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 | (left-right): CPC delegate Mr Chen Jian, Ms Joan Yee, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr Huang Yong, Vice Minister, Mr Liu Jieyi, Professor Rajesh Chandra, Counselor Huang He and Professor Li Denggui. |
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A team led by the Vice Minister of the International Department of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Liu Jieyi, visited the Confucius Institute at the University of the South Pacific’s main campus in Suva on 14 March, 2013.
The visit was part of Liu’s visit to Fiji with the CPC Goodwill delegation. On his tour of the USP Confucius Institute which opened in 2012, the Vice Minister visited the office building and classrooms, and learnt about the recruitment information, students’ backgrounds, course offerings and the interest of local students in studying the Chinese language.
When he saw the multi-media teaching facilities granted by Hanban - Confucius Institute Headquarters of China, the Vice Minister could not wait to try to teach a Chinese lesson himself. He observed that the multi-media facilities would bring about more interest and a multi-dimensional experience to students. Liu also praised the work of the students in their character writing, Chinese painting, and paper cutting.
The Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra, conveyed a warm welcome to the Vice Minister and his team on behalf of the University.
Professor Chandra acknowledged the trust of the Chinese Government in establishing the Confucius Institute at USP. He expressed appreciation for the support and help given by Hanban, and the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.
“This Confucius Institute will not only serve one county but the 12 member countries of USP,” he added.
With this year (2013) being the first year of the University’s new six-year Strategic Plan, the Vice-Chancellor said that USP is striving to move from being a good university to an excellent university, highlighting that the Confucius Institute will develop together with the University.
Professor Chandra was pleased with the work of the Confucius Institute, and is keen to expand communication and cooperation with its partner, the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.
He gave his assurance that the University would give full support to make this Confucius Institute one of the top Confucius Institutes in the world.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education, Dr Akanisi Kedrayate added that the people from other island countries also showed much interest in Chinese language learning, and many students and staff from other campuses also had enquired about the Chinese courses.
“In the near future, we will set up new teaching centres, online courses and flexible courses to meet the requirements from the other island countries and campuses,” she said.
The Vice Minister acknowledged the contribution and efforts of USP in promoting the development of the Confucius Institute, and hoped that the communication, cooperation and friendship between people of the two countries will be enhanced.
At the conclusion of the event, Liu was invited to sign the visitors’ book. He wrote a few words to encourage everyone involved with the Confucius Institute: “I hope the Confucius Institute at USP will continue to develop and contribute more to the friendship and cultural communication between the Chinese people and the people of the Pacific region.”
Those present at the visit included: the Chinese Ambassador in Fiji, H.E. Mr Huang Yong; Counselor Huang He; Secretary to the Vice Minister, Su Junjie; Professor Chandra; Dr Kedrayate; Director of the Confucius Institute at USP, Ms Joan Yee; the Chinese Director, Professor Li Denggui; CPC delegation members; Chinese teachers; student representatives; and Confucius Institute staff.
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