The Award Ceremony for the 21st "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for University Students and the 15th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students in Mauritius was successfully held on August 9th 2022 at Paul Octave Wiehe Auditorium of the University of Mauritius. His Excellency Mr. Zhu Liying, the Chinese Ambassador in Mauritius, and Associate Professor Dr. Mohammad Issack Santally, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Resources) of the University of Mauritius attended the ceremony and delivered speeches. Nearly 60 people attended the event, including Mrs. Zhang Xinhong, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Mauritius, and Mrs. Honghong Wong Ko Nang, Acting Senior Inspector of Oriental Languages (Modern Chinese), Ministry of Education of Mauritius, as well as judges, contestants and their families.
Speech by H.E. Ambassador Zhu Liying and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mohammad Issack Santally
H.E. Ambassador Zhu Liying pointed out that the year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mauritius. The "Chinese Bridge" competition is a bridge for deepening the friendship between China and Mauritius and promoting mutual learning of Chinese and Mauritian culture.
Dr. Mohammad Issack Santally, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius, highlighted the great achievements of the Confucius Institute at the University of Mauritius since its establishment, and hopes that the Confucius Institute will open up a new path for further promotion of cultural exchanges and academic cooperation between the two countries.
Laurie Hiu Thian Yuen, Secondary School Contestant at the Competition shares her experience
Laurie Hiu Thian Yuen, the representative of the "Chinese Bridge" contestants, shared her journey in the competition. She said that Chinese language is key to understanding the broad and profound Chinese culture, and at the same time, it can open up a wider and more beautiful world to all.
Xinjiang Dance Show and Chinese Martial Arts Talent Show with Taichi Fans
The Chinese Proficiency Competition lasted for more than two months, attracting the active participation of many young Mauritian students. During both the preliminary round held on April 24th, and the final round held on June 19th, 1 first prize, 2 second prizes and 3 third prizes were awarded in each of the University and Secondary School category. At the award ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Zhu Liying, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Mr. Mohammad Issack Santally and other guests presented certificates and prizes to the winners. The first prize winners of the finals were Julia Sookram, in the university category and Laurie Hiu Thian Yuen, in the Secondary School category. The two first prize winners will represent Mauritius in the "Chinese Bridge" International Finals. Julia Sookram, being not available, would be replaced by second prize winner, Jayde Wong Fung Cheong. The 2022 "Chinese Bridge" competition in Mauritius provides a stage for Mauritian University and Secondary School students to demonstrate their Chinese proficiency and talent, arouse their interest and enthusiasm in learning Chinese, further strengthen their understanding of Chinese language and culture, and promote cultural exchanges between China and Mauritius.
Group photo of Contestants and Award Presenters