On May 28, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (USSH, VNU-HCM), in collaboration with the Consulate General of China in Ho Chi Minh City, hosted the 24th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students—the 7th edition of the HCMC Branch Cup of the Chinese Business Association in Vietnam. Themed “Discovering Chinese Culture through Language, Tourism, Education, Cuisine, and the Arts”, the event marked the 75th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations, reinforcing academic and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The ceremony welcomed Mr. Xu Zhou, Acting Consul General, Consulate General of China in HCMC; Mr. Zhang Lin, General Director of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited - HCMC Branch; Mr. Tang Shengli, Head of General Department, Chinese Business Association - HCMC Branch; Mr. Dương Quốc Tuấn, Head of International Relations Department, HCMC Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) and Mr. Trần Kháng Chiến, Vice President of Vietnam-China Friendship Association (VCFA).
Representing USSH were Dr. Phan Thanh Định, USSH Vice Rector; Dr. Trần Anh Tiến, Head of the Office of External Relations and Scientific Research; along with faculty leaders. The competition featured 28 student contestants from 15 universities, selected for their Chinese language proficiency and cultural engagement.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Phan Thanh Định highlighted the role of the competition in promoting mutual understanding and preparing students for global citizenship.
He encouraged contestants to view the competition as an opportunity for growth and exchange, and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring a fair and enriching competition.
Dr. Phan Thanh Định emphasizes the role of “Chinese Bridge” in enriching learning opportunities for students- Photo by: LÝ NGUYÊN
Mr. Xu Zhou, Acting Consul General of China in HCMC, expressed his pleasure in supporting the event and commended the event as a meaningful platform for academic and artistic expression, fostering bilateral friendship between Vietnam and China.
Mr. Xu Zhou highly appreciates the effort of USSH, VNU-HCM in organizing the event.- Photo by: LÝ NGUYÊN
The competition comprised three rounds - language and culture quiz, thematic presentations with Q&A, and talent showcases - all conducted in Chinese. The judging panel noted significant improvements in pronunciation and stage confidence among this year’s contestants.
Candidates demonstrate their Chinese proficiency in the presentation round - Photo by: MINH THƯ
This year’s contestants impressed the judges with their linguistic ability and cultural appreciation.
USSH students performed notably well in the competition, with Bùi Thị Hồng Hà (Faculty of Chinese Language and Literature) securing Second Prize for her confident, articulate presentation, and Lê Huyền Trang (Faculty of Oriental Studies) earning Third Prize with her composed, eloquent performance. This serves as a testament to the university’s strong academic training and global outlook.
Bùi Thị Hồng Hà (Second Prize winner) và Lê Huyền Trang (Third Prize winner) prove their ability through each round of the contest - Photo by: LÝ NGUYÊN
Honorable representatives award prizes to the outstanding contestants - Photo by: LÝ NGUYÊN
The final results were as follows: First Prize: Đặng Thị Thảo Tiên (Faculty of Chinese, HCMC University of Education); Two Runner-ups: Bùi Thị Hồng Hà (USSH, VNU-HCM), Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Hậu (Faculty of Oriental Studies, Lạc Hồng University); Three Third Prizes: Lê Huyền Trang (USSH, VNU-HCM), Nguyễn Thị Thiên Lý (HCMC University of Education), Lê Thị Yến Nhi (Lạc Hồng University)
Besides the aforementioned prizes, there were five Special Mentions, three Potentials, and one Special Jury given to participants.
Performance by candidates from USSH, VNU-HCM - Photo by: LÝ NGUYÊN
The competition concluded on a celebratory note. The collaboration between USSH and the Chinese Consulate General not only reflects the deepening educational partnership but also contributes as a platform for language excellence and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and China youth.
Office of Communications & Scientific Research Management
Source: Nguyễn Minh Thư – Quỳnh Như – Yên Nhiên
Translated by: Như Quỳnh Lý
