Vietnamese teen places third in global Chinese language competition

Nguyen Thanh Mai, a senior at the Foreign Language Specialized School under Vietnam National University in Hanoi, outperformed nearly 120 contestants from across five continents to take third place worldwide at the 18th annual Chinese Bridge competition for high school students.

The competition, organized by China's National Hanban and held annually since 2002, tests foreign students on their fluency in Chinese language and understanding of Chinese culture. 

It has drawn participants from more than 140 countries over the past two decades.

Mai's achievement marks Vietnam's best result in the contest's history. 

The previous national record was a second-place finish at the continental level.

"This was the first time I had truly tested my limits under intense time pressure," Mai said after the final round, held in late September in China. 

"I felt proud and honored to represent my country on the international stage. 

"All the effort was worth it."

From humble beginnings to global stage

Mai's journey with Chinese began in early childhood, nurtured by her family's love of Chinese culture. 

She recalls sitting beside her grandfather as he practiced calligraphy, while her mother and grandmother often watched Chinese television dramas.

"I started learning out of interest," she said. 

"But it's a complex language—there were times I wanted to give up, especially when I struggled with Chinese characters."

Encouraged by a dedicated teacher during her ninth-grade year, Mai pushed through early difficulties and steadily climbed Vietnam's academic ranks in Chinese language. 

By 10th grade, she had placed third in a university-level Chinese Olympiad. 

In 11th grade, she won first prize.

She also reached the top nine in a national public speaking contest organized by the Chinese Language Club at Hanoi University, and earned her HSK level 6 certification—the highest in the Chinese proficiency system—with a perfect score.

Intense competition process

Mai first learned about the Chinese Bridge competition in ninth grade but failed to qualify during her school's internal selection round the following year. 

Determined, she redoubled her efforts and eventually won Vietnam's national round, securing the country's only spot in the global final.

She flew to China on September 12 to compete in the international round against 119 students from around the world. 

Over four intense elimination rounds, contestants were narrowed down from 120 to 30, then to 15, and finally to the top five—each representing a continental champion.

Mai consistently placed third in Asia during the early rounds before leaping to first place in the final continental round, securing her position in the global top five.

Her final performance, which included a talent segment prepared in just three and a half hours with limited rehearsal time, was awarded third-best globally.

Eye on the future

For her achievement, Mai won a three-year scholarship from the Confucius Institute. 

She plans to focus on her high school graduation exams and prepare for overseas university applications.

"If I pursue the Confucius Institute scholarship, I'll major in Chinese language," she said. 

"Otherwise, I'm considering a degree in communications."

Mai credits her fluency to consistent exposure to the language in daily life. 

"I treat Chinese like a second mother tongue," she said. 

"I watch TV shows and movies to practice listening and pronunciation—it's both fun and effective."

She also leverages AI tools to review grammar and vocabulary before important exams. 

"It's been really helpful, especially with writing practice," she said.

According to her teacher, Mai's linguistic skills are matched by strong leadership and artistic abilities. 

"By 10th grade, her Chinese pronunciation was nearly native," Chu Minh Ngoc, Mai's homeroom teacher, said. 

"She's confident on stage, a capable leader, and handles pressure extremely well."

Ngoc recalled a tense moment during the continental finals, where Mai was considered an underdog against standout competitors from Laos and Indonesia.

"Most team leaders expected the student from Laos to win," she said. 

"Mai was nervous, but she pulled through with a high score that stunned everyone. 

"We were overjoyed."