One World, One Family — and Three Top Prizes for ANU
Four students from the ANU Chinese language program recently travelled to Darwin to take part in the prestigious Chinese Bridge (汉语桥) Competition — and came home with an incredible clean sweep of the top three prizes in the university division.
Held on 24 May 2025 at Charles Darwin University, this year’s event brought together university students from the ACT, NT and WA, all vying for the chance to showcase their Chinese language skills and cultural flair. Themed “One World, One Family” (天下一家), the competition included a written test, a prepared two-minute speech in Chinese, spontaneous Q&A, and a talent performance segment featuring everything from music and dance to martial arts and calligraphy.
Representing ANU were Chinese language students Margot Harris (Chinese 7), Elise Lovett (Chinese 5), George Pourpouras (Chinese 5), and Aliya Muller (Chinese 5).
Their outstanding performances earned top recognition:
🏆 First Prize – Margot Harris
🥈 Second Prize – Elise Lovett
🥉 Third Prize – George Pourpouras
“They truly represented ANU,” said Chinese language lecturer and competition advisor Yan Yan Wang, who also served as a judge on the day. “I’m incredibly proud of how they prepared and performed. Their success reflects both their own dedication and the strength of our program.”
The Chinese Bridge competition, now in its 24th year, is a global initiative to promote Chinese language and culture. Organised annually by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), the event gives students around the world a platform to demonstrate their linguistic and cultural knowledge — and to build connections across borders.
The achievements of the students are a testament not only to their individual passion and talent but also to the supportive environment fostered by the ANU Chinese language team. Their victories are a celebration of intercultural learning — and a reminder of how language can bridge worlds.
Congratulations to all four students — you made us proud!
