Mutai Calvin Kiptoo, an international student from Kenya studying at Shanghai Maritime University, won second prize in the advanced round of the 5th "Stories of China Retold in English" national challenge in the Domestic Foreign Students Category.

This honor recognizes Mutai's exceptional language skills in expressing his unique experiences in China and highlights his role in promoting cross-cultural exchange and enhancing the international influence of Chinese culture.

Since its inception in 2020, the competition has grown into a significant platform for cultural exchange, attracting a total of 4,366 participants from around the world. Throughout the competition, participants explore diverse themes related to Chinese history, culture, and traditions, progressing through multiple rounds of assessment.

In the preliminary round, Mutai submitted a two-minute video speech in Chinese, focusing on the Confucian proverb from The Analects, "When three people walk together, I'm sure to find a teacher among them", and how it has influenced his life.

Advancing to the semifinals, he participated in an impromptu Q&A session, and for the final, he made a presentation under the theme "Tai Chi – The Magical Chinese Kung Fu." His eloquent explanation of the positive effects of martial arts on his physical and mental well-being, along with his Chen-style Tai Chi fan performance, earned him rounds of applause from the judges and a high score.

In his acceptance remarks, he expressed gratitude to the International Student Office and the teachers who provided meticulous guidance throughout the competition.

By sharing his personal experiences of studying in China, he not only showcased his profound understanding of Chinese culture, but also offered the world an authentic and relatable perspective on life in China.

Source: Official WeChat account of International Education College, Shanghai Maritime University at "SMUIEC"