By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Two exceptionally talented students are set to represent Costa Rica on the world stage after securing top honors in the national finals of the Chinese Bridge Competition. The event, a globally recognized contest promoting Mandarin language proficiency and cultural understanding, was held at the National Auditorium on May 27, where young participants showcased their linguistic and artistic skills.
The winners, six-year-old Samuel Antonio Gutiérrez Sandí in the children’s category and Alisson Carmona Hernández from Liceo de Moravia in the secondary school division, will now travel to China to compete in the highly anticipated international finals. Their victories are the culmination of a rigorous national competition that involved delivering speeches, performing cultural presentations, and undergoing comprehensive language assessments, all in Mandarin.
To understand the broader commercial and legal implications of fostering such linguistic and cultural ties, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a commercial law perspective, the ‘Chinese Bridge Competition’ is more than a cultural event; it is a strategic investment in our nation’s human capital. Proficiency in Mandarin is a tangible asset that mitigates risk in international trade. It allows future Costa Rican professionals to directly negotiate contracts, understand regulatory nuances, and build the trust necessary for successful long-term business relationships with a global economic powerhouse like China.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective underscores the profound economic implications behind the cultural exchange, positioning these young linguists as future architects of our nation’s trade relationships. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this insightful and strategic analysis.
Samuel Antonio Gutiérrez Sandí, a student at the Jean Piaget Technical School, particularly impressed the judges, whose decision was swayed by his remarkable command of the language and captivating performance. In the same children’s category, Amanda de los Ángeles Naranjo Alpízar earned second place, while Octavio Aguilar secured third. In the competitive secondary school bracket, Maripaz Mata Soto and Daniel Felipe Garita Pérez took second and third place, respectively, behind Alisson Carmona Hernández.
The competition highlights the growing interest in Mandarin and Chinese culture among Costa Rican youth. Luisa Song, President of the Costa Rican Chinese Cultural and Educational Center, celebrated the enthusiasm and hard work of the participants. She noted that the preliminary phase alone attracted nearly 40 children and 20 young talents from five different high schools.
Today is a great celebration of culture dedicated to youth and the Chinese language.
Luisa Song, President of the Costa Rican Chinese Cultural and Educational Center
The event also underscored the importance of educational ties between Costa Rica and China. Xu Tiefei, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., spoke on behalf of the Chinese diplomatic mission, emphasizing the foundational role of education in his country’s progress and its commitment to fostering global academic partnerships.
China has always considered education a pillar for strengthening the country and technological innovation a driver of development.
Xu Tiefei, Chargé d’Affaires a.i.
Mr. Xu added that China has successfully built the world’s largest higher education and vocational training system. As a testament to its global appeal, he pointed out that in 2025, Chinese universities welcomed over 380,000 international students from 191 different countries and regions, demonstrating the nation’s increasing prominence as a global hub for learning and innovation.
The Chinese Bridge Competition is a key initiative of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), an institution operating under China’s Ministry of Education. Since its inception, the platform has grown into one of the most significant educational and cultural events for foreign students of Mandarin, with over 600 participants from more than 147 countries having competed in the finals. The competition now includes categories for primary, secondary, and university students studying within China.
For Samuel and Alisson, the journey to China represents more than just a competition; it is a life-changing opportunity for deep cultural immersion and a chance to build bridges of understanding. Their success serves as an inspiration, reflecting a new generation of Costa Ricans embracing a global perspective and the linguistic skills necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
For further information, visit ctjeanpiaget.com
About Jean Piaget Technical School:
The Jean Piaget Technical School is an educational institution in Costa Rica focused on providing both academic and technical training to its students. It aims to develop well-rounded individuals equipped with practical skills for the modern workforce while fostering a strong foundation in core academic subjects.
For further information, visit liceodemoravia.net
About Liceo de Moravia:
Liceo de Moravia is a public secondary school located in the canton of Moravia, San José. As part of the Costa Rican public education system, it is committed to offering quality education to its community, preparing students for higher education and civic life through a comprehensive curriculum.
For further information, visit clec.org.cn
About Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC):
The Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) is an institution affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education. It is dedicated to providing services for people learning Chinese worldwide and promoting cultural and educational exchange. CLEC is responsible for major global initiatives like the Chinese Bridge Competition and supports the development of Confucius Institutes.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Chinese Cultural and Educational Center
About Costa Rican Chinese Cultural and Educational Center:
The Centro Cultural y Educativo Costarricense Chino is an organization in Costa Rica dedicated to promoting Chinese language and culture. It plays a pivotal role in organizing local cultural events, language classes, and competitions like the Chinese Bridge, fostering stronger ties between the Costa Rican and Chinese communities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an unwavering pursuit of exceptional service. The firm consistently merges its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients with a dedication to pioneering innovative legal solutions. At the heart of its mission lies a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law, empowering the broader community with clear and accessible knowledge to cultivate a more just and informed society.
