Layla Zulfa
Shenzhen, China – A remarkable display of linguistic prowess and cultural appreciation culminated on Sunday with 12-year-old Younes Bensebaa of Algeria being crowned the champion of the eighth annual Shenzhen Expats Chinese Talent Competition. Bensebaa captivated the judges and the audience alike with a moving recital of "Nostalgia," a beloved poem penned by the renowned Taiwanese poet Yu Guangzhong. His exceptional performance secured him the coveted top prize in a competition that has become a significant fixture in Shenzhen’s multicultural landscape.
The prestigious event, dedicated to fostering an understanding and celebration of Chinese culture while promoting meaningful exchanges between the city’s international residents and the local community, saw an impressive turnout this year. Organizers reported hundreds of enthusiastic entrants, a testament to the competition’s growing reputation and its appeal to a diverse range of participants. Following rigorous preliminary rounds, the field was narrowed down to ten exceptionally talented finalists, representing nine different countries, each showcasing their unique journey with the Chinese language and culture.
The final competition, a three-hour spectacle of talent and dedication, presented contestants with a multifaceted challenge designed to test their comprehensive engagement with Chinese language and culture. Participants were required to deliver a compelling three-minute speech entirely in Mandarin Chinese, demonstrating fluency and articulation. This was followed by an engaging word-guessing game, a lively segment that tested their vocabulary and quick thinking. The highlight of the event, however, was the talent performance, where each finalist had the opportunity to express their artistic inclinations, often intertwined with their personal connection to China. Bensebaa’s choice to recite "Nostalgia" resonated deeply, tapping into universal themes of longing and memory, further enhanced by his command of the Chinese language.
A Growing Platform for Cultural Diplomacy
The Shenzhen Expats Chinese Talent Competition, now in its eighth iteration, has evolved significantly since its inception in 2010. Initially launched by Shenzhen Daily and its English-language counterpart, Eyeshenzhen, the competition was conceived as a platform to bridge cultural divides and encourage deeper integration of expatriates into the fabric of Shenzhen society. Over the years, it has garnered substantial support from key municipal bodies, including the Shenzhen Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and the Information Office, underscoring the city’s commitment to multiculturalism and international exchange.
The competition’s format has been carefully curated to provide a holistic assessment of participants’ Chinese language skills and cultural understanding. Each stage of the competition, from the initial applications to the final performances, is designed to encourage participants to go beyond rote memorization and delve into the nuances of Chinese language, history, and artistic expression. The progression through multiple heats and the final showcase are meticulously planned to build momentum and create an engaging narrative for both participants and spectators.
The Finalists’ Journey
This year’s journey to the finals was particularly competitive. After initial screening and several rounds of heats, the ten finalists emerged, each having demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent. Among them were:
- Younes Bensebaa (Algeria): The eventual champion, whose recitation of "Nostalgia" earned him widespread acclaim.
- Aleksandr Vaskin (Russia): An 11-year-old who impressed the judges and secured one of the runner-up positions.
- Ahn Tae-hyeon (South Korea): A 12-year-old whose performance also earned him a runner-up spot, highlighting the strong engagement from East Asian participants.
The diversity of nationalities among the finalists—representing nine countries—underscores the global appeal of Shenzhen as a hub for international talent and cultural exchange. This year’s finalists hailed from backgrounds as varied as Africa, Europe, and Asia, each bringing a unique perspective to their engagement with Chinese culture.
A Deeper Understanding of Chinese Culture
Professor Gu Xiaojin, a distinguished judge from Shenzhen University’s School of Communication, articulated the profound significance of the competition. He observed that the event serves as a powerful indicator of the widespread recognition and appreciation of Chinese culture among Shenzhen’s expatriate community. "They’ve learned about Chinese culture, blended into the culture, and will probably promote it when they return to their home countries," Professor Gu stated, highlighting the role of participants as informal cultural ambassadors. This sentiment reflects the competition’s overarching goal: to foster a generation of individuals who not only master the Chinese language but also develop a genuine understanding and appreciation for its rich heritage.
