Raul Delapena Setiawan
Shenzhen, China – A remarkable display of linguistic prowess and cultural appreciation culminated in a young Algerian boy, 12-year-old Younes Bensebaa, being crowned the champion of the eighth Shenzhen Expats Chinese Talent Competition on Sunday. Bensebaa captivated the judges and the audience with his evocative recitation of "Nostalgia," a celebrated poem by the renowned Taiwanese poet Yu Kwang-chung, securing him the coveted first prize.
The annual competition, a cornerstone event in Shenzhen’s efforts to foster cultural understanding and integration between its local population and the burgeoning expatriate community, once again drew a significant influx of participants. Organizers reported that hundreds of individuals, representing a diverse array of nationalities, vied for a chance to showcase their fluency and appreciation for Chinese language and culture. This year’s edition saw the talent pool narrowed down through several preliminary rounds, ultimately presenting 10 finalists from nine different countries on the grand stage.
The final showdown, a meticulously planned three-hour event held on Sunday, tested the contestants across multiple disciplines. Each finalist was tasked with delivering a compelling three-minute speech in Mandarin Chinese, demonstrating their ability to articulate thoughts and ideas with fluency and confidence. Following this, participants engaged in a dynamic word-guessing game, a test of their vocabulary and quick thinking. The ultimate determinant of victory, however, was the talent performance, where Bensebaa’s poignant rendition of "Nostalgia" proved to be the standout act.
The competition’s commitment to promoting Chinese culture was evident in the rigorous selection process and the diverse talents showcased. The event, a collaborative initiative between Shenzhen Daily and its English-language online platform, Eyeshenzhen, is generously supported by the Shenzhen Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and the Shenzhen Municipal Information Office. This partnership underscores the city’s strategic vision for enhanced international exchange and its recognition of the significant role expatriates play in its dynamic growth.
A Journey of Cultural Immersion and Talent
The journey to the final stage of the Shenzhen Expats Chinese Talent Competition is a testament to the dedication and passion of its participants. The event, which has been a fixture in the expat calendar since its inception in 2010, has evolved into a highly anticipated platform for individuals to demonstrate their mastery of the Chinese language and their deep appreciation for its rich cultural heritage. Over the years, thousands of people from across the globe have embraced this opportunity, with some participants even going on to achieve notable success on Chinese television platforms, highlighting the competition’s role as a potential springboard for aspiring talents.
This year’s competition format was designed to offer a holistic assessment of each contestant’s engagement with Chinese culture. The preliminary rounds, often held over several weeks, involve rigorous evaluation of language proficiency through written tests and oral examinations. Successful candidates then progress to semi-final heats, where their public speaking skills and cultural knowledge are further scrutinized. The culmination of this process is the grand finale, where the top contenders face a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience, engaging in a series of challenges that require both intellectual acumen and artistic expression.
The three-hour spectacle on Sunday was a vibrant showcase of international talent united by a shared passion for Chinese culture. The initial segment, the three-minute Chinese speech, allowed contestants to delve into topics that resonated with their personal experiences in China, their observations on Chinese society, or their reflections on the country’s rich history and traditions. This segment often reveals the depth of their understanding and their ability to connect with the nuances of the language.
Following the speeches, the word-guessing game injected an element of lively competition and camaraderie. This interactive segment tested the contestants’ vocabulary breadth and their ability to decipher Chinese characters and phrases, often eliciting laughter and applause from the audience as participants strategized and collaborated (in some instances) to guess the correct words.
However, it was the talent performance that truly allowed the finalists to shine, showcasing their unique skills and artistic interpretations. From traditional Chinese music and dance to modern performances, the diversity of talents on display was a testament to the multifaceted nature of Chinese culture itself and the creative ways in which expats have embraced it. Younes Bensebaa’s decision to recite Yu Kwang-chung’s "Nostalgia" was particularly impactful. The poem, known for its poignant exploration of identity, memory, and the yearning for one’s homeland, resonated deeply with the theme of cultural connection and personal journeys often experienced by expatriates. Bensebaa’s delivery, imbued with emotion and precision, evidently struck a chord with the judges, demonstrating not only his linguistic command but also his profound understanding and emotional connection to the poem’s message.
Official Recognition and Broader Implications
The success of the Shenzhen Expats Chinese Talent Competition is a reflection of Shenzhen’s progressive approach to fostering an inclusive and globally connected city. Professor Gu Xiaojin from Shenzhen University’s School of Communication, a distinguished member of the judging panel, articulated this sentiment with clarity. He observed that the competition serves as a powerful indicator of the significant recognition Chinese culture enjoys within the expatriate community residing in Shenzhen.
Professor Gu further elaborated on the profound impact of such initiatives. "They’ve learned about Chinese culture, blended into the culture, and will probably promote it when they return to their home countries," he stated. This observation highlights a key objective of the competition: to cultivate cultural ambassadors who can bridge divides and foster greater understanding between China and the rest of the world. As expatriates immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture, they become organic conduits for sharing their experiences and insights, thereby enhancing China’s global image and promoting people-to-people exchanges.
The statistics surrounding the competition underscore its growing significance. Since its inception in 2010, the event has witnessed a consistent increase in participation, attracting thousands of individuals over its history. This sustained interest indicates a growing desire among expatriates to engage meaningfully with Chinese society beyond their professional lives. The competition’s ability to identify and nurture talent has also led to tangible outcomes, with some past participants achieving notable success in the Chinese entertainment industry, a testament to the quality of talent nurtured and the platforms provided.
The strategic partnership between Shenzhen Daily, Eyeshenzhen, the city’s foreign affairs office, and the information office signifies a coordinated effort by various stakeholders to promote cultural exchange and enhance Shenzhen’s international profile. The foreign affairs office, in particular, plays a crucial role in facilitating international engagement and supporting initiatives that foster a welcoming environment for expatriates. Their involvement ensures that the competition aligns with the city’s broader objectives of attracting foreign talent and investment, and of positioning Shenzhen as a global hub for innovation and cultural diversity.
A Look at the Runners-Up and the Future of Cultural Exchange
While Younes Bensebaa rightfully claimed the top prize, the competition also celebrated the achievements of two other talented young individuals. Aleksandr Vaskin, an 11-year-old participant from Russia, and Ahn Tae-hyeon, a 12-year-old from South Korea, were both recognized as runners-up. Their performances, though not enough to clinch the first place, undoubtedly showcased their dedication and skill, further enriching the competitive spirit of the event and highlighting the diverse nationalities actively engaging with Chinese culture.
The success of these young contestants is particularly noteworthy. Their early immersion and demonstrated proficiency in Chinese at such a tender age suggest a promising future for cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. As they grow, their experiences in Shenzhen and their engagement with Chinese language and culture will likely shape their perspectives and influence their future endeavors, potentially leading to greater contributions to international relations and mutual respect.
The Shenzhen Expats Chinese Talent Competition is more than just a contest; it is a vibrant microcosm of Shenzhen’s increasingly international character. It provides a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect, learn, and celebrate a shared appreciation for Chinese culture. As the city continues to grow as a global economic powerhouse, such cultural exchange initiatives become increasingly vital in fostering a harmonious and interconnected society. The organizers are likely to continue refining the competition’s format and reach, ensuring its enduring relevance and impact in promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture among expatriates and beyond. The sustained interest and the positive feedback from participants and observers alike suggest that the competition will continue to be a cornerstone event for years to come, fostering a new generation of global citizens with a profound connection to China.
Asro
Ammar Sabilarrohman
