The China Cultural Center in Malta launched its 2024-2025 term on Tuesday, introducing a fresh lineup of classes in Chinese language, traditional Chinese painting, and calligraphy, offering locals new ways to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

The Chinese language classes, taught by instructors from the Confucius Institute at the University of Malta, span from beginner to intermediate levels and are tailored to different age groups and skill levels. For the first time, the center has introduced a dedicated Chinese reading class for children under eight, a reflection of the rising interest in the language among Malta's younger learners.

Among the students is 66-year-old Ray Magri, who has been studying Chinese for five years, driven by his passion for Chinese culture. Citing the old Chinese saying, "Never too old to learn," Magri shared his intention to continue learning for as long as he can.

Another student, Piero Di Meglio, hopes to become fluent in Chinese, including speaking, reading, and writing. A seasoned traveler to China, Di Meglio has reached HSK Level 3, the international benchmark for Chinese proficiency, and aims to advance to Levels 4 and 5 in the coming years.