(19 September 2023)

Sunwah – On 19 September 2023, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation, was honored to receive the “National Order of the Legion of Honor” (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur) bestowed by the President of the French Republic, H.E. Emmanuel Macron. The prestigious awarding ceremony took place at the Champs-Élysée Palace in Paris, France. This distinction is the highest honorary order presented by the French government, recognizing individuals from all walks of life who have made significant contributions to the nation of France.

During the ceremony, President Emmanuel Macron delivered an impassioned speech, commending Dr. Jonathan Choi for his outstanding contributions to cultural and artistic exchanges between China and France and fostering friendship between the two nations. He emphasized that Dr. Jonathan Choi has long been committed to promoting cultural and artistic exchanges between China and France, building bridges of cultural friendship through various collaborative projects and activities.

President Macron stated, “As an advocate for Sino-French friendship and an active promoter of the arts and culture, Dr. Jonathan Choi has dedicated himself to building connections between two continents, starting with the cultural foundation of both nations, and combining it with internationalization. This allows both sides to deeply understand each other’s culture.”

Upon receiving the honor, Dr. Jonathan Choi expressed his deep gratitude to the French government for bestowing this prestigious recognition. He stated that this honor will serve as continued motivation and inspiration to contribute even more to the development of cultural exchanges and friendship between China and France.

Dr. Jonathan Choi delivered thank-you speech

The momentous occasion was attended by many distinguished guests, including Mr. Jack Lang, former Minister of Culture and Minister of Education of France; Ms. Rima Abdul Malak, French Minister of Culture; Ms. Foo Teow Lee, Ambassador of Singapore to France; Mr. Makita Shimokawa, Ambassador of Japan to France; Mr. Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, former French Ambassador to China; Ms. Eva Nguyễn Bình, Director of the French Cultural Center; as well as representatives from various French cultural and artistic organizations, the China Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation, and CHOI Centre – Cloud House in Beijing.

As the Chairman of the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation, Dr. Jonathan Choi is committed to advancing education, the arts, and cultural exchanges. His efforts and leadership have helped the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation become a vital platform for promoting collaboration and exchanges among artists, cultural organizations, and scholars in China and France. Dr. Jonathan Choi has built a bridge of cultural friendship between China and France through various projects and activities, making significant contributions to cultural and artistic exchanges between the two nations.

The awarding of the National Order of the Legion of Honor not only acknowledges Dr. Jonathan Choi’s exceptional personal achievements but also represents a significant boost to cultural and artistic exchanges between China and France. This honor will further enhance cultural relations between the two countries and promote mutual understanding and friendship between their peoples.

Dr Choi and his family at the Awarding Ceremony