• Hànyǔ Services Founder and CEO Fathima Shabir on the importance of learning Mandarin

Sri Lanka’s ties with China are a widely discussed topic, but beyond diplomatic relations, people of the two countries frequently work together, whether it comes to education, trade, or tourism. Language plays a key role here, and there is an attempt from the people of both countries to learn the other’s languages. It must also be noted that Mandarin Chinese is one of the most spoken languages in the world.

In this context, Hànyǔ Services plays a key role in making China more accessible to Sri Lankan students and businesses by offering a range of Chinese language services. The company was founded by Fathima Shabir, who acts as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Speaking to The Daily Morning Brunch, Shabir shared her journey in this field and went into detail on how Hànyǔ Services makes the Chinese market more accessible to Sri Lankans.

“My journey to becoming a Mandarin linguist has been nothing short of an exciting adventure. Today, I am the founder of Hànyǔ Services, my very own Chinese services start-up. I graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2017 with a bachelor’s in International communications studies with Mandarin,” she said.

Shabir explained that she has always been passionate about entrepreneurship, with a genuine desire of establishing a business that can truly make an impact on people’s lives and contribute to the betterment of the country. “After dedicating four years to studying Mandarin both in Malaysia and China, my vision is to empower businesses and individuals to access the lucrative Chinese market with fewer obstacles and more informed strategies,” Shabir added.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What led to the establishment of Hànyǔ Services? Is there any particular reason you focus on or specialise in Chinese?

My journey with the Chinese language began unexpectedly on my first day of university when I had to choose a language to major in within a mere 10 minutes. My degree programme mandated a language major, and initially, I had opted for French. However, I had to give that up since the language had to be entirely new to me. I very hesitantly chose to study Mandarin Chinese from a selection of three other language options, as it appeared to be the most wise choice, given the discussions at the time regarding Sri Lanka’s growing relationship with China.

Little did I realise that this choice would prove to be life-changing. Despite initially finding it incredibly challenging and nearly giving up, I travelled to China to further immerse myself in the language. It was during this transformative experience that I realised this was a huge asset and I had to share my knowledge with others. When I got back to Sri Lanka, it was quite evident that China’s presence in the country was bringing in a fresh wave of opportunities for Sri Lankans. However, the cultural and language barriers seemed to be a huge hindrance. Access to Chinese translators, interpreters, tutors and so on were very limited.

After a year of interning at various Chinese institutions and working as a freelance Chinese translator and tutor, I decided to establish Hànyǔ Services to provide high quality, professional Chinese language services for businesses and individuals.

What kind of services do you offer? What does the team look like?

Today we are a team of seven with 30+ years of combined lived experience in China which allows us to offer a range of services. Our core services include sworn translation services and on-site and online Mandarin education for kids (four years and above) and adults. We also offer specialised business Mandarin and culture workshops. We have recently ventured into content localisation and Chinese marketing services for both Chinese and Sri Lankan business based here. Every quarter we also aim to host a cultural workshop or Mandarin corner to enhance students’ learning experience and cultural understanding as well as to create opportunities for networking between the two communities.

The team currently has highly experienced Chinese tutors, translators, interpreters, and content writers. We also work very closely with many local and foreign freelancers. Sri Lanka currently has a pool of over 1,000 Chinese speakers. One of our goals is to hire and train more local talent.

What sets you apart from other organisations that offer similar services?

The team comprises a mix of Sri Lankan and native Mandarin experts which gives us leverage when curating our services. The deep understanding of the Chinese culture and language helps us put together effective and very practical course structures, teaching students what really matters. It also helps us provide accurate translations and quality content. Furthermore, our extensive knowledge of both the Chinese and Sri Lankan market empowers us to provide better solutions to our clients.

We take pride in being the only sworn Chinese translation provider in Sri Lanka as well as the first to introduce Mandarin for kids in Sri Lanka. Being the pioneers of providing professional Chinese services in Sri Lanka, our insights into the market are unparalleled.

How do you ensure the quality and accuracy of your services?

