Johnathan Wantepe, a third-year Civil Engineering student at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT), has emerged as the champion of this year's Chinese Bridge Competition, hosted by the Confucius Institute (CI) in Lae.
Wantepe competed against six peers, all registered students at PNGUoT taking Chinese classes at the CI. The participants demonstrated their knowledge of basic Chinese writing, symbolism, and culture in front of an audience at Duncanson Hall.
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| PNG Civil Engineering Student Triumphs in Chinese Bridge Competition [Photo by PNG University fo Technology] |
Reflecting on his victory, Wantepe expressed surprise but enthusiasm for the opportunities that this achievement could unlock. He noted the strategic advantage of learning Chinese in his field, as many Chinese contractors are involved in road projects across the country. "There are more Chinese contractors in the field... If I apply for something, my Chinese language paper will have more weight," Wantepe stated.
Wantepe is one of over 500 students who have enrolled in Chinese classes since the Confucius Institute was established at the PNGUoT campus in 2021. The Confucius Institute, funded by the Chinese government, aims to promote a deeper understanding of Chinese language and culture globally. Named after the ancient Chinese philosopher and educator Confucius, the institute embodies his love for learning and diverse studies, including music, mathematics, and history.
The Chinese Bridge Competition, held in countries with Confucius Institutes, tests foreign students' proficiency in the Chinese language, as well as their general knowledge and cultural understanding. Wantepe will represent Papua New Guinea in the international competition in Beijing, China, later this year.
This accomplishment underscores the increasing importance of multilingual skills in various professional fields and highlights the growing cultural and educational exchange between Papua New Guinea and China.
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