Elisabeth Van Nieuwamerongen poses with her certificate after winning Malta preliminary round of the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition at the University of Malta in Msida, Malta, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)
VALLETTA, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Elisabeth Van Nieuwamerongen, a sophomore, triumphed in the Confucius Institute competition at the University of Malta, earning a spot in the global competition in China, with her Chinese speech on cultural integration.
In a display of linguistic prowess and cultural appreciation, students from the Confucius Institute participated in the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition on Friday, featuring speeches and a talent show.
Expressing her excitement to Xinhua, Van Nieuwamerongen said: "I am looking forward to meeting people from other countries in China. It will be a great opportunity to communicate and become friends." She also voiced her hope to further improve her Chinese language skills, and pursue a career with a Chinese company in the future.
As the winner, Van Nieuwamerongen will travel to China to compete on a global stage, representing the University of Malta. The runner-up, Hristiyana Buchakova, will also travel to China to watch the international competition.
The competition at the University of Malta provided a platform for participants to share their personal journeys of learning Chinese, delve into cultural integration, and celebrate Chinese cuisine.
Dennis Mizzi, the foreign director of the Confucius Institute, expressed pride in his students' interest in China and Chinese culture. "I hope they have the opportunity to go to China and continue studying Chinese," he said.
Maltese sinologist Salvatore Giuffre applauded the competitors' performances, and expressed hope that the students will experience Chinese culture firsthand, and that some may become sinologists.
Nie Aixia, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, highlighted that the "Chinese Bridge" competition not only showcases students' achievements in learning Chinese, but also enhances cultural understanding and exchanges between China and Malta.
Peng Yijun, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Malta, said that he hoped the "Chinese Bridge" could serve as a bridge for exchanges, understanding and friendship. He encouraged students learning Chinese to act as young ambassadors, promoting mutual learning between civilizations and fostering lasting friendship. ■