Recently, the finals of the 5th “Telling China’s Stories in English” Contest concluded in Beijing. With her heartfelt passion and expressive performance on Yue Opera, Malaysian student Liew Zhu Hui won the national “Star of Elegance” title (first place) in the international students’ category. Her story of discovering Yue Opera was also featured on platforms such as Xuexi Qiangguo.
Liew Zhu Hui is a 2024 master’s student in Editing and Publishing Studies at CUZ’s School of Publishing. Her connection with Yue Opera began at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games Opening Ceremony, when she was moved by the lyric “Jiangnan is good, its scenery once so familiar.” From then on, she became captivated by the graceful singing style and emotional depth of Yue Opera, making it a daily habit to watch performances. For her, Yue Opera has become both an entry point to Chinese culture and a personal “Jiangnan bond.” On stage, her slightly accented yet deeply emotional singing won warm applause from the audience. She said she hopes more people can discover the world of Chinese opera and experience its subtle yet passionate aesthetic.
Dedication and Growth
In preparing for the competition, Liew admitted she faced challenges in spoken fluency and stage presence. With guidance from CUZ teachers Tong Zhaoqin and Guo Xi, she practiced intensively—sitting in on Peking Opera classes, training her voice in dance studios, and polishing her movements. Her perseverance paid off, and she stood out among many strong contestants to win the top prize.
At the award ceremony, performing in full opera makeup for the first time, she reflected:
“I had heard that putting on the makeup meant inheriting the responsibility to carry opera forward. But I only truly felt it when I put on the costume and crown. At that moment, I had only one thought: to give my best performance on stage.”
This journey not only brought her honor but also inspired her to begin learning Peking Opera, further exploring the richness of Chinese aesthetics. She valued most the chance to give her all on stage and to share stories and emotions with peers from around the world.
Broader Impact
Liew’s story illustrates how genuine cultural dialogue transcends borders and fosters emotional resonance. The contest itself is not just about cultural promotion but about heart-to-heart communication. In today’s globalized world, the international dissemination of Chinese culture needs more “cultural ambassadors” like Liew—individuals who build bridges with passion and authenticity, presenting a comprehensive, truthful, and vivid image of China.
CUZ Achievements
This year, 32 CUZ international students participated in the contest. 22 won awards, including 1 grand prize, 11 first prizes, 4 second prizes, 3 third prizes, and 3 merit awards. These results highlight the achievements of the “Study at CUZ” initiative, which focuses on cultivating global talents who can tell China’s stories well and spread China’s voice effectively.
CUZ has always prioritized international talent cultivation. Leveraging its strengths in media and arts, the university has developed unique courses that integrate professional training with Chinese cultural learning. It also provides immersive cultural experiences through visits, joint projects, and international competitions. Guided by the principle of “knowing, befriending, and loving China”, CUZ is committed to preparing every international student to become a bridge for dialogue between China and the world, contributing lasting vitality to global cultural exchange.
