The final of the first Chengdu Media Group (CMG) Foreign Language Speaking Contest took place on December 25. With superior foreign language capabilities and great confidence, the 15 finalists from the CMG shared their thoughts and suggestions on how to develop the group into one of China's top platforms for international communication and enable it to be a new-type media conglomerate in the country.

"I believe this competition gives the staff a good chance to show their foreign language abilities. I often need to communicate with foreigners during interviews, which makes me realize the importance of excellent foreign language ability for a journalist," said Mr. Ma Ding, one of the finalists.

Mr. Nicolas, a member of the judge panel, acclaimed highly the competitors' capabilities, and he even said that their English language skills are better than his. "Their interpretations of the topics for the contest are insightful and interesting, giving me, a foreigner, a better understanding of the latest policies and measures of both the Chinese national government and Chengdu city government," he said.