SATV 5th May, Kathmandu | On 4th May, 2025, the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University (CIKU) held a speech and talent competition for primary and secondary school students with the themes "Happy Chinese" and "Fly High with Chinese" respectively. The event attracted over 70 participants, including all Chinese and Nepalese teachers from CIKU, contestants, and representatives of parents and teachers from various CIKU teaching points. The lively atmosphere fully demonstrated the vitality and charm of Chinese language education in Nepal.

Five distinguished figures from Nepal’s Chinese language education sector were invited as judges:

- Professor Zhang Xingnian (Chinese Director, Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University),

- Ms. Wu Yuan (Head of the Confucius Classroom at LRI),

- Ms. Yang Xia (Teacher, Lumbini Buddhist University),

- Dr. Rajiv Ranjit (Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University), and

- Ms. Yang Lu (Teacher, Bishwo Bhasa Campus).

The judges evaluated contestants based on language proficiency, creativity, uniqueness, and stage performance, ensuring the professionalism and fairness of the competition.

Event Highlights  

The competition consisted of two segments: speech and talent performances.  

Primary School Division  

Six contestants delivered speeches, sharing their journey with the Chinese language, their learning experiences, and their love for Chinese culture. In the talent segment, some contestants transformed into the lively "Little Girl Picking Mushrooms," while others performed traditional Chinese dances such as fan dance, umbrella dance, and handkerchief dance.  

After the competition, Subhani Dungel from Pathasala Nepal Foundation Teaching Point won the primary school championship with her fluent Chinese speech and graceful dance performance.

Secondary School Division  

All six contestants demonstrated exceptional Chinese proficiency and talent, sharing cross-cultural experiences and dreams inspired by learning Chinese. Their performances—including singing, dancing, calligraphy, kung fu, and paper-cutting—received enthusiastic applause from the audience.  

Ultimately, Antara Shilpakar from Khowpa Secondary School secured first place with her moving speech and outstanding talent performance, which combined Chinese singing, flute playing, and panda paper-cutting.

Closing Remarks & Awards Ceremony  

Following the competition, Ms. Wu Yuan provided constructive feedback to each contestant, praising their hard work and stage performances. She encouraged all students to continue learning Chinese, explore Chinese culture, and become future ambassadors of Nepal-China friendship.  

The event concluded with an award ceremony, after which contestants, judges, and teachers gathered on stage for a group photo, capturing a memorable moment.  

Significance of the Event  

This competition served as an excellent platform for students to showcase their Chinese language skills and talents, while also deepening their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. It marked another successful initiative by CIKU in promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchange among Nepal’s younger generation.