Latest news with #unity
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Harvard Chinese grad speech draws praise and ire
A Chinese Harvard graduate's speech calling for unity in a divided world, delivered days after the US vowed to "aggressively" revoke Chinese students' visas, has sparked mixed reactions in the US and her home country. "We don't rise by proving each other wrong. We rise by refusing to let one another go," Jiang Yurong said on Thursday, the same day a US federal judge blocked the Trump administration's ban on foreign students at Harvard. Her speech went viral on the Chinese internet, with some saying it moved them to tears. However, others said her elite background is not representative of Chinese students. In the US, some have flagged her alleged links with the Chinese Communist Party. In their efforts to restrict Harvard from enrolling foreign students, US authorities had accused the institution of "co-ordinating with the Chinese Communist Party". Ms Jiang, who studied international development, was the first Chinese woman to speak at a Harvard graduation ceremony. In her address, Ms Jiang emphasised the value of Harvard's international classrooms, noting how that taught her and her classmates to "dance through each other's traditions" and "carry the weight of each other's worlds". "If we still believe in a shared future, let us not forget: those we label as enemies - they, too, are human. In seeing their humanity, we find our own," said Ms Jiang, who spent her final two years of school at Cardiff Sixth Form College in Wales before going to Duke University in the US for her undergraduate degree. A conservative X account, with the handle @amuse, criticised Harvard for choosing a graduation speaker who is "a representative of a CCP-funded and monitored non-government organisation", alleging that her father works for a non-government organisation that "serves as a quasi-diplomatic agent for the [party]". The account, which has 639,000 followers, has previously posted pro-Donald Trump content, such as the US leader fighting Darth Vader and sexualised imagery of former Vice-President Kamala Harris. Some Chinese social media users, on the other hand, allege that the organisation Ms Jiang's father works for is backed by prominent American companies and foundations. The BBC has not independently verified these allegations. "This is why she could get a scholarship to go to the UK for high school, and later also to Harvard," wrote a user on China's X-like platform, Weibo. Others called for her to stay on in the US, with comments that reeked with sarcasm. "Such talent should be left to the United States," one wrote. "I hope she will continue to glow abroad and stay away from us!" read another. But Ms Jiang's vision of a "shared humanity" also struck a chord. "That she is able to stand on an international stage and speak the heart of Chinese students has moved me to tears," wrote a user on Red Note, another Chinese social media platform. Another user defended Jiang by hitting back at those who criticised her: "You may not have changed them, but they've heard you... As more and more people speak out like you, you will eventually move and change others." There are around 6,800 international students at Harvard, who make up more than 27% of its enrolments in the past academic year. About a third of these foreign students are from China, and more than 700 are Indian. Students or spies? The young Chinese caught in Trump's crosshairs 'We did not sign up for this': Harvard's foreign students are stuck and scared
BBC News
8 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Harvard Chinese student's graduate speech draws praise and ire
A Chinese Harvard graduate's speech calling for unity in a divided world, delivered days after the US vowed to "aggressively" revoke Chinese students' visas, has sparked mixed reactions in the US and her home country."We don't rise by proving each other wrong. We rise by refusing to let one another go," Jiang Yurong said on Thursday, the same day a US federal judge blocked the Trump administration's ban on foreign students at Harvard. Her speech went viral on the Chinese internet, with some saying it moved them to tears. However, others said her elite background is not representative of Chinese the US, some have flagged her alleged links with the Chinese Communist Party. In their efforts to restrict Harvard from enrolling foreign students, US authorities had accused the institution of "co-ordinating with the Chinese Communist Party". Ms Jiang, who studied international development, was the first Chinese woman to speak at a Harvard graduation her address, Ms Jiang emphasised the value of Harvard's international classrooms, noting how that taught her and her classmates to "dance through each other's traditions" and "carry the weight of each other's worlds". "If we still believe in a shared future, let us not forget: those we label as enemies - they, too, are human. In seeing their humanity, we find our own," said Ms Jiang, who spent her final two years of school at Cardiff Sixth Form College in Wales before going to Duke University in the US for her undergraduate degree. A conservative X account, with the handle @amuse, criticised Harvard for choosing a graduation speaker who is "a representative of a CCP-funded and monitored non-government organisation", alleging that her father works for a non-government organisation that "serves as a quasi-diplomatic agent for the [party]". The account, which has 639,000 followers, has previously posted pro-Donald Trump content, such as the US leader fighting Darth Vader and sexualised imagery of former Vice-President Kamala Chinese social media users, on the other hand, allege that the organisation Ms Jiang's father works for is backed by prominent American companies and BBC has not independently verified these allegations. "This is why she could get a scholarship to go to the UK for high school, and later also to Harvard," wrote a user on China's X-like platform, Weibo. Others called for her to stay on in the US, with comments that reeked with sarcasm. "Such talent should be left to the United States," one wrote. "I hope she will continue to glow abroad and stay away from us!" read Ms Jiang's vision of a "shared humanity" also struck a chord."That she is able to stand on an international stage and speak the heart of Chinese students has moved me to tears," wrote a user on Red Note, another Chinese social media user defended Jiang by hitting back at those who criticised her: "You may not have changed them, but they've heard you... As more and more people speak out like you, you will eventually move and change others."There are around 6,800 international students at Harvard, who make up more than 27% of its enrolments in the past academic year. About a third of these foreign students are from China, and more than 700 are Indian.
