2024-11-24 by School of International Education
On November 19, the 10th BUCT International Cultural Festival was held at Changping Campus, attracting more than 3,000 Chinese and foreign teachers and students to participate. Vice President Wang Feng attended the event. Heads of foreign embassies and consulates in China, including MANZOOR ALI, Minister of Information at the Embassy of Pakistan to China, PORNSIRI CHAROENSERBSAKUL, Minister-Counselor at the Embassy of Thailand to China, and YUDIL CHATIM, Commissioner of Education and Culture at the Embassy of Indonesia to China, attended the event on invitation. Representatives of relevant functional departments and colleges of BUCT were also present. Themed on "Embracing Culture, Innovate the World", this year's Cultural Festival is divided into three main areas, the Global Art Exchange Area, the Cultural Exhibition Area, and the Sino-foreign Co-creation & Communication Area, building a platform for Chinese and foreign students to display diverse cultures and enhance mutual understanding, as well as showcasing BUCT’s multicultural campus of openness and inclusiveness.
Wang Feng Delivering a Speech
Wang Feng extended a warm welcome to the guests in his speech. He pointed out that the school has always attached great importance to international exchanges and cooperation, actively promoted in-depth dialogue and integration of different cultures, and will continue to create an exemplary model of "Open BUCT". He held three expectations for the young people at home and abroad. Firstly, he hoped that they will cherish their time on BUCT campus and keep in mind the university motto and spirit. Secondly, young people are expected to respect and tolerate each other, continuously enhance consensus and deepen friendship, and strive to become a bridge between different cultures. Thirdly, he wished that by devoting themselves to learning academic knowledge, and actively participating in innovative practices, as well as in intercultural events such as cultural festivals, international vocational development festivals and international exchange projects, BUCT students would contribute their wisdom and strength to mutual learning and exchange of civilizations and the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.
YUDIL CHATIM Delivering a Speech
YUDIL CHATIM, Indonesian Commissioner for Education and Culture, highly praised the efforts and contributions of BUCT in promoting cultural and scientific exchanges between China and foreign countries. Recalling his own experience of studying in China, he marveled at the fast speed of China's development and expressed love for Chinese culture. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of field visits and on-site learning, saying that the convenience of life in China and the warmth of Chinese people have greatly deepened his affection of China. He also affirmed that this educational cooperation has played a positive role in promoting friendly relationship between China and Indonesia in various domains.
Photos taken at the International Cultural Festival
In the Global Art Appreciation Area, Chinese and foreign students performed a variety of cultural shows. The opening dance "Chicago" kicked off the performances with beautiful movements and a strong sense of cultural diversity; the Chinese kung fu jointly performed by Chinese and foreign students perfectly presented the unique charm and profoundness of Chinese martial arts; the dance "Катюша" staged by Russian students conveyed their enthusiasm and strength to the audience; the song "Sunlit Smiles" sung by Chinese and African students, which is also the theme song for this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, won thunderous applause from people watching. Particularly eye-catching were the song and dance performance "The Most Dazzling International Style" and the international fashion show jointly performed by Chinese and foreign students. And the Italian students’ performance of the Peking Opera "The Drunk Beauty", brought the event to a peak. The performances have demonstrated the unique glamour of different cultures around the world, offering a visual and auditory feast for culture-lovers.
The Cultural Exhibition Area showcased the blending and exchange of different cultures around the globe. Booths of 22 countries displayed their unique cultures in various forms, including dances, drumming, food, handicrafts, traditional music, and passport stamping activities in the cultural festival. This allowed students and faculty to immerse themselves in the fascination of global cultural exchange and shared global destiny without leaving the campus.
The Sino-foreign Co-creation & Communication Area highlighted the essential charm of Chinese culture. Peking Opera interaction, intangible cultural heritage stamping, kite painting, face mask co-creation, and Chinese knot making enabled Chinese and foreign students to learn about traditional Chinese culture together and gain a sense of cultural confidence through exchange while appreciating the beauty of each other's cultures and sharing them together.
The success of the international cultural festival fully demonstrated the determination of BUCT to promote internationalized education. After the event, the participating teachers and students both expressed that through this cultural festival, not only had they broadened their international perspective, but also deepened understanding of different cultures. The school will continue to uphold the concept of openness and inclusiveness, and further strengthen exchange and cooperation between Chinese and foreign students. By organizing more diverse cultural activities, BUCT hopes to promote mutual understanding and respect among young people from different cultural backgrounds, and contribute to the cultivation of high-level talents with international vision and global competitiveness in various industries.