The Chinese Center of John Naisbitt University and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Serbia organized the opening of the photo exhibition ‘A new perspective on the Silk Road’ and the celebration of the Chinese New Year. This event was held for the third year in a row. Its aim is to celebrates, together with professors and students, the most important Chinese holiday – the Spring Festival.
On Monday, 1 February the guests were welcomed by the Rector of John Naisbitt University professor Dr. Slobodan Pajović, as well the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Serbia, His Excellency Li Manchang. The program was moderated by the Director of the China Centre, Assistant professor Dr. Katarina Zakić.
His Excellency, Li Mancang said he was confident that John Naisbitt University would educate many professionals who would speak Chinese.
‘Also a lot of Chinese students who will speak Serbian, and will receive a diploma of your university’, said Li in his address to the present officials.
The program involved the participation of the students from Chinese Hebei University of Foreign Studies who are currently studying Serbian within the Chinese Center, as well as Serbian students currently learning Chinese, along with their professor Dr. Natasa Kostic. In addition, the diverse program inspired by Chinese culture and tradition involved the participation of elementary school “Kralj Petar II Karađorđević” pupils, as well as the pupils of secondary ballet school ‘Lujo Davico’ (who danced to an excerpt from the ballet of ‘The Nutcracker’).
According to the Chinese calendar, this year celebrates the Year of the monkey. The Chinese zodiac system says that the monkey year should be successful, while the persons born under this sign are characterized by intelligence, wit, vivacity, courage and creativity. According to Chinese tradition, the monkey is also the symbol of royalty, fortune and wealth.
At the end of the ceremony, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, professor Dr. Ana Jovancai Stakic and professor emeritus Miloš Šobajić presented the Ambassador Li Manchang with Šobajić’s painting called ‘The Hand of Friendship’.
