Fostering China-Samoa Exchanges - Meet First Batch of Local Chinese Language Teachers in Samoa, Hether Vaai and Matamaa Brandon Chou Lee

As more and more Samoans become interested in learning Chinese language and Chinese culture, the Chinese language program at the National University of Samoa continues to expand. In order to meet the growing demand for Chinese language learning, Chinese language teachers at the university actively explore innovative teaching methods, introducing Chinese culture, and contributing to cultural diplomacy between China and Samoa.

Hether Vaai and Matamaa Brandon Chou Lee, as featured in the "Samoa Observer"

Hether Vaai and Matamaa Brandon Chou Lee are among the first batch of local Chinese language teachers at the National University of Samoa. Both of them have studied in China for many years, and received Chinese scholarships, with insights of Chinese culture. They are also good friends of the Chinese people.

Hether Vaai and Matamaa Brandon Chou Lee share their teaching plans prior to the formal lesson

Hether Vaai, a graduate of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, holds an HSK 5 certificate. During her study abroad, she spent a year learning Chinese at Nanjing Normal University, followed by four years of undergraduate study in International Economy and Trade at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. She then pursued a two-year master's degree in Marketing at the same university, completing her seven-year consecutive study program for both bachelor's and master's degrees.

Hether Vaai is also an alumna of the National University of Samoa, where she developed her interest in Chinese language via a community course. She believes that learning Chinese not only helps to better understand Chinese culture and history but also provides more employment opportunities for students due to the increasingly essential role of Chinese language in global business. She expressed, "If the National University of Samoa is a large bridge, then I aspire to be a small bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Samoa."

Teaching in progress by Hether Vaai

Hether Vaai's grandmother is Chinese, and she grew up with a longing to explore the oriental charm of China until she finally had the opportunity to study there. She is particularly attached to Shanghai, where she has spent years studying and living, and expressed that Shanghai people are sophisticated and the city is well developed. She especially likes the living environment and specialties of Shanghai, and eagerly looks forward to returning to the beloved city whenever possible.

Matamaa Brandon Chou Lee, a graduate of Taiyuan University of Technology, holds a HSK 4 certificate. He spent five years living and studying in China, with the first year studying Chinese at Capital Normal University in Beijing and the subsequent four years pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Chinese Language Education at Taiyuan University of Technology in Shanxi.

Teaching in progress by Matamaa Brandon Chou Lee

As a Samoan, Matamaa Brandon Chou Lee is delighted to serve as a local Chinese language teacher, as it means teaching his own people how to speak and write Chinese, enhancing their language skills, and enabling them to communicate with the increasing number of Chinese people in Samoa. He has been studying Chinese calligraphy for many years and is eager to incorporate his personal experiences into teaching the profound art of Chinese calligraphy. And he actively suggests the school to offer calligraphy practice. "I will impart what I have learned to Samoan students, equipping them with additional skills to contribute to society and enhance friendship with the Chinese people," said Matamaa Brandon Chou Lee.

(Author: Jeff.wang)