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Agong warns leaders against politicising sensitive issues, says united rakyat is the greatest gift for him
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has reminded leaders against politicising sensitive issues, which could fuel discord within society and threaten the nation's stability. His Majesty stated that the existence of more political parties or factions within parties would lead to a widened rift among the people, resulting in escalating enmity among them. 'Use your wisdom before making any decisions. There is no greater gift to me than a united rakyat. 'I have mentioned before that there is a virus that will strike our nation. Now, this virus has begun to spread and cannot be cured. I often speak of this so that we do not easily forget,' His Majesty said. Sultan Ibrahim was speaking during the Royal Address at the Investiture Ceremony for the year 2025 in conjunction with the King's official birthday celebration at Istana Negara. Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia, was also in attendance. Present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Cabinet Ministers. His Majesty also called on all Malaysians to keep fostering unity as a gift to him. Sultan Ibrahim also announced a Royal Tour across the Federal Territories to witness firsthand the lives of the people and distribute tithes to the poor and eight categories of asnaf beneficiaries. — Bernama
Associated Press
a day ago
- General
- Associated Press
Statement by Minister Guilbeault on Filipino Heritage Month
The Government of Canada issues a statement to mark Filipino Heritage Month OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks the start of Filipino Heritage Month. This is an opportunity to highlight the achievements and experiences of the third largest Asian community in the country. The Filipino community in Canada is one of the fastest-growing populations, now representing nearly one million people. This community has played a vital role in helping build a stronger and more vibrant Canada. Tragically, this year's celebrations are overshadowed by the horrific attack at Vancouver's Lapu-Lapu Festival on April 26, which claimed the lives of 11 people and left many others injured. This senseless act of violence has deeply affected not only the Filipino community, but all Canadians. As we share in your sorrow and loss, we also stand in solidarity and hope. May this month continue to be a symbol of unity, resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Filipino Canadians have made lasting contributions to this country's vibrant history and continue to shape its future. Members of the community have made their mark in diverse fields including health care, entrepreneurship, the arts, sport, science, finance, social justice and politics. They are integral to our country and have played a key role in building the unified, inclusive society that, today, makes us so proud to be Canadian. Throughout June, I encourage everyone to learn more about the rich traditions and history of the Filipino-Canadian community. And to those celebrating Philippine independence on June 12, I wish you a joyful 127th anniversary. Magkakasama tayo – we are in this together! SOURCE Canadian Heritage
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Statement by Minister Guilbeault on Filipino Heritage Month
The Government of Canada issues a statement to mark Filipino Heritage Month OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks the start of Filipino Heritage Month. This is an opportunity to highlight the achievements and experiences of the third largest Asian community in the country. The Filipino community in Canada is one of the fastest-growing populations, now representing nearly one million people. This community has played a vital role in helping build a stronger and more vibrant Canada. Tragically, this year's celebrations are overshadowed by the horrific attack at Vancouver's Lapu-Lapu Festival on April 26, which claimed the lives of 11 people and left many others injured. This senseless act of violence has deeply affected not only the Filipino community, but all Canadians. As we share in your sorrow and loss, we also stand in solidarity and hope. May this month continue to be a symbol of unity, resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Filipino Canadians have made lasting contributions to this country's vibrant history and continue to shape its future. Members of the community have made their mark in diverse fields including health care, entrepreneurship, the arts, sport, science, finance, social justice and politics. They are integral to our country and have played a key role in building the unified, inclusive society that, today, makes us so proud to be Canadian. Throughout June, I encourage everyone to learn more about the rich traditions and history of the Filipino-Canadian community. And to those celebrating Philippine independence on June 12, I wish you a joyful 127th anniversary. Magkakasama tayo – we are in this together! SOURCE Canadian Heritage View original content:
