Dear President Xiao Yong,
Faculty and students,
Guests,
Good morning!
It is my great pleasure to attend the opening ceremony of the new campus of Xing Zhi Institute and the opening ceremony of the 2018 spring semester. On behalf of the Embassy of China in Sweden, I would like to express my warm congratulations on the new campus and sincere wishes for new progress of the school, faculty and students in the new semester.
Just now, I visited a photo exhibition of the history of the Institute, and I was deeply impressed that despite being a relatively new member to the big family of Chinese language education in Sweden, Xing Zhi Institute has a strong sense of responsibility, clear goals and aspirations. It has done a good job and made remarkable achievements in providing Chinese language education and spreading Chinese culture. As the Institute grows, it has been increasingly recognized for its significant improvement in teaching methods, faculty capability and school management. To provide the support of the Embassy, I would like to take this opportunity to announce that we will set up a "Chinese Ambassador Scholarship" at the Institute for students with academic achievements and good qualities.
As Chinese proverbs teach us, "Read ten thousand books and walk ten thousand miles" and "Pursue unity of words and deeds". These are our fine traditions and what we need to learn from generations of Chinese scholars. I hope the school will truly "pursue unity of words and deeds" as its name suggests. The Institute needs to create conditions for students to master the Chinese language, study Chinese culture and history, and learn the development of China today. Meanwhile, it needs to encourage the students to apply what they learn from school into practice, spread the Chinese culture and facilitate cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Sweden.
Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. We have started to fully build a modern socialist country. China is continuing to approach the centre of the global stage, with our national rejuvenation seeing ever brighter prospects. This new era presents overseas Chinese language education with a historic opportunity. We hope the Institute will seize the opportunity, make greater contributions to local Chinese language education, carry forward Chinese culture and promote China-Sweden cultural exchanges.
With spring festival around the corner, on behalf of my fellow colleagues at the Embassy, I would like to extend festive greetings to you. I wish you all health and happiness in the new year.
Thank you!