An awards ceremony for the 12th "Imagining China" children's art competition was held online on Tuesday and six Maltese students were awarded.

A total of 153 artistic works, brimming with creativity and conveying children's wonderful fascination with China and Chinese culture, were collected by the China Cultural Center in Malta for the competition, with the theme of "Magnificent China."

A total of 18 schools participated in the competition, with students in grades 7 and 8 forming group A, and students in grades 9 and 10 forming group B.

All paintings have been exhibited on the website and social media platforms of the China Cultural Center in Malta since Jan 22. The exhibition will run through the end of April.

At the ceremony, Minister for Education Justyne Caruana appreciated the efforts made by the China Cultural Center in Malta to promote the cultural exchange between the two countries.

"I am informed that there was high participation by our school children. I welcome this and encourage this," said Caruana.

"It is very important not only for the interest shown in the competition but also as it will definitely boost the bilateral cultural exchange between China and Malta," she added.

The subjects of the artistic works varied from Chinese architecture and natural landscapes to mythical dragons and Chinese people wearing traditional clothing.

Gabriel Azzopardi from the Malta Visual & Performing Arts School was awarded first place in group A for his painting depicting iconic landmarks and visuals that are representatives of China's fascinating history and futuristic outlook.

Jayme Hili from St. Margaret College won second place by drawing traditional Chinese subjects such as ancient architecture and a terracotta warrior surrounded by clouds.

"I hope someday to visit China," Hili said at the ceremony, adding that he wants to have a deep understanding of China.

Kaylee Demarco from St. Thomas More College was awarded third place for her lively, jovial and vibrant drawing of a dragon in a festive Chinese street. "I want to show different cultural aspects of China," she said.

"The artistic works are full of rich imagination and creativity, whilst also possess the purity and innocence of childhood," said Chinese Ambassador to Malta Yu Dunhai.

"Viewing China through the eyes of Maltese children allowed me to see the similarities and differences between the China I know and the China portrayed by the students, which truly helps us to strengthen our cultural understanding and cultural connection to each other," said Yu.

The art competition is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Education of Malta and the China Cultural Center in Malta, and sponsored by Shanghai Electric Power (Malta) Holding Co., Ltd. Since the first edition in 2007, the competition has been warmly welcomed by students and teachers in Malta.