From September 18 to 27, a delegation of 48 faculty members and students from Singapore’s Ngee Ann Polytechnic (hereinafter referred to as “Ngee Ann Polytechnic”) visited the School of Economics at Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU). The group was warmly welcomed by the faculty and students of SZPU’s School of Economics, and together they participated in a series of technical workshops, cultural immersion activities, and company visits.

Technical Workshops: A Fusion of Knowledge and Innovation for the Future

During the ten-day exchange, the faculty and students of both institutions engaged in in-depth discussions focused on cutting-edge technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The Ngee Ann team toured the SZPU campus, Qianhai Exhibition Hall, the College of Future Technology, and the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. They took part in dynamic innovation workshops and captivating lectures on sustainable development in Shenzhen, experiencing firsthand the state-of-the-art teaching facilities and forward-thinking educational philosophy at SZPU. The exchange of ideas during these visits led to lively discussions on the forefront of technology, broadening the international perspective of both groups and enhancing their knowledge of innovative technologies.

Cultural Immersion: A Festive Mid-Autumn Celebration Filled with Warmth and Tradition

The program was thoughtfully designed to incorporate China’s vibrant traditional festivals and intangible cultural heritage. The School of Economics arranged an immersive journey into traditional Chinese arts, including elegant Yiwu dance performances, the melodious sounds of the musical saw, intricate silhouette art, and the balance of strength and grace in Wing Chun martial arts. Special Mid-Autumn Festival activities, such as mooncake baking, riddle guessing, and traditional archery games, gave the visitors from Singapore a joyful taste of the festival’s warmth and charm. In addition, the delegation delved into Chinese culture through enlightening history lectures, the exploration of ancient artifacts, hands-on experiences making traditional foods like rice noodle soup and sea urchin zongzi, and savoring the essence of tea culture. These activities provided Ngee Ann Polytechnic students with a deep appreciation for the richness of Chinese culture and the festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn celebration.

The cultural immersion continued with visits to Nantou Ancient Town, Happy Harbor, the Nature Education Center, Guangming Rainbow Bridge, and Guangming Overseas Chinese Academy, offering the Ngee Ann delegation a glimpse into Shenzhen’s unique historical and cultural heritage and its extraordinary natural beauty. These well-planned activities helped build lasting bonds of friendship between the students of both nations.

Industry Visits: Gaining Practical Insights and Shaping the Future

To help students better understand industry trends and business operations, the School of Economics arranged visits to leading companies. The students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic and SZPU visited industry giants such as Tencent, CREE, and Snowflake Innovation City. These visits offered an up-close look at the companies' achievements in technological development, product innovation, and market strategy. Through direct conversations with senior executives and company representatives, the students not only expanded their horizons but also gained valuable insights into future career planning and industry development trends, laying a solid foundation for their professional futures.

The visit from Ngee Ann Polytechnic not only deepened the emotional bonds between the students and faculty from both sides but also paved the way for further academic cooperation and cultural exchange between the two institutions. The School of Economics at SZPU remains committed to an open spirit of cooperation, working hand-in-hand with leading universities and industry leaders both domestically and internationally to promote the flourishing of global education and cultural exchange. 

(Written by Ji Nannan, School of Economics)