Toronto Ontario Canada — January 13th, supported by the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto, People’s Daily Network Overseas Edition, Convergence Media, and well-known local media CCTV Medium co-organized this Gala. China Construction Bank Toronto Branch sponsored the 2020 “Chinese Stories Chinese New Year” Chinese-Canadian Chinese New Year Gala, which was held and recorded in Richmond Hill on January 12, local time. The Gala was broadcasted on television stations in major cities in China. Chinese people around the world were able to watch the live broadcast of the Gala through iQiyi and Youtube.
As the organizer, Canada People’s Daily Network Overseas Edition and Convergence Media executive general manager, and Canada CCTV Medium director, Jennifer Zhu introduced the main business content of People’s Daily Network Overseas Edition and Convergence Media to the attending guests. Jennifer Zhu said: Overseas Chinese media is an important bridge for promoting cultural exchanges between China and other countries. It is an important player in sharing and spreading the stories and voices of the Chinese people. As the official website of the overseas edition of People’s Daily, People’s Daily Network Overseas Edition is committed to building an international communication platform for new media with great influence in China and abroad. This platform provides in quick time, reliable breaking news in China, international politics news, especially concerning China, to our audience comprised of mainly overseas Chinese students, Chinese embassy and consulate members, Chinese enterprises and overseas Chinese readers. At present, People’s Daily network Overseas Edition has built a cross-platform communication matrix with various forms including online platforms, mobile platforms such as Haike news, Haike video, Weibo, WeChat, and other forms – thus, becoming a mainstream international media source as well as important Chinese overseas media outlet. This year’s 2020 Chinese stories Chinese New Year Gala organized by the joint effort of the People’s Daily network overseas edition, Convergence Media, and CCTV Medium has the goal of creating a Chinese story and carrying forward Chinese culture in Toronto. It is also one of the Chinese consulate general in Toronto’s “Happy Spring Festival” events, the purpose of which is to fully express the influence of overseas Chinese media networks, share and spread the stories and voices of the Chinese people, let the world know about China and let China walk into the world.
Baohua Yang, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto and the three levels of Canadian government spoke highly of the Gala. Baohua Yang, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto said: The Chinese consulate general has always been very supportive of the “Chinese stories Chinese New Year” Gala. The Chinese government wants overseas organizations to tell Chinese stories and to spread Chinese voices and we are also happy to see the participation of local Chinese Canadians.
MP Majid Jowhari said: Your Gala, “Chinese Stories Chinese New Year”, told Chinese stories to Canadians in a variety of ways, helping more people know about China, and I hope you can continue to do so.
MP HanDong said: Chinese culture is vast and profound. Coming here during the Spring Festival time to share with the non-Chinese residents Chinese culture and stories so that they can better understand our culture and way of life is very meaningful.
Nianbei Sun, General Manager of China Construction Bank Toronto Branch said: Through sponsoring the “Chinese Stories Chinese New Year” Gala, the Toronto branch of China Construction Bank not only promotes traditional Chinese culture, but also encourages the growth and flourishing of overseas Chinese culture. Additionally, it is beneficial to CCB in integrating into and taking root in the local area, thus enhancing its popularity and influence in the Chinese community. At the same time, through this event, we hope to build a festive and peaceful holiday atmosphere and to help our fellow Chinese people far away from their homeland to relieve their homesickness and to enjoy a happy holiday.
Xinsheng Zhong, Co-Chairman of Ontario Chinese Federation said: Holding such a rare and special Chinese-Canadian cultural evening every year is a commendable contribution. It shows the active work of the Chinese to spread Chinese culture and to integrate Chinese culture here in Toronto.
Canadian and Chinese cultural ambassador Dashan said in an interview: According to his 30-year experience telling his own story, the Chinese story is each of our stories. In terms of contributing to the cultural exchange between China and Canada, in fact, all I can do is put on a good show, and use my story in China and my story in Canada to reflect the story of Chinese and Canadian cultural exchange.
As a well-known cultural brand in Canada, the “Chinese Stories Chinese New Year” Gala has attracted the attention of numerous local Chinese-Canadians. The overall performance level is high and the forms are diverse. It meets the audience needs of different ethnicities, ages and experiences – the biggest feature of this Gala. This year’s Gala continued to be produced by the Yanyi Alliance. In addition to continuing the high quality performances, beautiful classical dances, youthful modern dances, classic opera bits, and compelling skits, a well-known comic actor was also part of the show this year. He is someone the Chinese audience is very familiar with – the former Beijing Olympics Canadian special envoy and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of Canada’s highest order – none other than Mark Rowswell, also known as Dashan. The audience had incredible things to say about the whole Gala: “The time passed too fast, a dozen shows ended so soon. Each performance was wonderful.”
The “Chinese Stories Chinese New Year” Chinese-Canadian Chinese New Year Gala was welcomed and well reviewed by the locals in Toronto. This year is already the third year. The theme of the evening was to tell Chinese stories and to promote Chinese culture, allowing the vast number of overseas Chinese and Chinese-Canadians to feel a greater sense of engagement with their home country and to encourage different ethnic groups in Toronto to better understand China.
At the same time, the event counted on the unique advantages of overseas Chinese media to further enhance the international influence of Chinese culture, strength the cooperation and communication between China and other countries in various fields, and help to realize the “Chinese Dream”. (Overseas Network – Zhu Fengjie, Gao Ning) (Photography Team – Tommy, Ken, Alex, Jasmine, Quartz, Qingquan, Ma Miao)
