SATV 29 May, Kathmandu: The grand finale of the 24th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students (Nepal Division) concluded successfully in Kathmandu. The event was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, organized by the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University, and co-supported by the Nepal Chinese Enterprises Association.

A total of eight contestants, selected from universities across Nepal, showcased their linguistic and cultural talents. Su Qingshan, a student majoring in International Chinese Education at Kathmandu University, emerged as the champion with his outstanding performance.

This year’s competition was themed “One World, One Family,” reflecting traditional Chinese values such as “harmony in diversity” and “a world of shared prosperity,” as well as the global aspiration for peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit.

The final round comprised three segments: a themed speech, an impromptu Q&A session, and a talent showcase. Contestants impressed the judges and audience with their fluent Chinese, deep cultural knowledge, and artistic performances, demonstrating a deep passion for and understanding of the Chinese language.

Li Shuangcheng, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University, in his opening remarks, highlighted the growing enthusiasm among Nepali youth for learning Chinese, driven by the deepening of the China-Nepal Belt and Road Initiative cooperation. He noted that the institute now has over 5,000 registered learners and has trained more than 50,000 Chinese language talents to date. The institute is also advancing towards degree-oriented, elite, and “Chinese + Vocational Education” training programs. Li encouraged students to use the competition as a platform for deepening cultural exchanges and forging lasting friendships.

Counselor Wang Xin of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal emphasized that language is a vital bridge for civilizational exchange. Citing historical examples from the ancient Tang-Tibet route to the modern Belt and Road Initiative, he noted that China and Nepal have long fostered mutual understanding through language. He also announced that Nepal's third Confucius Institute will soon be established at Lumbini Buddhist University. Looking ahead, China aims to use Chinese education platforms to enhance technical training and talent collaboration, contributing to the building of a China-Nepal community with a shared future. Wang also underscored China’s commitment to offering high-quality education to international students amid evolving global educational dynamics.

After a fierce competition, Sushant stood out with his insightful speech, precise responses during the Q&A round, and captivating talent performance. Other participants received second and third prizes, as well as individual awards, with sponsorship provided by the Nepal Chinese Enterprises Association.

As the first Confucius Institute in Nepal, the Kathmandu University institute has achieved notable localization results—72% of its faculty are Nepali teachers. In recent years, Chinese language education has expanded beyond the Kathmandu Valley, with nearly 100 teaching sites and “Chinese + vocational training” programs offering Nepali youth new pathways to employment. With increasing Chinese investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges in Nepal, Chinese is becoming a key driver of economic cooperation and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The “Chinese Bridge” competition has proven to be more than a contest of language skills—it serves as a vibrant symbol of China-Nepal cultural exchange and a testament to how language bridges can connect young people across mountains and borders in pursuit of a shared dream: “One World, One Family.”