Source: Party Committee Communication Department (News Center) of Chengdu University
Today (July 26), the Chengdu 2025 World Games torch relay officially commenced. This marks the first torch relay in the history of The World Games. The route connects six iconic Chengdu landmarks—from the ancient Shu civilization's radiance at Sanxingdui to the brilliance of Jinsha Ruins, from the ecological haven of Chengdu Panda Base to the Three Kingdoms legacy at Wuhou Shrine, through the poetic elegance of Sansu Temple, and finally to Xinglong Lake, showcasing the city's modern park-city landscape. With 120 torchbearers across six stations, the relay traces Chengdu's evolution from its cultural origins to its contemporary future.
At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Ong Xin Ning, a Malaysian international student majoring in Broadcasting and Television Editing (Class of 2023), served as the 44th torchbearer. She received the torch—symbolizing peace and friendship—from Zhao Hailing, a national rural youth entrepreneurship pioneer, and passed it to Tang Guoliang, a provincial inheritor of Sichuan’s Giant Puppet Theater. Though the relay segment spanned just dozens of meters, it bridged diverse narratives: rural revitalization, intangible cultural heritage preservation, and international youth engagement.
"From scientists and athletes to ride-hailing drivers—even Jackie Chan, whom Malaysians adore—people from all walks of life carried the torch. As a Malaysian student, I feel incredibly lucky to participate!" Post-relay, Ong shared her firsthand impression of "an open China" with reporters: "Here, everyone can be part of the celebration."
Passing the Torch: From Universiade to The World Games
In July 2023, Chengdu hosted the 31st FISU World University Games. When the torch relay reached its final stop at Dong’an Lake Sports Park, footage of Moukpalakham Nounbaikham, a Laotian international student from our university (109th torchbearer), became a recurring highlight on campus screens and official social media. Inspired, Ong dreamed of one day holding the torch herself.
The Chengdu 2025 World Games is not only the first edition held in mainland China but also another major international multi-sport event for China’s western region post-Universiade.
Upon learning about torchbearer recruitment, Ong immediately applied. While awaiting results, she doubted her chances—until an unexpected call electrified her afternoon: "Ong Xin Ning, congratulations! You’ve been selected as a Chengdu 2025 torchbearer."
She initially planned to share the news with family and friends but deleted her drafted messages, opting instead to surprise them by urging them to watch the live broadcast.
As a student torchbearer, Ong embraced the responsibility. She trained daily for a month—fasted cardio in mornings, strength workouts in evenings—to embody the Games’ motto: "Boundless Sports, Infinite Wonders." "We’re passing not just a torch but the spirit of unity in diversity," she reflected.
Ong began practicing wushu at 15. The discipline debuted as an invitational event at the 2009 Kaohsiung World Games and will now feature as an official sport in Chengdu, with sanda (combat) and taolu (forms) divisions. Her younger sister, a taolu practitioner, aspires to join Malaysia’s national team. "We’re both thrilled to witness wushu at Chengdu 2025," Ong said.
Chengdu University: My Second Home
"Here, I’ve found familial warmth."
In high school, Ong developed a passion for videography, producing works for campus media. Drawn by Chengdu University’s strong reputation in Broadcasting and Television Directing, scenic campus, and international-student-friendly policies, she applied with her family’s support. "They wanted me to broaden my horizons," she recalled.
Arriving from Malaysia (3,000+ km away) in September, Ong was initially anxious—until her homeroom teacher Feng Yubing reassured her: "Call me ‘Mommy.’ I’m your family in China. Come to me for anything." Feng helped navigate visa issues, encouraged competition participation, and even spurred Ong’s torchbearer application. "I used to overthink and fear mistakes. Without her guidance, I’d never have stepped out of my comfort zone," Ong admitted.
As a freshman, Ong joined the International Student Support Team, organizing large-scale events for the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts International Department and hosting foreign delegates. For the 2023 International Arts Festival, she woke at 6:30 AM to prepare nasi lemak (Malaysian coconut rice). "Seeing Chinese classmates love it made my day!"
Adapting to Chengdu’s cuisine proved effortless. Ong swiftly fell for Sichuan’s "intense numbing-spicy" flavors—"The food here is amazing! Spicy chicken, skewers, hotpot..."—though she gained 10 pounds in her first year. "I still opt for ‘mild spicy’ in hotpot," she laughed.
But mastering the Sichuan dialect challenged her. As a fourth-gen Malaysian Chinese, canteen staff often mistook her for local, rapid-fire dialect leaving her baffled. Over two years, she grew to adore the dialect’s charm, learning phrases like "巴适得很!" ("So satisfying!") to praise food.
Her Camera: Another "Torch"
Raised with Chinese cultural traditions, Ong now leverages her videography skills to spotlight China’s intangible heritage.
Her documentaries—"New Chengdu Youth on the Silk Road" and "Foreigners Meet Qing Shen Bamboo Weaving"—won awards including: Excellence Prize, 4th China-ASEAN Friendship Cooperation Short Video Contest, National Excellence Award, "My Beautiful Encounter with China, Second Prize, Panda Reporter Short Video Competition.
Filming Qing Shen bamboo weaving stunned her. Artisans Yin and his daughter, with skeleton-craftsman Liu, were attempting a 99-meter bamboo dragon after their 80-meter version set a Guinness World Record. "Their meticulous craftsmanship moved me deeply," Ong said. "I hope more people discover and cherish China’s living heritage."
On July 17, the China-Malaysia mutual visa exemption took effect, allowing 30-day visa-free travel. "This will deepen our ties," Ong cheered. She urges Malaysians to visit Chengdu for the Games, explore Kuanzhai Alley or Yulin Road’s laid-back vibe, and experience Sichuan opera face-changing. "Pro tip: Keep your Games tickets—they unlock discounts at restaurants and attractions under China’s ‘ticket-stub economy’!"
Post-relay, Ong will volunteer as a "Little Green Pepper" (Games volunteer). "I’ll wield my camera as another torch—sparking global connections and sharing China’s stories with warmth," she vowed.
(Partial content sourced from China News Service)
