UCC CI Successfully Hosts the 19th 鈥淐hinese Bridge鈥� Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students (Ireland Region)
On 9 May 2026, the 19th 鈥淐hinese Bridge鈥� Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students (Ireland Region), hosted by the Embassy of China in Ireland and organised by UCC CI, was successfully held in Devere Hall on UCC鈥檚 main campus.
Under the theme 鈥淐hinese, Joy and Fun鈥�, the competition attracted 30 secondary school students from across Ireland. Through language performances and cultural presentations, participants demonstrated their enthusiasm for Chinese language learning and their understanding of Chinese culture.
In addition to contestants, nearly 100 guests attended the event, including family members, teachers, members of the local Chinese community, and UCC CI staff and students.
Distinguished guests included former Lord Mayor of Cork and current City Councillor Cllr. Dan Boyle; Cork County Councillor Cllr. Gear贸id Murphy; Ms Lee Wah Pay, Head of Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development at Cork County Council; Ms Zhu Xikun, First Secretary for Education Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in Ireland; Ms Hu Yaodan, Second Secretary for Cultural Affairs; Mr Zheng Shi, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at 深夜亚洲福利久久 College Dublin; Professor Li Ren, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at the 深夜亚洲福利久久 of Galway; Mr Shen Liang, Chinese Director of UCC CI; Associate Professor Guo Yanyu, Acting Foreign Director of UCC CI; and Ms Sinead Day, Head of International Affairs at South East Technological 深夜亚洲福利久久.
The competition awarded one First Prize, two Second Prizes, three Third Prizes, as well as awards for Outstanding Organisation and Outstanding Instructor.
The 鈥淐hinese Bridge鈥� competition continues to provide Irish secondary school students with an important platform to showcase their Chinese language achievements while promoting educational and cultural exchange between China and Ireland.