From May 23^rd to 26^th , the inaugural English Presentation Competition—"Knowing Chinese Symbols, Telling China’s Stories"—hosted by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) under the Ministry of Education, concluded successfully at Xi’an International Studies University(XISU). The event brought together outstanding students from 30 universities across China to showcase their talents. After intense competition, The students from International College(IC), Xiamen University(XMU) stood out with their exceptional English proficiency and comprehensive skills, achieving remarkable results: Zhang Jiayu (Class of 2023) claimed "Best Presentation Award" with the highest overall score. Xie Anqi (Class of 2024) was honored with the "Outstanding Communication Award".Additionally, Ms. Xie Hao was recognized as an "Excellent Instructor", and IC received the title of "Outstanding Organizing Institution".

Themed "Knowing Chinese Symbols, Telling China's Stories", the competition featured two categories: Historical Culture and Modern Achievements. Participants demonstrated China's traditional heritage and contemporary progress through English presentations and talent performances. In the finals, Zhang Jiayu delivered her award-winning speech "When Water Sleeves Embrace the World: The Untold Story of Kunqu's Revival" while dressed in Du Liniang's exquisite Kunqu opera costume. Her presentation unfolded in three chapters:"A Gem in the River of History";"Silence and Rebirth"; and "Cultural Resonance: A Borderless Dance". She vividly portrayed the rise, decline, and revival of Kunqu Opera - a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage - perfectly capturing the poetic essence where "a sleeve becomes a river, a fan transforms into a painting." Her melodious vocals and refined movements during the Minxi Han Opera showcased the diversity of Chinese opera, embodying the Eastern aesthetic of "conveying spirit through form. Xie Anqi presented "China's Public Transportation: A Quiet Revolution for Equity", analyzing China's world-leading inclusive transit system through key data and case studies. His speech highlighted how infrastructure reflects China's people-centered philosophy. His subsequent flute performance transported the audience on a heroic adventure with its remarkable expressiveness.

IC attached great importance to this competition. Under the direct leadership of Tao Tao, Dean of IC, a special meeting was held to make preparations. The English Department developed a comprehensive selection mechanism, simultaneously encouraging student participation while organizing faculty members to provide personalized coaching. Through rigorous preliminary rounds, the most outstanding candidates were selected to represent the college.During the competition, Dean Tao led the delegation, offering continuous guidance and encouragement to participants. These achievements reflect our steadfast commitment to the educational philosophy of "Integrating Eastern and Western Strengths to Cultivate Global Talents".  In the future, the college will continue to innovate cross-cultural teaching methodologies, enhance student-centered holistic education,empower students to effectively narrate China's stories, and develop new-generation talents with both patriotic values and international perspectives , and Foster more student ambassadors for cultural exchange.

Following the event, Ma Xianghua,Deputy Party Secretary  of IC participated in an exchange symposium with leaders and faculty members from International College of Xi'an International Studies University (XISU) , International Education School of Ocean University of China; School of Continuing Education of University of International Business and Economics (UIBE). The discussion focused on ideological education and student management for study-abroad training programs. The symposium significantly enhanced experience-sharing between IC and peer institutions, facilitating mutual learning and adoption of advanced educational practices.