Written by: Ayesha Amir
Posted on: April 03, 2025 | 
| 中文
Ms. Hui Qi and her team on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
In an increasingly interconnected world, language serves as a powerful bridge between cultures. For over a decade, Hui Qi has aspired to be that bridge in Pakistan, teaching Chinese to university students, instilling in them a cultural understanding of our neighbour country, and contributing to Pak-China relations beyond the classroom.
With a diverse academic background that spans Financial Management, Hotel Management and Education Leadership, Hui Qi brings a unique perspective to language education. Now a PhD student at the Suleman Dawood School of Business, LUMS, her research delves into Chinese language, ancient philosophy, education and CPEC, reflecting the broader Pak-China relationship.
East Meets Quest, an event by The Centre for Chinese Legal Studies at LUMS.
Beyond academia, Hui Qi is also the Vice President of the Chinese Business Council in Pakistan, allowing her to observe firsthand how cultural and economic ties shape bilateral relations. It was hence an honour to interview her, where she shared her experiences of living in Pakistan, the challenges and rewards of teaching Chinese, and her vision for deepening Pak-China cultural connections.
Thank you so much! For my motivation, well, it is very simple. You need a job! I think the reason I came here is that I want to become a bridge between the Chinese and Pakistani people. I not only want to teach them language but also the Chinese culture to let them know more about it. I notice that there is a gap in people’s knowledge about China, especially within the elite class where they see the world from a Western lens (because Western media consumption) and distort the Chinese image. I want to tell them the truth and I want to encourage them to visit China.
A Pak-China Cultural Event on the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China.
I think in Pakistan for me, teaching is the most suitable kind of job and there is also a need for it. I worked in banking and an automobile company, even had my own business, but I find it is most comfortable being an instructor. This is why I worked for 10 years as an instructor; I like teaching. My background just helped me know more about different people in Pakistan.
As Vice President of the Chinese Business Council in Pakistan, how do you see your role in strengthening business and trade ties between the two countries? I have worked towards strengthening small Chinese companies when they face problems with the government policies. We work towards connecting them with the consulate or the Pakistani government. Chinese companies often face problem investing here in Pakistan, so we help them by managing things for them. If we can’t reach the higher ups in the government, we seek the consulate’s help. The Council is a nonprofit association, but we seek to help the Chinese companies function smoothly for better trade ties.
Chinese New Year Greetings
I have been in Pakistan since 2007 and noticed many similarities between the two countries. The brotherhood relationship between Pakistani and China is very strong. We are both Asian countries. The family bonds and structures are very similar. In China the slight difference is that we have a Muslim province but not a Muslim majority unlike Pakistan. I notice in Pakistan that religion is very important. Your politics, day to day life and lifestyle, everything is rooted in religion. It is very deeply religious. In China this is not so much the case. Also, the languages Chinese and Urdu are very different. You can learn to read Urdu, but Chinese is very difficult. We have two language systems, the pronunciation system and then the reading system. To learn Chinese only superficially is a very difficult task.
The Chinese Language is very popular in LUMS. It’s a very popular course. Initially the students are curious. I started offering this course three and a half years ago right after the pandemic. At that time more than 70 students enrolled because of curiosity. I really don’t know (laughs), I think it’s because I’m a very accommodating instructor. China is a soft power; the students may think that their future lies in China, so maybe learning the language can help them for graduate school or some students have family businesses in China. My requirement for the students to enroll in the course is very simple, don’t become absent and follow me. It becomes hard to practice then. I make the learning part easy for them. Students feel that my course is not difficult. HSK has 6 levels, we go up to 1 and 2, which is listening and speaking, and we also study the basic structures of the Chinese characters. The students really enjoy it.
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
Security is a challenge. Especially the growing concerns for the security of Chinese people after CPEC, it is quite difficult to navigate the restrictions placed on Chinese people and businesses in Pakistan. Some businesses have had to close down, and we are often careful while going out for celebratory events. But we understand that the restrictions are there to protect us.
Go to China and study there instead of only studying here. You will be better immersed and improve your understanding of the Chinese culture. Because young people are exposed to Hollywood movies, they take away western values from this exposure. Going to China will give them a different perspective. It is also good for Pakistani people to come back and tell everyone about the Chinese culture. There is a summer school for 15 days every year, those who pass HSK 1 can apply for it. The Confucius Institute offers it and a university in China sponsors it. I’m sure students will find it to be a rewarding experience.
Thank you, Ms. Hui Qi, for sharing your time and insights with us!
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