Metro Vancouver, BC. – Breaking down cultural barriers with the power of song.
Speaking the international language of music, Andrew Yang, an acupuncture student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) was awarded second prize at the 2016 BC University Students 'Chinese Bridge' Mandarin Singing Contest on Nov. 19.
Open to post-secondary students who are non-native Chinese speakers, the contest aims to stimulate enthusiasm for Chinese learning and to enhance understanding of Chinese language and culture.
A native English speaker, Yang is enrolled in a first-year Mandarin course with the language and cultures department at KPU. Mandarin classes are part of the acupuncture program and are designed to provide an advantage in clinical settings.
“Andrew embodies how KPU is an incredible place to succeed, both in and out of the classroom,” said Dr. Yanfeng Qu, Yang’s KPU Mandarin instructor. “We have talent right in our backyard and we should feel very proud to live and work in such a great community.”
For Yang, being recognized by a panel of well-known Chinese language linguistics and music professionals means he is doing something right when it comes to balancing a busy student life and heavy course load.
“Learning Mandarin and about Chinese culture has been so much fun, it doesn’t feel like school sometimes,” said Yang. “My Mandarin courses at KPU have helped me not only to sing in another language, but also better understand certain aspects of practicing acupuncture.”
Already musically inclined, Yang also has a part-time job teaching piano. He lives in Vancouver.
Download a photo of Yang from Flickr.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contacts:
Tatiana Tomljanovic
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
tatiana.tomljanovic@kpu.ca
Corry Anderson-Fennell
Manager, Media and Communications
t: 604.599.2840
c: 604.828.5232
corry.anderson-fennell@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
Flickr
RSS