The opening ceremony for the sixth "Stories of China Retold in English" Challenge was held at Shandong University (SDU) on Nov 24.

SDU President Li Shucai highlighted the contemporary mission of universities as key centers for cultural inheritance and innovation. He emphasized their key role in the new era: "telling China's story well and spreading China's voice". Li stated that SDU will innovate its "comprehensive communication" education model and expand immersive practical settings to cultivate students as lifelong learners, researchers, interpreters, and communicators of excellent traditional Chinese culture.

He affirmed SDU's commitment to building a joint community for cultural dissemination, deepening civilizational exchange with an open and inclusive attitude, and contributing to China's cultural strength and a harmonious world characterized by shared beauty and cooperation.

The appeal of cultural communication is clear from the distinguished guests attending, including Joey Katona, Chief Business Development Officer of TED, Dr. William N. Brown, Recipient of China's Friendship Award, American Professor at Xiamen University, Image Ambassador for the event, and British scholar David Symington, Chief Academic Advisor of the Conference, Vice President of Stories of China Research Institute, China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, who shared inspiring personal experiences.

The event culminated with an initiative launched by an undergraduate and a postgraduate of SDU, along with an Indonesian international student. They issued the "I Advocate China's Story" proposal, rallying youth to use the English language to effectively narrate China's story in the new era.

SDU students present an exciting drum and music show. [Photo/Shandong University]

SDU students present an immersive reading and recitation performance. [Photo/Shandong University]

The sixth "Stories of China Retold in English" Challenge is officially launched on Nov 24. [Photo/Shandong University]