A Dutch student competes in the secondary school division final of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in the Netherlands in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 11, 2025. The 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in the Netherlands has chosen the country's champion for the global finals scheduled in Beijing later this year. (Photo by Sun Jingjing/Xinhua)
ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in the Netherlands has chosen the country's champion for the global finals scheduled in Beijing later this year.
During the regional final held on Sunday in Rotterdam, eight contestants from six Dutch universities showcased their command of the Chinese language and deep engagement with Chinese culture through speeches, talent performances, and quiz responses.
Brady Santiago Jeronimus from Radboud University emerged as the champion and will go on to represent the Netherlands for the Beijing finals later this year.
Jessica Paardekooper, head of the China program at the Dutch Organization for the Internationalization of Education (Nuffic) and a member of the jury panel, emphasized the significance of the event. "Language is a bridge of communication and a bond between hearts," she said, adding: "'Chinese Bridge' is more than just a competition. It's a journey of cultural exploration."
Wang Xinxin, Dutch director of the Confucius Institute at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, highlighted the growing interest in Chinese language learning in the Netherlands. She praised the regional finalists as "truly commendable," noting that they were elected from about 12,000 Chinese learners across the Netherlands.
Wang also encouraged students to use Chinese as a tool for expression and connection. "As you learn the language, you also discover your own resonance with Chinese culture, deepen your understanding of your native language and culture, and enjoy the process of learning and expressing," she said.
This year's event also marked the return of the high school division final, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven students from Dutch secondary schools took part in the contest, with the top three - champion, runner-up, and third place - honored for their outstanding performances. ■
Brady Santiago Jeronimus, a student from Radboud University, participates in the final of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in the Netherlands in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 11, 2025. The 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in the Netherlands has chosen the country's champion for the global finals scheduled in Beijing later this year. (Photo by Sun Jingjing/Xinhua)
The finalists and guests pose for a group photo at the end of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in the Netherlands in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 11, 2025. The 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in the Netherlands has chosen the country's champion for the global finals scheduled in Beijing later this year. (Photo by Sun Jingjing/Xinhua)