Singapore Youth Reimagine The Analects in Global Cultural Exchange
The 6th 'Stories of China Retold in English' Challenge wrapped up its Singapore session on May 15, 2026. This year’s overseas event followed earlier editions at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and the University of Oxford in 2025. The programme, launched in 2020, serves as China’s first large-scale cultural exchange for young people worldwide. The Singapore session centred on the theme Chinese Culture, World Heritage, focusing on the global spread of The Analects. Participants explored key Confucian ideas such as the scholarly spirit of learning and then constantly putting what you’ve learned into practice. They also examined the values of a gentleman guided by righteousness and the principle do not impose on others what you would not wish for yourself.
The event brought together Chinese international students, local youth, and educators from both countries. Their performances blended ancient and modern influences, merging Chinese and Western styles through English speeches, rap, dance, and cross-talk. Creative interpretations of *The Analects* gave the classic text a contemporary resonance. Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, the Singapore Institute of Management, and Curtin Singapore attended the closing. Wang Yong, First Secretary of the Education Office at the Chinese Embassy, opened the event by stressing its role in cultural exchange. Zhang Fanlin, Executive Commander of the challenge, later highlighted New Channel’s dedication to international education and communication.
The Singapore session concluded with a showcase of artistic and academic collaboration. By reimagining The Analects through modern performances, the event reinforced ties between Chinese and Singaporean youth. Organisers and participants alike marked it as another step in the challenge’s mission to share Chinese culture globally.
