China Communications Construction Company Tanzania Branch. "I am very happy to be the champion of this competition," said Maftah. "I encourage my fellow students to learn Chinese so that they can become champions too." Maftah, who will travel to China later for the finals of the global competition, said she looks forward to learning more about Chinese culture and making friends with Chinese people. Zhang Xiaozhen, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, said the competition, jointly organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam and the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, attracted 12 students, among whom five from the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam and its centers, five from the Confucius Institute at the University of Dodoma and two from the Confucius Classroom at the State University of Zanzibar. Zhang said this competition aimed to provide a platform for participants from different regions to demonstrate their Chinese language skills, build a network among learners and encourage greater effort in learning the Chinese language and culture.
