On March 22, hosted by Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education, Information Office of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, Foreign Affairs Office of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government and Zhejiang Radio and Television Group, and undertaken by Zhejiang TV Education, Science, Film and Television Channel and our university, the 2025 “Dreaming in Zhejiang, Singing for the Future” Chinese Singing Contest for International Students wrapped up successfully at the Xiasha Campus of ZUFE. A total of 236 international students and 90 teacher mentors from 44 universities across Zhejiang Province gathered for the event. Through music, participants shared cultures, connected hearts, and composed a new chapter in cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world.
During the preliminary round, TSHABALALA DIKELETSO EVA from South Africa delivered a heartfelt performance of “The Longest Movie”. Her mellow voice and delicate emotional expression vividly conveyed the song’s themes of regret and longing. NICOLE ANTONETTE BORJA from the United States impressed both judges and audience with “She Said”. With her crystal-clear voice and precise Chinese diction, she skillfully presented the female narrative embedded in contemporary Chinese pop music. Following a comprehensive evaluation of contestants’ language proficiency, vocal technique, stage performance, and interpretation of the songs, 30 contestants advanced to the final round.
The final competition featured one highlight after another. Contestants appeared on stage dressed in both traditional Chinese attire and their own national costumes, creatively integrating elements such as rap, folk music, and traditional musical instruments from their home countries into their performances. FEZEU TCHOUANGUEM JAPHET DURAND from Cameroon presented a newly arranged version of “The Red Flag Flutters”. The stirring rhythm and patriotic lyrics ignited the enthusiasm of the audience. TAN TZE MING GERALD from Malaysia moved the judges with his rendition of “A Prose Poem Written by My Father”. Accompanied by the cello, his deep and husky voice poignantly expressed a father’s profound love and the bittersweet passage of time. Russian contestant DANILCHENKO DIANA offered an innovative interpretation of the Soviet classic “Katyusha”, bringing a fresh perspective to the well-known song. OMAROVA ADELIYA, a contestant from Kazakhstan studying at ZUFE, gave a passionate performance of “Light Years Away”. With her remarkable vocal range and commanding stage presence, she built up the emotion layer by layer, bringing the audience to its feet. After fierce competition, first prize (3 winners), second prize (6 winners), third prize (10 winners) and multiple special honors were awarded. The award ceremony will be held during the 18th Zhejiang Provincial International Students Chinese Talent Show gala.
As one of the featured events of the 18th "Dream Trip in Zhejiang" Series for International Students, “Dreaming in Zhejiang, Singing for the Future” aims to enhance international students’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture through the performance of Chinese songs. The competition not only showcased the participants’ musical prowess, but also reflected their deep affection for the Chinese language and Chinese culture. Through singing in Chinese, young people of diverse ethnic origins demonstrated the beauty of harmony amid diversity and highlighted the power of cultural exchange through music.
(Editor: Che Peng)
