On December 19, 2025, the Tuansheng Student Activity Center at East China University of Political Science and Law’s Songjiang Campus was a glow with lights and filled with laughter as the “2026 Faculty and Student New Year Party,” organised by the International School was grandly held.
Faculty and students from more than tencountries and regions―including China, Russia, Malaysia, Cameroon, and Canada―gathered together to welcome the new year through a vibrant array of performances such as song and dance, instrumental music, Tai Chi, and a cappella, beautifully showcasing the harmony and richness of multicultural exchange.
The party was co-hosted by Zhang Handuo from China and Pay Jin Yi from Malaysia, whose bilingual hosting flowed smoothly and naturally, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere throughout the evening.
The entire performance was filled with highlights and emotional peaks: the university dance troupe presented their original piece "Bamboo Grove Silhouettes," capturing the ethereal grace of traditional Chinese aesthetics; Mbiadje Zhia Kaelin, a student from Cameroon, delivered a heartfelt rendition of "That’s New Year to Me,"expressing sincere New Year wishes; and teacher Wiley Krapf captivated the audience with his self-accompanied performances of "The Moon Represents My Heart" and "Wildest Dreams," artfully blending Chinese andWestern classics―an inspired fusion that earned thunderous applause.
Traditional Chinese cultural elements were woven throughout the entire party: the university’s Chinese folk music ensemble performed a captivating guzheng (Chinese zither) trio arrangement of “Canonin D,” ingeniously interpreting a Western classical masterpiece with traditional Chinese instruments. Xie Fangyu, a Canadian student, dressed in simple, elegant attire and wielding a tai chi fan, delivered a powerful yet graceful performance of “Cang Hai Yi Sheng Xiao” (“A Hero’s Song”), perfectly embodying the philosophical depth and balance of Eastern thought. The S.O.S. Silent Vocal A Cappella Group brought youthful energy to the stage with their unaccompanied rendition of “Jimmy & Janice” (“Zhi Ming Yu Chun Jiao”), filling the hallwith fresh, vibrant charm.
Additionally, 2025 cohort freshmen Hu Mingyue, Yu Siqi, and Xu Shenghao showcased the multifaceted talents of Gen-Z international students―presenting the dynamic dance “Bite + Sport Car” and vocal performances of “Flower Sea” (“Hua Hai”) and “Always Online.” Finally, the Chinese language program elevated the festive spirit to its peak with their joyful Russian New Year song, “Novogodnyaya (New Year).”
The party also featured two rounds of the“Outstanding Student” award ceremony, recognizing students who have excelled in academics, practical engagement, and cross-cultural exchange, inspiring all attendees to strive for excellence and bridge Chinese and global perspectives.
This party was not only an audio-visual feast, but also a vivid demonstration of mutual learning among civilizations. Teachers and students performed together on stage, resonating in harmony―deepening mutual understanding through song and dance, and forging bonds of friendship through laughter and applause. The International School remains committed to fostering an open, inclusive, warm, and caring international educational environment, enabling every student to feel a true sense of “home” on the ECUPL campus and to jointly enjoy a culturally rich celebration grounded in the spirit of “harmony in diversity.”
In the new year, East China University of Political Science and Law will continue to deepen the substance of its international education, empowering Chinese and international youth to walk hand in hand toward an even more vibrant and promising future!
