The National University of Samoa's Confucius Institute held a certificate presentation ceremony on Tuesday for students who had successfully completed Chinese language courses.

In his keynote address, the country's Deputy Head of Mission to Samoa, Cheung Jun congratulated the 16 students who had completed their studies.

“Both China and Samoa have a long history and splendid culture. People-to-people and cultural exchanges have been part and parcel of our bilateral relations. In recent years, the two sides have made fresh progress in many areas including Chinese language learning,” he said.

Mr Jun said due to collaboration with the N.U.S. the Confucius Institute opened in 2018, and has since produced about 600 “ambassadors” who promote China-Samoa friendship, and as a result ties between the people of Samoa and China has deepened.

“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. Over the past 100 years, through the continued efforts of the whole party and the entire nation, China has realised the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects,” he said.

“This means that we have brought about a historic resolution to the problem of absolute poverty in China, having emerged from poverty and weakness to the second largest economy in the world. 

"And we are now marching in confident strides toward the second centenary goal of building China into a great  modern socialist country in all respects."

Mr Jun said that modern China now carries more responsibilities promoting global development and addressing international challenges, such as tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said China was always willing to share its achievements and experience with people from other countries.

“As an old Chinese saying goes, ‘Friendship derives from close contact between the people and holds the key to sound state-to-state relations.’ 

"Language is the key not only to unlock the code of communications and understandings between peoples, but to explore more opportunities of self-development."

“By now, Chinese is spoken by the largest number of people in the world and there are more than 20 million overseas Chinese learners.

“I believe, by learning Chinese, you will be more capable of communicating with the world and remain at a more favorable situation to achieve success. 

"Mastering the Chinese language will bring all of you not only the chances of tapping into the potential of tremendous Chinese market, but also resources to pursue your dream in various fields."

Astrid Punivalu, a 14-year-old who studies at Samoa College, topped her class at the Confucius Institute with 100 marks.

She told the Samoa Observer after the ceremony that it feels good to be able to speak Chinese and with that knowledge, she feels confident conversing with Chinese nationals at shops and restaurants.

Ms Punivalu now plans to increase her command of the language so that she can speak the language fluently while considering education opportunities in China.