The 11th Chinese Bridge Competition for University Students (ACT, NT, SA & WA)
Date: Saturday, 14th April 2012
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Venue: Kurrajong Lecture Theatre, UWA Claremont Campus
Hosted by the Confucius Institute at The University of Western Australia
The Confucius Institute at the University of Western Australia (UWA) once again hosted the annual Chinese Bridge Competition for University students (Australian Finals) on Saturday, 14 April 2012.10 contestants from Western Australia, South Australia and Australian Capital Territory participated in the competition. The Confucius Institute was honoured to have the presence of Mr Li Zhongshang, Counsellor Minister (Education Section) of the Chinese Embassy in Canberra, Deputy Chinese Consul General in WA, Ms Zhang Hong; and from the University of Western Australia Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Louden, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Krishna Sen, and Professor Ian Saunders, Director of Confucius Institute. Ms Zhang Hong was also one of the judges for the competition.
At the opening ceremony, Minister Li Zhongshang pointed out that China is Australia's largest source of international students and Chinese students accounted for nearly one-third of the total number of international students in Australia. In addition the number of Australian people learning Chinese is growing. With the increasingly close relations between China and Australia, the demand of learning Chinese learning is growing and mutual understanding between the two peoples are more pressing. Chinese Bridge Competition builds bridges between people of China and Australia; it promotes mutual understanding and learning. Professor Bill Louden extended his welcome to all the contestants and guests during the opening ceremony and wished the competition a great success.
10 contestants from Australian National University, University of Adelaide, UWA and Curtin University were required to complete 3 categories of the competition: a written test, a public speech and a Chinese cultural performance of their own choosing. Contestants displayed a wide variety of talents in their Chinese cultural performances from dancing, singing, recital Chinese poetry to Chinese Kungfu. These contestants have shown the judges their level of Chinese through talented performances and their passion for Chinese was also applauded by the audience.
After two hours of exciting performances, this year winner was awarded to Miss Georgina Mary Haines from University of Adelaide, whose public speech and beautiful singing performances were remarkable. Mr Kyle Aaron Sibson from Curtin University came second where he delivered his personal story fluently and gave passionate poetry readings. Miss Maddison Norris also from University of Adelaide won the third prize through her solid cultural knowledge. The first two Australian Finalists will travel to China for the Grand Finals and the third finalist will go to China for the Observer Competition.
Professor Ian Saunders, Director of the Confucius Institute acknowledged the support received from the Office of the Chinese Language Council International (Beijing) or Hanban and maintained that on the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, organising the Chinese Bridge competition brings a special meaning. He also mentioned that Confucius Institute is a Sino-Australian bridge of exchange. The Chinese Bridge Competition further promotes the Chinese language teaching in Western Australia and stimulates the passion of all Australian students in learning the language. All the staff at the Confucius Institute are proud to be able to host this competition successfully once again.
This competition is organised by the Office of the Chinese Language Council International (Beijing) or Hanban and hosted by Confucius Institute at UWA and has received a strong support and generous sponsorship by Australia China Business Council (WA), CNOOC NSW Private Limited and Australia Asia Business Weekly.
Results of the 11th Chinese Bridge Competition for University Students
First Prize: Miss Georgina Mary Haines (University of Adelaide)
Second Prize: Mr. Kyle Aaron Sibson (Curtin University)
Third Prize: Miss Maddison Norris (University of Adelaide)
Click here for the report in Australia Asia Business Weekly; it was also reported on XinHua website.
