“Bridge of Friendship & Ambassadors of Culture – 2023 China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Junior Cultural Ambassadors Event” sponsored by China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, organized by China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People and China Cultural Centre overseas is currently underway around the world. On 2nd September, China Cultural Centre in Sydney and Australian Soong Ching Ling Foundation jointly held “2023 China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Junior Cultural Ambassadors Australia Selection and Award Ceremony” at China Cultural Centre in Sydney. Around 120 guests attended the event, including Ms Wang Shuyu, Cultural Counsellor of the Consulate General of China in Sydney, Mr Xiao Xiayong, Director of China Cultural Centre and China National Tourist Office in Sydney, Hon Paul Fletcher, MP Member for Bradfield and Shadow Minister for Science & the Arts, Mr Philip Ruddock, Lord Mayor of Hornsby Shire, Mr Cedric Spencer, Councillor of Ku-ring-gai Council, Mr Zhou Guangming, Chairman of Australian Chinese Teo-Chew Association, Mr Lin Jinwen, Chairman of the Aus-China Interchange Incorporated, Dr Ven Tan, Chairman of Australian Soong Ching Ling Foundation, as well as guests from overseas Chinese communities and journalists.
Ms Wang Shuyu stated that “since the events inception in 2021, it has received active participation from young people from all over the world. By participating in the event young people with different cultural backgrounds get the Chinese people and Chinese culture better. This year’s theme is “my dream cities in China”. I wish our participants’ dream come true, and I’m sure the cities they dreamed of will open their arms and welcome them”. She believes that this year’s event will further enhance mutual understanding and friendship between peoples of China and Australia, and hopes that people from all walks of life will work together to build more bridges for cultural exchange and jointly create a better future.
Hon Paul Fletcher expressed his great pleasure in attending the event. He said that today’s event will help young people and the public in Australia and around the world to better understand China and its culture and traditions.
Mr Philip Ruddock mentioned that “I have presided over many citizenship ceremonies, and when I do, I ask people to commit to Australia, but not to forget where they’re from, their culture, their heritage, their language, of which they are justly entitled to be proud”. He also expressed his gratitude to the foundation for providing an opportunity to young people to share their culture and heritage with the rest of the world.
Mr Lin Jinwen thanked the Consulate General of People’s Republic of China in Sydney and China Cultural Centre in Sydney for their strong support to the event. Australian Soong Ching Ling Foundation is committed to promoting the event and hopes to inspire generations of Australian children to love Chinese culture and pass it on.
After a rigorous selection process, 10 Australian youth participated in the event. Following evaluation by the judges, participants including Dorothy Zhang, Alexander Camiler, Zhu Ziyan, and Fan Jiaming were awarded gold, silver, and bronze prizes. They will be recommended to participate in the 2023 China Soong Ching Ling Foundation “Junior Cultural Ambassadors” Event.
Xiao Xiayong, Director of China Cultural Centre in Sydney, expressed after the award ceremony that the youth are ambassadors of China-Australia cultural exchanges and the foundation of future China-Australia friendship. The success of the event not only showcased the passion of Australian young people for Chinese culture but also nurtured the seeds of Sino-Australian friendship.
With the theme of “My Dream Cities in China”, 2023 China Soong Ching Ling Foundation “Junior Cultural Ambassadors” Event encourages Chinese and foreign young people aged between 13 and 16 to tell their stories of Chinese cities by showing their talents through speeches, recitations, and performances. 30 winners will be selected and awarded the title of “Junior Cultural Ambassadors”. The award ceremony is planned to take place at the end of 2023.
