On December 7th, the finals and award ceremony of the 2023 Shaanxi Province Foreign Language Speech Competition for Chinese-Foreign Cooperative Education Students were held grandly at Chang’an University. A total of 59 students from 35 Sino-Foreign cooperative education institutions and programs from 26 universities in the province participated in the preliminary and final rounds. After intense competition in the themed speech and impromptu speech rounds, Wang Chenyu and Ding Zishan, both undergraduate students from QMES in 2022, stood out among many participants and won the first and second prizes in the competition, respectively. Huang Yike, an undergraduate student from 2023, received an Excellence Award.

The theme of this competition was “Telling the Chinese Story, Showcasing Youthful Charm,” aiming to inspire young students’ love for the Party and the country, highlight the outstanding qualities of Chinese-Foreign cooperative education students, and guide them to tell the Chinese story with responsibility and commitment, spread the voice of China, and become young people of the new era with a sense of national pride, international perspective, as well as global competence.

In line with the theme of the competition, Wang Chenyu focused on the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping. He expressed that China, together with countries around the world, is committed to promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind, contributing Chinese strength and wisdom to global prosperity and stability. This fully demonstrates China’s broad-mindedness and responsibility as a responsible major country.

Ding Zishan, approached the topic from the perspective of “Chinese-style modernization.” She highlighted China’s remarkable achievements in technological innovation, economic development, sports competition, and cultural heritage, conveying the pride of the youth in the new era of China’s prosperity and development, as well as their confidence in the future rise of the country.

After the event, two students shared their thoughts on their participation.

Wang Chenyu expressed, “This competition has been an unforgettable experience for me. During the preparation process, I delved into Chinese diplomatic thoughts, striving to showcase China’s wisdom as a major country on the international stage through my speech. Participating in this competition has made me deeply realize the importance of the younger generation voicing for Chinese culture and the national image on the international stage, deepening my understanding of the responsibilities and commitments of the younger generation. Lastly, I sincerely want to thank every teacher, classmate, and family member who supported me. It is your encouragement that enabled me to surpass myself and achieve excellent results in the competition!”

Ding Zishan stated, “I feel honored to have participated in the finals of the Shaanxi Province Foreign Language Speech Competition for Chinese-Foreign Cooperative Education Students. Through deep contemplation of the great achievements of ‘Chinese-style Modernization’ in my speech, it has further strengthened my confidence in the rise of our motherland. Moreover, this competition has been a wonderful experience for me. Here, I not only improved my public speaking skills and English proficiency but also made connections with many outstanding participants. Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to all the teachers and classmates who supported me. I will continue to strive and contribute my youthful energy to the prosperity of our country.”

It is reported that the competition invited leaders such as Wang Haibo, a member of the Education Commission of Shaanxi Province and Deputy Director of the Education Department; Wen Tong, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Education Department; and Shang Changchun, Secretary-General of the Chinese-Foreign Cooperative Education Branch of the Shaanxi Higher Education Society. Additionally, officials responsible for the participating students' schools and relevant units were also present.

During his speech, Deputy Director Wang Haibo of the Education Department expressed that this competition is a concrete practice for the students to learn and implement Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. It is also a full embodiment of the effectiveness of talent cultivation in Sino-Foreign cooperative education in Shaanxi Province. He hoped that the students would be guided by their ideals, stay true to their original aspirations, cultivate their character, and contribute to the construction of their motherland. He encouraged them to use their youthful responsibility and commitment to tell even more wonderful stories about China.

The outstanding achievements of our students in this competition are the result of their long-term efforts. It also reflects QMES's active commitment to broadening students’ international perspectives, enhancing their English language proficiency, and cultivating their global competence. In the future, the school will continue to optimize the construction of an international talent development system and devote itself to nurturing well-rounded young people who excel in morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics, and labor skills in this era.

Text: Ma Xiaoxuan

Photo: Ma Xiaoxuan, Competition Organizing Committee

Translator: Zhou Yaru

Review: Cheng Yin