A Lebanese student sings during a Chinese singing contest in Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 18, 2018. About 40 participants took part in the competition. The Lebanese students, whether university, middle or primary school ones, all have shown great enthusiasm for learning Chinese in recent years. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

by Dana Halawi

BEIRUT, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese students were excited on Sunday to take part in the Ambassador's Cup, a Chinese singing contest, to show their skills to the audience.

Around 40 students, aged between six and 25, participated in the contest, showing the growing interest of the Lebanese people in the Chinese language.

"I have always wanted to learn Chinese which is a very important language," 18-year-old Martine Mardini told Xinhua.

"I have always had a great interest in the Asian culture," she added.

Mardini, who won the first place in the contest for students of her age, studies Chinese language at the Lebanese University.

The language is not easy, but with practice it becomes easier, she said, adding that she participated in the contest with the encouragement from her teacher.

"It is a challenge I wanted to take. I worked a lot to memorize the song but I am very happy about it," Mardini said.

Likewise, 25-year-old Elsa Maria Karam said she felt very excited about the singing contest.

"I participated to get to know other people interested in the Chinese culture," said Karam, who has been learning Chinese for four years.

"I am applying for jobs in different parts of China," she said, adding that she is interested in working in management consultancy in China.

Meanwhile, Gina Dagher, also a contestant, said she participated in the contest because she loves "to sing in Chinese and to see others singing as well."

Dagher, who started learning Chinese at a younger age, does not see the language so difficult as others.

"I find it very easy to learn Chinese. I am planning to continue learning this language," the nine-year-old said.

Eliana Ibrahim, managing director at the International Union of Chambers and Associations, highlighted the fun and interest of the contest.

The contest allowed children and students to sing happily while practising the Chinese language, she said, adding that such competitions are more valuable than keeping asking students to write essays.

Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Wang Kejian agreed that such an event encourages Lebanese students to learn the Chinese language, and increases their interest in the Chinese culture.

The Lebanese students, whether university, middle or primary school ones, all have shown great enthusiasm for learning Chinese in recent years, Wang told Xinhua.

"We think this is a very good step to enhance the culture exchange and to strengthen the friendship between the two countries," he noted.

In addition, businessmen in Lebanon are also showing interest in the Chinese language, according to Ibrahim.

She attributed the Lebanese interest in the Chinese language to the increasing number of business events between the two countries in the past few years.

Bilateral relations over the past years have evolved in a remarkable way, witnessing increased visits from both countries aimed at boosting ties on all levels.

"When you learn the Chinese language you also learn the culture which helps you in better dealing with the Chinese people on the business level," said Ibrahim.