Core Points - The 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for International College Students was held in Melbourne, Australia, showcasing the growing interest in Chinese language and culture among students [1][2] - Ava Gibbons from Monash University won first place and will participate in the finals in China, highlighting the personal connection and cultural appreciation developed through her experiences in China [1][2] - The event was organized by the Chinese Consulate in Melbourne, emphasizing the role of language and culture in fostering understanding and cooperation between Australia and China [3][5] Group 1 - The competition featured 11 participants who demonstrated their Chinese language skills through speeches, poetry recitations, dances, songs, and martial arts [1] - Gibbons expressed her desire to use her Chinese language skills for future economic and trade activities between Australia and China [2] - The enthusiasm for the competition has been increasing, with many students eager to participate as soon as recruitment information is released [2][3] Group 2 - The event was supported by the Chinese Consulate, the Australian Chinese Teachers Association, and the Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University, indicating a collaborative effort to promote Chinese language education [3] - Colin Clark, the foreign director of the Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University, noted that learning Chinese will help Australian youth better understand China and inspire others to learn the language [5]