China fair promotes higher learning
FILIPINOS who want to study at the top universities in China, such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China and Shanghai University, now have the chance to enter their dream academic institutions after Chinese Testing International (CTI) hosted the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK), translated as the Chinese Proficiency Test, at the ShangriLa Hotel in Makati City on Sunday, March 17.
The 45 exhibitors at the HSK Study in China Education and Career Expo are well-known schools and enterprises offering undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees. They have attracted hundreds of students and professionals exploring the possibility of landing a scholarship in Asia’s best schools based on the QS World University and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings.
Professor Cynthia Liang, Ateneo de Manila University Confucius Institute Chinese director, said the first HSK Study in China Education and Career Expo was held in the Philippines in 2017. CTI has spearheaded these expos in more than 40 countries, including Mexico, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines.
“Based on the renowned HSK examination brand, the HSK Study in China Education and Career Expo aims to serve as an information bridge and communication gateway between Chinese universities, Chinese and foreign enterprises, and international students,” CTI said.
“It has become a new platform for cultural and educational exchanges, as well as recruitment and employment, and has won recognition and praise from numerous institutions, students, and domestic and overseas enterprises,” it added.
Four senior high school students of St. Stephen’s High School — Neilkenson Uy, Jedrek Will Go, Jordan Aaron Chua and Denver Jerome Cua — came late in the afternoon to explore the possibility of getting into one of the universities that participated in the expo.
Although one of them has already been accepted at the De La Salle University for college, the others see the opportunity of getting into China’s touted best universities. Chinese academicians at the expo told The Manila Times that Peking University and Tsinghua University are the top 2 in China and certainly are the best in Asia and among the best in the world.
Already a professional, Steven Elliot Nicdao is looking into pursuing an MBA at Shanghai University. Wang Tianyi, who manned the booth of Shanghai University, said they wanted to have more Filipinos on their campus.
Sheng Xiwen, deputy dean of Chinese Studies and Cultural Exchange at Renmin University of China, said they hope to offer the best psychology, education and journalism degrees in China and accept students from the Philippines in the coming semesters.
“We aim to cater to students interested in studying in China or seeking employment, parents aspiring for their children to study and work in China, school teachers involved in organizing students for studying and employment in China, candidates preparing for the HSK examination, and anyone seeking the latest, most professional, and authoritative advice on studying and employment opportunities,” CTI said.
The expo was co-hosted by the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center, which serves like the Department of Education (DepEd) for Chinese schools in the Philippines; the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Manila University; and the Asian Integrative Studies and Dialogue Center.
Visit https://ateneoconfucius. com/chinese-proficiency-test/ for more information.