2nd ‘Talk in Chongqing’ Foreign Language Speech Contest Final Showcases Global Perspectives on Chongqing

Chongqing - The 2nd "Talk in Chongqing" Foreign Language Speech Contest Final took place on November 9 at the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government. Thirty contestants from three categories—English-speaking university students, professionals, and foreign Chinese speakers—presented their distinct perspectives on the dynamic and evolving spirit of Chongqing.

After fierce competition, the top prizes were awarded to Fang Yijia from Yunnan University, Liao Zitong from the Chongqing Foreign Affairs Service Center, and Molitvina Zlata from Sichuan International Studies University (Kyrgyzstan), who won first place in the Chinese English University Group, Professional Group, and Foreign Chinese Group, respectively.

The English University Group was the first to take the stage, with ten contestants showcasing their thoughts. Zhang Jia, a Sichuan International Studies University student, discussed how recent transportation improvements, such as the opening of the Chongqing-Kunming High-Speed Railway, had transformed her life. She explained how this development had shortened travel times, boosted the local economy, stimulated tourism, and fostered the growth of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.

In the English Professional Group, 10 participants highlighted Chongqing's growing sectors, blending their personal and professional experiences. Song Wenyan, a Chongqing Business Vocational College teacher, emphasized the equal importance of vocational and general education. She noted that Chongqing’s ongoing efforts to promote vocational education have produced thousands of skilled workers who contribute to the city’s manufacturing sector, supporting its high-quality development.

This year’s contest also introduced a new track for foreign Chinese enthusiasts, expanding the event’s reach. Ten contestants from countries like Germany, Ukraine, and South Korea shared their experiences of life in Chongqing. Michaela Henry Nio Nathan, an Indonesian student at Chongqing Medical University, shared her journey of adapting to the local dialect with "three key strategies: listen more, guess more, ask more," quickly immersing herself in the city’s unique learning environment and culture.

"We are committed to making Chongqing a hub for international exchange in central and western China," said Wang Wen, Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, during the award ceremony. "Through events like the 'Talk in Chongqing' Foreign Language Speech Contest, we aim to discover and bring together talent that understands both the world and China, helping advance Chongqing’s opening-up initiatives." She emphasized that multilingualism is a key to unlocking diverse worlds and fostering mutual understanding between cultures.

Contestant Zhang Yingxuan, from the Hongxin Ant Volunteer Association in Chongqing’s Jiulongpo District, reflected, "This competition provided a platform to showcase myself, exchange ideas, and use language to touch hearts and convey values. As a young person in this rapidly changing world, I have witnessed Chongqing’s astonishing transformation and feel responsible for sharing this joy and pride with the world."

Thai student Siripha Chatchai from Chongqing University of Business and Technology shared, "This competition has deepened my understanding of Chongqing’s history, culture, and future development. In the future, I hope to use my language and cultural background to become a cultural ambassador between Thailand and China, helping strengthen the relationship between our two countries."

Launched in June of this year, the competition attracted over 200 participants from diverse fields, including education, culture, tourism, transportation, healthcare, and community service. After expert evaluations, 30 outstanding contestants advanced to the final. The event sought to enhance international communication capabilities, cultivate foreign language talent, and provide more platforms for exchange among foreign language enthusiasts. It also aimed to showcase Chongqing’s vibrant and authentic image to the world, contributing to the city’s development as an inland hub and a center for international exchanges in central and western China.