China is sparking growing interest among young Malagasy people. Thousands of individuals aged 15 to 35 participated in the second edition of the general knowledge competition on China, organized by the Chinese Embassy. The final was held last Saturday at the Confucius Institute in Antananarivo.
“More than four thousand candidates from different regions were selected. The level of the participants has clearly improved, even though the competition presents a relatively high level of difficulty,” noted Prisca Rasoanirina, the Malagasy director of the Confucius Institute in Antananarivo.
This progress was also noted by the Chinese Embassy. “The candidates are truly very strong. The questions are quite difficult, even for an ordinary Chinese person, but they seem too easy for these students,” said Wan Peng, Minister-Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Madagascar.
This enthusiasm is largely explained by the progress in learning the Chinese language and culture, with a constantly increasing number of learners and the multiplication of training centers in the regions. “Teaching and promoting the Chinese language and culture is, moreover, the essential mission of the Confucius Institute,” continues Prisca Rasoanirina.
Mastery of the Chinese language and culture could also open up new professional perspectives for young people. “Trade relations between our two countries are increasingly intense. For a decade, China has been Madagascar’s leading trading partner. Strengthening knowledge about China will open up more professional opportunities for these young people,” emphasizes Wan Peng.
The first-prize winner, who received two million ariary, Avo Finoana Princie Razafindraibe, a first-year student at the University of Antsirabe, aims to develop commercial activities with China after pursuing her studies in that country.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-01 06:24:10 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/langues-et-cultures-etrangeres-la-chine.html