We ensure that translation and language softwares are used as aids and not substitutes for human expertise. All our translations and content are proofread by highly qualified professionals. As for the curation of our language courses, it is generally a collaboration of all team members. This helps us gain input from different experts to ensure all aspects are covered and the best course structure and content is put together. In addition, we place significant emphasis on quality assurance through trial classes for all our courses. We highly value the feedback of our students and clients, which plays a vital role in refining and enhancing our offerings.

How can language, specifically learning Mandarin (Chinese), widen one’s opportunities, whether in terms of education or business opportunities?

Learning Mandarin gives you access to one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It provides businesses and individuals with a host of new opportunities. Moreover, today, Knowing Mandarin can set you apart from other candidates, making you more eligible for scholarships, grants, and even job opportunities. China is a global economic powerhouse, and proficiency in Mandarin is highly valued by companies looking to expand into or establish strong relationships within the Chinese market. This can already be seen in Sri Lanka, the demand for highly-skilled Chinese speakers is only increasing.

How do your services benefit businesses in Sri Lanka, especially in terms of tapping into Chinese markets? What industries or sectors do the majority of your clients represent?

Forty-eight percent of foreign corporations fail and withdraw from China within two years of starting operations. Some common reasons being cultural differences, poor market research, language barriers, and inaccurate content localisation. Hànyǔ Services was designed to tackle exactly these issues. My team and I are here to guide you every step of the way. Most of our translation and content clients are from sectors such as construction, tourism, gemstones, banking, shipping, and education. Our student community comprises small kids, school students, adults, and professionals. We currently have a student community of 150+ students.

What is the potential of Chinese markets? Have local businesses recognised these opportunities?

The Chinese market doesn’t really need to be validated. Its impact on international businesses is huge. China’s purchasing power is rising rapidly, especially the middle class population. In fact, China boasts the fastest-growing middle class (25-40 years) population globally, and is the key driver of its economic development. An interesting fact: According to local statistics, the majority of tourists entering Sri Lanka fall into this age category, signalling significant potential for local businesses.

In my view, the demand for our language courses, for both children and adults, clearly indicates a growing enthusiasm for learning Mandarin. Parents are increasingly eager for their kids to start early, and businesses engaged with China are recognising the significance of even basic language skills. However, businesses are encountering challenges in fully capitalising on the opportunities. They need to better understand the cultural and language differences, be more educated on the legal requirements and make more informed decisions when targeting the Chinese market. Existing strategies cannot be applied. It’s a very unique market. A tailored and specialised approach is imperative.

Tourism is an industry we promote a lot as a country. How can your services help those in the tourism industry, especially those who target Chinese tourists?

Sri Lanka is to see an influx of tourists this year creating a host of new opportunities for many industries, especially the tourism industry. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) anticipates revenue of $ 2 billion in 2023, with media reporting that Sri Lanka is targeting up to 150,000 Chinese tourists in 2023.

We currently work closely with some renowned hotels assisting in translating and localising promotional materials. Additionally, we facilitate the arrangement of Chinese tour guides and interpreters to enhance the experience of hotel guests. Our Chinese business language and culture training would be a huge game changer for businesses across various industries. Team members who participate will gain a comprehensive understanding of key cultural aspects, Chinese business etiquette, and industry-specific vocabulary. This knowledge equips them to navigate the complexities of cultural and language differences effectively. Not only will businesses make a lasting impression on their Chinese clients, but they will also minimise the risk of miscommunications that can hinder successful transactions and collaborations.

Understanding your Chinese target market is key. A common mistake many businesses in the tourism industry make is they incorporate many Chinese cultural elements into their experiences, this works for some; however, most tourists are eager for a more Sri Lankan experience. The critical element is to get the message across accurately ensuring tourists receive the experience they desire and will remember.

Do you have anything in the works for Hànyǔ Services?

Definitely, we have lots in the pipeline in terms of new courses. We’re gearing up to introduce a range of new courses, with a particular focus on expanding our on-site offerings for children and courses tailored for adults. We are soon to partner up with schools and universities to introduce Mandarin into their academic curriculum. Furthermore, we’re venturing into the creation of our own learning materials, including textbooks and workbooks, to enhance the learning experience of students across the country. Currently, we are in the process of expanding our team to accommodate our growing clientele. Our commitment to delivering high-quality Chinese language services remains steadfast as we venture into these exciting new endeavours.