Zhang Shuting, deputy secretary and president of the Party Committee of China Monopoly University (first from the left), Lan Feng, standing member of the Harbin City Committee and head of the propaganda department (first from the right), and Rahmantala Mohammed Osman, permanent representative of the African Union Permanent Representative to China, are presenting the gold award. [사진:CMG]
On the 23rd, the 2nd ‘Global Young Bilingual Announcer Competition’ awards ceremony was held at the University of China in Beijing, China.
This competition, under the theme of ‘My China Story’, focused on having participants express their perspectives bilingually in various fields such as food, tourism, sports, and economy, demonstrating the possibility of international communication and cultural exchange.
A total of 524 people from 26 countries and regions around the world applied to participate in the competition, which was held from May 11 to September 30, 2024. Among them, there were 184 foreign and overseas Chinese participants, and the participants consisted of students belonging to various educational institutions, from elementary schools to universities. A total of 25 languages were used in the entries, including Korean, English, Chinese, Spanish, and French.
After several stages of screening, 96 finalists were selected as winners. 21 Best Event Awards and 32 Excellence Awards, including 3 Gold Awards, 6 Silver Awards, and 9 Bronze Awards, were on the podium. Among the overseas participants, 7 people received the Best Style Award and 18 people received the Best Potential Award. In addition, excellent organization awards were awarded to 15 organizations that successfully prepared for the competition.
This event was hosted by China Monopoly University and organized by the Institute of Foreign Languages and Cultures, and the awards ceremony was attended by about 1,500 people, including young bloggers and participants from major universities such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, Shenzhen University, Central Academy of Drama, and Beijing Fashion Academy.
The awards ceremony was attended by officials from China Monopoly University, including Zhang Shuting, vice-president and vice-president of the Party Committee of Monopoly University of China, and Vice President Yang Yi. In addition, Lan Feng, Director of the Propaganda Department of the Harbin City Committee, Rahmantala Mohamed Osman, Permanent Representative of the African Union Representative Office, Li Xinyu, Deputy Director of the State Affairs Think Tank, En Chengsheng, former Director of the International Cooperation Department of the China Photovoltaic Administration, and Alfred Brimaso, Embassy of Burundi. 1st Counselor, People from all walks of life, including Dai Weiwei, general sales director of Qimen Black Tea Group’s North China region, and Lee Jeong-yeon, director of the Beijing office of the Korea Foundation, attended and encouraged the winners.
In addition, Chinese organizations such as the Central Propaganda Department’s External Publicity Department, the Propaganda Department of the Beijing Municipal Committee, and the Beijing Foreign Affairs Office, Germany’s Hanyuan Chinese School, Australia’s Mars Performing Arts Troupe, Afghanistan’s Confucius Institute at Kabul University, and Yaounde II University’s Confucius Institute in Cameroon. Representatives from overseas educational and cultural institutions, including academies, attended the event.
In addition, major Chinese media outlets such as the Central Television Administration of China, Xinhua News Agency, China Daily, and China Youth News, as well as local media outlets such as Beijing Broadcasting Station, Henan Broadcasting Station, and Zhejiang Broadcasting Station, also participated.
ⓒThe Economist (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of ‘The Economist’s economic news for tomorrow’ is prohibited.
**Beyond language proficiency, how did the competition contribute to fostering intercultural understanding and empathy among the participants?**
**Expert Interview: The Significance of the ‘Global Young Bilingual Announcer Competition’**
*Interviewer: [Senior Editor Name], Senior Editor at World-Today-News.com*
*Guest: Zhang Shuting, Deputy Secretary and President of the Party Committee of China Monopoly University*
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**[Senior Editor Name]:** Thank you for joining us today, President Zhang. The ‘Global Young Bilingual Announcer Competition’ recently held in Beijing has garnered much attention. Can you share the motivation behind initiating this competition?
**Zhang Shuting:** Thank you for having me. The competition was launched to promote cultural exchange and international communication. In today’s globalized world, proficiency in multiple languages is crucial. We aimed to create a platform where young talents can showcase their bilingual abilities, share their stories about China, and connect with peers from different backgrounds.
**[Senior Editor Name]:** It’s impressive that 524 participants from 26 countries applied. What does this level of international interest indicate about the current trend in global youth engagement?
**Zhang Shuting:** The diverse participation reflects a growing curiosity and engagement among youth worldwide, particularly regarding China’s culture and heritage. Young people today are more interconnected than ever through technology and social media, allowing them to explore different cultures. This competition gave them a chance to express their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture while honing their communication skills.
**[Senior Editor Name]:** The theme ’My China Story’ is quite compelling. Can you elaborate on what participants had to convey through their entries?
**Zhang Shuting:** Absolutely. Participants were encouraged to share their personal experiences or interpretations of Chinese culture across various fields—be it food, tourism, sports, or the economy. By doing so, they not only presented their individual stories but also contributed to a larger narrative of China’s place in the world. We hoped this would foster a deeper mutual understanding.
**[Senior Editor Name]:** With such a wide array of languages being used, how did the competition address the challenge of multilingualism?
**Zhang Shuting:** The competition embraced multilingualism rather than shying away from it. By allowing entries in 25 different languages, we ensured inclusivity and celebrated linguistic diversity. This approach also mirrored real-world communications, where multiple languages intersect. Participants could express themselves in their preferred languages, enhancing their comfort and creativity.
**[Senior Editor Name]:** The awards ceremony had a significant turnout, with about 1,500 attendees. What do you believe this says about the community’s interest in fostering young talent?
**Zhang Shuting:** The large attendance is a strong indication of community support for youth engagement and talent recognition. It shows that educational institutions, organizations, and individuals value and encourage young voices. It is not just about celebrating winners; it’s about creating a supportive environment that nurtures creativity and global citizenship.
**[Senior Editor Name]:** Lastly, what do you envision for the future of this competition and its impact on international relations, particularly with the African Union and other regions represented?
**Zhang Shuting:** I envision this competition growing even more in the coming years, possibly expanding to include more regions and participants. Engaging with international entities like the African Union signifies our commitment to global partnerships and collaboration. By encouraging youth dialog and understanding through this competition, we hope to cultivate future leaders who can navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
**[Senior Editor Name]:** Thank you, President Zhang. Your insights into this important event shed light on the significance of dialog and cultural exchange in today’s society.
**Zhang Shuting:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important initiative. I look forward to seeing continued engagement from young talents around the world.
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*This interview provides an informed perspective on the competition’s purpose and impact, emphasizing the need for global dialog and cultural exchange in an increasingly interconnected world.*
