Chongqing - On March 11, the finals of the first “TALK IN Chongqing” Foreign Language Public Speaking Contest was held at the Chongqing Foreign Affairs Office, with 30 outstanding contestants from the fields of medicine, education, foreign trade, finance, culture, and others, vividly telling Chongqing stories.

“Some contestants follow the hot-spot issues, talk about youthful ideals, take hold of the changes in their hometowns, focus on people’s daily life, or recall the old days. Not only their passion and talent are demonstrated, but also the tremendous changes of Chongqing in all aspects such as urban landscape, economic development, opening-up, and everyday life,” said Wang Wen, Director General of the Chongqing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office.

During the competition, contestants centered around the three main themes of “Striving for Achievements in the New Era,” “Realizing the Dream of Making a more Prosperous China,” and “Beautiful New Chongqing: A Pacesetter of Opening-up,” gave their speeches based on their own experiences and feelings from work and study.

The competition adopted a “theme speech + impromptu Q&A” format, selecting the First, Second, and Third Prizes, and the Winner’s Prize and the Prize of Popularity based on the comprehensive performance of the speech content, vocal and body language, and overall effect.

After fierce competition, Wang Wujiao from Chongqing Medical University and Mu Jun from the Chongqing Medical University No.1 Affiliated Hospital won first prizes in the university and professional groups, respectively.

Yuan Kaiwen, a graduate student from the Renmin University of China, who majors in translation, made a special trip from Beijing to Chongqing to participate in the competition. She used “Next Stop: Chongqing” as her theme, sharing her internship experience and stories in the logistics park and her thoughts on the transportation industry in Chongqing.

“This competition gave us young people a good platform for training and allowed us to express our feelings about our country and hometown,” she said.

Tan Wenjing, a contestant representing the professional group, shared her story titled “Building Dreams of Being a Bridge between China and the World.” She talked about her experience studying abroad and her desire to devote herself to basic education in her hometown. She said that Chongqing is currently accelerating the construction of an inland open highland and a center for international exchanges in Central and Western China, full of vitality and development opportunities. “As a young teacher, I will actively participate in constructing my hometown and contribute to the country’s basic education.”

Meanwhile, more than 20 overseas students representing Chongqing University, Southwest University, and Chongqing Normal University were invited to serve as public judges. Brooks Schanelle Lison, a Jamaican overseas student from Chongqing University, said, “Today’s contestants are all very talented. I hope my Chinese can be practiced to the same level as their English. I heard many stories about Chongqing at the scene and hoped to bring these stories back to my country to share.”

“After listening to the contestants’ speeches, I have a deeper understanding of Chongqing. I like the hero story of Jinyun Mountain shared by one of the contestants the most. Ordinary people help each other, and even ordinary people are heroes. Chongqing is a brave city!” said Ayu Novianti Lah, an exchange student from Indonesia at Southwest University.

Wang Wen said, “Looking back at our original aspiration, we held the @Chongqing @The World “TALK IN Chongqing” Foreign Language Public Speaking Contest to build more exchange platforms for foreign language enthusiasts, cultivate a group of excellent talents with global vision, who are conversant with both Chinese and foreign culture and connect China with the world, demonstrate a colorful, true, all-round, lovable, and admirable China to the world, and show the fabulous stories of Chongqing people about their diligence, perseverance, and efforts of chasing dreams.”

She also mentioned that the Chongqing FAO led the establishment of the Chongqing Talent Pool of Translators and Interpreters. With joint efforts, the Western and Central China Branch of the Academy of Translation and Interpretation of China International Communications Group was established in Chongqing. These efforts have given full impetus to the development of Chongqing’s international talent team.

“We wish to attract more foreign language talents to the Pool and put you forward to attend important foreign affairs events and set up more platforms to showcase your talents and realize your full potential,” Wang Wen added.