Editor's note – Over the last few years, China has offered more scholarships to a greater number of countries in a bid to open up the country to students from around the world. In this open letter, originally published by Jamaica Gleaner, one such graduate thanks Fan Jianghong, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Jamaica, for the opportunity. 

THE EDITOR, Sir:

This is an open letter to Fan Jianghong, counsellor, economic and commercial, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Jamaica.

A year has passed since I graduated with honours from the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China, with an International Executive Masters in Business Administration degree.

On this the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to you and to the people of China for affording me this scholarship opportunity. Graduating first in my MBA class, I earned the privilege of giving the commencement speech, the words spoken will help you to understand the depth of my gratitude.

Below is an excerpt from my speech on June 26, 2018:

“What is the one most profound realisation that has fundamentally impacted me from the experience and interaction with China and its people? We hail from countries which differ vastly in geographic size and location.

“We differ by our religious beliefs and customs. We share different perspectives, viewpoints, and opinions.

“We differ by the colour of our skin, by the languages we speak, by the type of political and economic structure employed by our nations, by our traditions, cultural norms, and dare I say even values. Yet, the most profound realisation I have had ​is that we are all more alike than we are different!

“We all have similar fears, insecurities, wants, needs, desires, ambitions, passions, hopes, and dreams for a brighter tomorrow.”

I am grateful for the experience to live and study in China graciously afforded me by the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica and, by extension, the people of China. I would like to continue to play my part in further strengthening the understanding and cooperation between our nations.

I look forward to visiting China again soon and for many years to come!

DOMINIC AZAN