Speaking contest held to enhance LM friendship

A speaking contest, with the theme of “My Most Unforgettable Memory in China”, was held in Kunming, capital of SW China’s Yunnan Province on March 7.

The event was hosted by China Southern Power Grid (CSG). Overseas students from the Lancang-Mekong (LM) countries of Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand participated in the contest.

Ten students told their stories in Yunnan and shared their experiences in Chinese learning during the contest. Dressed in local costumes, they performed traditional dancing and singing of their own country that day. They also had technical exchanges with staff of the CSG.

Chim Panha, an overseas student from Cambodia said that as a student majoring electrical engineering and automation at Kunming University of Science and Technology (KUST), he got familiar with a number of advanced electrical equipment in Yunnan. He believes that with the deepening of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, Sino-Cambodian relations will enter a higher level. He plans to go back to his hometown and be a helper to local development.

Starting from 2015, the CSG has been fully financing 5 students each from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand every year, offering opportunities for them to advanced studies in electricity at the KUST. 

The CSG has also carried out business training, communication and cooperation with electric power departments in countries along Mekong River. The funding also aims to cultivate talents for Mekong countries.

The 1st Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting kicked off at China’s Sanya City in Mar. 23, 2016. During the second meeting held in January last year, leaders of the six countries agreed to designate the week in which Mar. 23 occurs as the “Lancang-Mekong Week”. The speaking contest, joined by 52 overseas students fully financed by the CGS, is an activity in a bid to enhance friendship between Lancang-Mekong countries.

Officials from the consulates general of Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia in Kunming, Yunnan Foreign Affairs Office, the CSG and the KUST, attended the event.

Reporting by Han Chengyuan and Li Zha; trans-editing by Li Hengqiang