The elegance of language resides in its depth of meaning, while the warmth of vocabulary is embedded in its sound. Aiming to diversify the vibrant lives of Sias students, spark their enthusiasm for discovering foreign languages, and elevate the artistic appreciation among both faculty and students, the 7th Sias Non-Native Singing Contest successfully unfolded at the French Garden on the evening of October 30, enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and excitement. Dr. Shawn Chen, Founder and Chairman of Sias University, attended the event and delivered a speech. Dr. Jeni McRay, Vice President of Fort Hays State University, Ms. Haley Williams, Director of International Affairs, Ms. Sharon Graham, Intercultural Communication Specialist of International Affairs, and administrative leaders from CPC Sias Publicity Office (News Center), Mingli Residential College, ZhiShan Residential College, and HuanYu Residential College attended the event.

Dr. Chen emphasized in his speech that the Non-Native Singing Contest served as a vibrant platform, not only allowing Sias students to showcase impressive multilingual communication skills, but also offering a profound exploration of cultural integration. The beautiful scenery of the French Garden, coupled with the enchanting melodies, fully demonstrating Sias’s cultural heritage, international vision and dynamic development trajectory.

The 7th Sias Non-Native Singing Contest garnered enthusiastic participation of 66 contestants, comprising both Chinese and international students hailing from various professional and residential colleges of Sias University. Following rigorous screening processes in both preliminary and final competition rounds, an exceptional group of 13 contestants emerged, advancing to the grand finale. After the strict screening of the preliminary and final rounds, a total of 13 contestants stood out and successfully advanced to the final round. The competition venue buzzed with energy, as contestants belted out their songs with passion on stage. The audience, equally engaged, interacted enthusiastically from below, while over 200 Sias faculty and students cheered loudly for the performers, shouting encouragement and displaying their spirited support.

After intense competitions, Chinese contestant Liu Yixiang from Zhishan Residential College (School of Music and Drama) and Vietnamese contestant Yang Yuqiong (School of International Education) won the first prize in the professional and non-professional courses respectively. Chinese contestant Du Xuanming from Siqi Residential College (School of Music and Drama) won the second prize in the professional track, while Thai contestant Zhang Jinyue from the College of International Education, Iranian Shan Shan and Chinese contestant Wu Tongzi from Huanyu Residential College (School of Management) won the second prize in the non-professional course. Chinese contestants Yan Qingxiao (School of Music and Drama) and Liu Wenli (School of Music and Drama) won the third prize in the professional track. Indonesian contestant Chen Desheng (School of International Education), Chinese contestants Feng Yilin from Zhixing Residential College (School of Foreign Language), Xie Jianfei from Huanyu Residential College (School of Management), Gao Yisen from Boya Residential College (Kansas International School), and Kong Chenhui from Huanyu Residential College (Kansas International School) were awarded the third prize in the non-professional track.

Jointly organized by Sias Communist Youth League, Office of International Affairs and HuanYu Residential College, the 7th Sias Non-Native Singing Contest aimed to demonstrate the charm of culture, the internationalization and vibrant growth of Sias through the vitality of music. This contest served as a delightful opportunity to forge friendships through melodies and nurture cultural understanding, effectively erecting a bridge for cultural exchange among Chinese and international students.

When music transcends the boundaries of language, it binds the world together through melody. The 7th Sias Non-Native Singing Contest will not only propel Sias’s openness and cooperation with the global community but also infuse fresh momentum into the integration and evolution of the Sias’s educational model reform, serving as a shinning label to exhibit the distinct character of Sias in the new era.

Mr. Liu Dongwei, Deputy Secretary of the General Party Branch of Huanyu Residential College, 

Hosted the Contest

Dr. Shawn Chen, Founder and Chairman of Sias University, Delivered a Speech

The 7th Sias Non-Native Singing Contest

Third Prize

Second Prize

First Prize

Group Photo