“Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition Press Conference
On Wednesday 15th April, 2015, the Chinese Embassy to Trinidad and Tobago, the Confucius Institute at UWI, the Chinese Association of Trinidad and Tobago, the China Society of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Chamber of Commerce, held a joint press conference at the headquarters of the Chinese Association of Trinidad and Tobago in St. Ann’s, Port of Spain, for the preliminary competition of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition 2015.
Headquarters of the Chinese Association of Trinidad and Tobago in St. Ann’s, Port of Spain
This annual competition, co-hosted by CCTV’s Overseas Programme Centre and Hanban, a public institution affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education, which is also a main sponsor, and organised by the Chinese Bridge Organising Committee, comprises three events: the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign High School Students, and the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Students in China.
Ms. Lan Heping, counsellor of the Chinese Embassy addresses the gathering
According to Ms. Lan Heping, counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, these competitions, which are broadcast on Chinese public television, have attracted thousands of participants from all over the globe since the start of the competition in 2002 and aims to bridge the cultural gap between China and the rest of the world through the learning of Chinese language and culture.
Director at the Confucius Institute at UWI, Dr. Beverly-Anne Carter explains the benefits of the Chinese Proficiency Competition
Director at the Confucius Institute at UWI, Dr. Beverly-Anne Carter also expressed similar sentiments about the strengthening of cultural ties between Trinidad and China stating that this competition would add to the work being done in this regard by the Confucius Institute.
Professor Jane Hu Youzhen, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute provides the details of the competition
Professor Jane Hu Youzhen, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute provided further details of the competition. She explained that the Trinidad and Tobago preliminary round of the 14th Chinese Bridge Chinese Competition for Foreign College Students will be held on May 16th 2015 between 6-8 p.m. at the Centre for Language Learning Auditorium at UWI St. Augustine campus. Contestants must be fifteen years and over, of Caribbean citizenship, and whose native language is not Mandarin Chinese.
Mr. Li Xuda, first secretary from the Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy serves as master of ceremonies
The competition, which is being held in Trinidad for the first time, will test proficiency of the Chinese language, knowledge of China and its culture and the comprehensive learning abilities of the participants. The competition’s theme this year is “My Chinese Dream” and is split into three rounds: a prepared speech on a given topic, performance of a Chinese-related cultural talent and a question and answer segment. Registration for this competition will take place between April 15th and May 1st and free tutoring for contestants will be provided by the Confucius Institute between May 4th and May 15th 2015.
Prizes for the preliminary round of the competition include attendance of the grand finals in China for the first place winner, the second place winner will accompany the first place winner as an observer and the third place winner will receive one year of free classes at the Confucius Institute. Outside of the top three places, other participants will receive special souvenirs.
Employees of the Chinese Embassy to Trinidad and Tobago
For further information about the competition, one can contact the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, second floor, Centre for Language Learning Building at 1-868-662-2002, extension 83213 or http://ciuwi.tt.chinesecio.com/en.
“Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition Press Conference in pictures:
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