Dr. Ioana Chan Mow, Acting Interim Vice Chancellor,
Dr. Seve, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor,
Dr. Liang Guojie, Chinese Director of Confucius Institute
Dear teachers, parents and students,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning! It gives me great pleasure to attend today’s Prize Giving Ceremony for Chinese Language Students of the Confucius Institute at the National University of Samoa.
I learned that today, altogether 27 students are going to receive prizes and there will also be Chinese language related performances. I want to congratulate you all on your fruitful achievement in learning Chinese.
Since my arrival in Samoa in late March, I have seen strong and growing interest in learning Chinese among Samoan students. At present, there are three Chinese teachers teaching Chinese in primary schools, one teacher teaching university students at NUS and one teacher teaching in community courses. Hundreds of Samoan students have benefited from these Chinese courses.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Language is the key to unlock the rich heritage of a culture or civilization. China is an ancient civilization of more than 5000 years. By learning the Chinese language, Samoan students will be able to appreciate the charm of the Chinese culture.
Language is also the bridge to promote better understanding and friendship between the two peoples. There are many Chinese businessmen and workers in Samoa who can speak fluent Samoan. There are also Samoan students or officials who speak fluent Chinese through the Chinese courses here in Samoa or after studying from China on government scholarships. With such a momentum of exchanges and mutual learning going on, the understanding and friendship between China and Samoa will grow even further.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Over the past 70 years, China has developed from a poor and backward country to now the second largest economy in the world. Mastering the Chinese language will give Samoan student many opportunities that China has to offer.
At last, I would like to end by commending the good work of the Confucius Institute of the NUS and wish the students present today even more achievement in your Chinese learning and embrace more opportunities in the future!
Thank you!