The curriculum and challenges within the competition are structured to facilitate this deeper engagement. The speeches, for instance, often require participants to reflect on their personal experiences in China, their understanding of social customs, or their interpretations of Chinese philosophy. The word-guessing game, while seemingly lighthearted, tests a participant’s grasp of idiomatic expressions and cultural references embedded within the Chinese lexicon. The talent performances, in particular, offer a platform for creative expression that can range from traditional Chinese opera and calligraphy to contemporary song and dance, often infused with a personal narrative that connects the participant’s own culture with their experiences in China.
Background and Evolution of the Competition
The Shenzhen Expats Chinese Talent Competition was established in 2010 with a clear vision: to create a unique and engaging platform for expatriates to showcase their burgeoning Chinese language skills and cultural understanding. In its nascent years, the competition was a more intimate affair, primarily focused on language proficiency. However, as Shenzhen rapidly transformed into a global metropolis and a magnet for international talent, the competition matured, evolving to encompass a broader spectrum of cultural expression and engagement.
Over the past eight years, the event has witnessed thousands of participants, each contributing to its growing legacy. Many have gone on to achieve remarkable success, with some even gaining prominence on Chinese television, further validating the competition’s role as a springboard for emerging talent. The organizers, Shenzhen Daily and Eyeshenzhen, have consistently strived to enhance the competition’s reach and impact, collaborating with various cultural organizations and educational institutions to provide participants with resources and opportunities for growth.
The sponsorship from the Shenzhen Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and Information Office is crucial. These government bodies recognize the strategic importance of such events in projecting Shenzhen’s image as an open, inclusive, and culturally vibrant city. Their support enables the competition to offer substantial prizes, attract high-caliber judges, and ensure a professional and engaging experience for all involved. This collaborative effort between media, educational institutions, and government agencies is a hallmark of Shenzhen’s approach to fostering international relations.
Data and Impact: A Look at Participation and Trends
While specific participant numbers for each year are not publicly detailed, the consistent growth in entries and the increasing diversity of nationalities represented suggest a rising trend in expatriate engagement with Chinese language and culture in Shenzhen. The city’s dynamic economic environment and its status as a hub for innovation and technology have drawn a significant international population, many of whom are keen to integrate more deeply into the local society.
The competition’s structure, which culminates in a public performance and judging, provides valuable data points on expatriate proficiency. The shift from purely language-based assessments to a more holistic talent showcase indicates a growing confidence and comfort among expats in expressing themselves creatively in Chinese. This transition signifies a deeper level of cultural immersion, moving beyond mere linguistic acquisition to an appreciation of the artistic and expressive dimensions of Chinese culture.
Furthermore, the success stories of past participants who have gone on to careers in Chinese media or other public-facing roles underscore the long-term impact of the competition. These individuals become living testaments to the value of cross-cultural understanding and bilingualism, serving as inspirational figures for future participants and reinforcing Shenzhen’s reputation as a city that embraces diversity.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
The Shenzhen Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, a key sponsor of the event, has consistently expressed its support for initiatives that promote cultural exchange and understanding. A representative from the office, speaking generally about the competition’s impact, stated, "Events like the Expats Chinese Talent Competition are invaluable in building bridges between cultures. They not only highlight the linguistic talents of our international residents but also foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect. We are proud to support a platform that showcases Shenzhen’s commitment to openness and inclusivity."
The organizers, Shenzhen Daily and Eyeshenzhen, are already looking ahead to the ninth iteration of the competition. Their goal is to continue expanding the event’s reach, potentially incorporating new elements that reflect evolving trends in cultural exchange and digital media. There is a strong possibility of introducing online components or partnerships with international cultural organizations to broaden participation and engagement even further. The consistent success and positive feedback from participants and judges alike suggest that the Shenzhen Expats Chinese Talent Competition is poised to remain a significant and cherished event in the city’s calendar for years to come.
The competition’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to create a tangible sense of achievement and connection for expatriates. By providing a structured and celebratory environment, it encourages individuals to invest time and effort in learning about and engaging with Chinese culture, ultimately enriching both their personal lives and the vibrant multicultural tapestry of Shenzhen. The victory of Younes Bensebaa, a young Algerian boy, serves as a powerful symbol of this ongoing cultural dialogue and the universal language of art and expression that transcends national borders.
Asep Darmawan
Lina Hope
