Traditional Chinese culture preserved in Brunei

World
Europe

02:52

Famous Bruneian actor and singer Wu Chun loves his old school and still makes frequent visits. He graduated from Chung Hwa Middle School in Brunei, which specializes in teaching Chinese language and traditional values. Wu said he has spent about half of his time in China over the past decade, and what he learned at the school has benefited him a lot.

“It's hard to imagine if I didn't study Chinese and Chinese culture here. As an actor, I like costume dramas. I performed in several films related to Chinese history. If I want to give good performances, I really need to be well versed in traditional Chinese values, such as loyalty, courtesy and humility,” Wu told CGTN.

About 10 percent of the population in Brunei are of Chinese descent, and they have shown a strong will to inherit the traditional Chinese culture.

Chun Hwa Middle School has made exceptional efforts in the area. The school, established in 1918, had a few students in the beginning. Later, however, it has grown to be the largest Chinese language school in Brunei.

A group photo of Wu Chun and some teachers and students of Chun Hwa Middle School. /CGTN Photo

In recent years, as the cooperation between China and Brunei has strengthened, more non-Chinese students have enrolled. Now over 2,300 students are studying here, who can learn the Chinese language and traditional Chinese culture, such as calligraphy, dancing, musical instruments and martial arts.

The school said its goal is to teach students how to be upright citizens. “We tell them to care for society. They should always have gratitude, and use what they learn in school to make contribution to society,” said Xu Yuelan, principal of the school.

The teachers and students are very excited about the coming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Wu Chun (L) talks with Xu Yuelan, principal of Chuan Hwa Middle School. /CGTN Photo

Wu said, “I went to China to play in basketball matches, when I was in middle school. This culture exchange program impressed me a lot at that time. China's Belt & Road Initiative provides a great opportunity for the two countries to strengthen cultural exchanges.”

Many Bruneians say they share the same expectations and hope relations between the two countries can enter a new era in the near future.

(Top image: Wu Chun's Chinese calligraphic work which reads, "the Belt and Road". /CGTN Photo)