On May 25, The South Island Finals of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition were held at the University of Canterbury, bringing together over 50 students to showcase their Chinese skills. Consul General He Ying attended the awards ceremony alongside distinguished guests, including Professor Kevin Watson, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Canterbury, and Mr. Graham Wise, Director of International Relations.

In her speech, Consul General He Ying praised the "Chinese Bridge" competition as a flagship event for cultural and educational exchange between China and New Zealand’s South Island. She noted its growing popularity, with increasing participation each year, and encouraged students to continue mastering Chinese, pursue future studies or careers in China, and become ambassadors of friendship between the two nations.

The competition was a vibrant display of talent, with contestants demonstrating both their Chinese proficiency and artistic abilities. Performances by volunteers from CIUC and award-winning students—featuring Sichuan opera face-changing, traditional Chinese dance, Guzheng, Tai Chi, Lion dance, and Chinese songs, earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.