Promote youth exchanges and mutual learning (Foreign youth study in China)
Recently, the 2022 "International Youth China Tour" event jointly organized by the Institute of Contemporary China and the World and the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone Management Committee came to Qingdao, Shandong.
Young people from 10 countries visited Shandong Port Qingdao Port, SCO Demonstration Zone and other places to learn about the SCO's innovative model of international cooperation.
"Building a Broad Stage for Youth Exchange and Cooperation"
Our reporter Dai Kairan
SCO National Specialty Commodities Pavilion, International Logistics Port, International Innovation and Transformation Center for Marine Science and Technology... In the event of "International Youth China Tour" entering Qingdao, Nepalese youth Shika Taba Magar and young people from various countries Together, in the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone (referred to as the "SCO Demonstration Zone"), Qingdao Port and other places to experience the SCO's innovative model of international cooperation that is open, inclusive and interconnected, "the busy scene in front of us makes the We really feel that the economic and trade cooperation among the SCO countries has broad prospects."
This long-haired and energetic Nepalese girl has been studying and working in China for more than 7 years, and obtained her doctorate degree.
Here, she is more used to being called by her Chinese name - Lili.
In 2019, Lili joined the Kathmandu Center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Youth Platform (SCOLAR), and cooperated with universities in Nepal to provide local youth with entrepreneurial advice and guidance within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to help them realize their entrepreneurial dreams.
During the interview, she told reporters an impressive practical case. They used the SCO youth platform to help some Nepalese youth sell local specialty products to other countries, and found a way for them to start their own businesses and become rich.
"The SCO has created many institutionalized youth exchange programs, allowing young people from different countries to learn from each other, setting up a broad stage for youth exchanges and cooperation. Nepal is a dialogue partner country of the SCO, and I am very fortunate to participate in these programs. Promote the development of youth careers in learning and exchanges." Lili said.
In June this year, Lili participated in the SCO Youth Science and Technology Innovation Forum held in Shenzhen to gain an in-depth understanding of the cooperation achievements and prospects of SCO Youth in the fields of science and technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
"We visited Tencent, Huaqiang Fangte Culture and Technology Group, BYD and other Chinese companies, and felt the vigor of China's technological innovation and the rapid development of the digital economy." Lili said that the SCO has also built an international youth entrepreneurship incubation platform. Provide one-stop incubation services for young entrepreneurs in the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" and SCO countries.
Lili said that the SCO not only provides a cooperation platform for young people, but also attaches great importance to strengthening the capacity building of young people.
"The SCO Youth Platform has always been committed to improving the innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities of young people. Through various activities such as innovation and entrepreneurship skills competitions, writing skills training, etc., young people from different countries can broaden their international horizons and achieve inclusiveness through win-win cooperation. develop."
"The economic and trade exchanges and cultural exchanges between Nepal and China have a long history." Lili said that the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" has brought tangible benefits to the Nepalese people.
"The feasibility study of the China-Nepal cross-border railway is about to start, which will bring huge development opportunities to Nepal!" she said excitedly.
Over the years, Lili has also been actively raising funds for the protection and restoration of cultural heritage in Nepal.
After the 2015 Nepal earthquake, the nine-story temple complex with a history of more than 400 years was severely damaged.
After consultation between the Chinese and Nepali governments, the Chinese Cultural Heritage Research Institute's assistance team in Nepal worked with Nepalese experts to carry out protective repairs on cultural relics.
After nearly five years of hard work, the repair of the cultural relics of the Nine-story Temple Restoration Project was successfully completed in July this year.
"In my opinion, this is a vivid interpretation of the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind," Lili said.
At the end of the interview, Lili chatted with reporters about her life in China.
"I really feel the development and changes in China. The cities are becoming more and more modern, the living environment in the countryside is getting more and more beautiful, and people's living standards are constantly improving." Lili said that in the process of visiting various parts of China, the Chinese people have a positive attitude towards life. She was deeply impressed, "Everyone is working hard for a better life, which also motivates me to continue to make greater contributions to the cause of youth."
"Tell everyone the story of China"
Our reporter Shi Yuanhao
This year marks the 20th year that Bangladeshi youth Mostak Ahmed Ghalib has been associated with China.
When he first came to China, Jialib was an undergraduate student at Wuhan University of Technology.
Now, he has become the executive director of the Center for Intercultural Communication and the Belt and Road Initiative of the School of Marxism at the school.
Since childhood, there are many Chinese elements in Jialibu's life.
"The pencil I used when I was a child was printed with the words 'Shanghai China' (Shanghai, China), and my father always had a hero pen made in China in his shirt pocket," recalls Galib.
He has also read some Chinese story books, "I have known the stories of Ma Liang and Kong Rong Rangli since I was a child. The lively and lovely Chinese children in the illustrations in the book made a deep impression on me."
In 2002, the 19-year-old Jialibu graduated from high school and obtained the opportunity to study in China on a public school basis with excellent grades.
It was a slightly hot September, and he took the train from Beijing to Wuhan, passing through the vast North China Plain.
The scene outside the car window, Jialibu is still vivid in my eyes - the fertile land is endless, the crops that are about to mature are like a golden carpet on the ground, and the farmers are working hard...
This is the first time Jialibu has seen rural areas in China. The vast farmland makes him feel like he has returned to his hometown.
"Seeing this very gentle golden yellow, I think of the land full of crops in Bangladesh, which makes me feel very kind." Ghalib said.
In the following years, Jialibu often traveled between Beijing and Wuhan by train.
"Looking at the farmland outside the window on the train became my hobby." Through the train window, he intuitively felt the changes in the living conditions of farmers, "In the early days, most farmers lived in small houses made of red bricks. Today, along the On the Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway, you can see more and more newly renovated and neatly arranged buildings." The train carried Jialibu from south to north, which also allowed him to witness the development and changes in China.
Whether during his studies or after staying in school to teach, Jialib will use his vacation to do volunteer work or teaching in poverty-stricken areas.
In addition, he also visited rural areas in Suizhou in Hubei, Ankang in Shaanxi, and Xiangxi in Hunan. These field investigations deepened his understanding of China's poverty alleviation policies and practices.
"In the villages I have visited, I can see that poverty files have been established in the villages." Jialib said that the director of the village committee is very familiar with the situation of each family: who has a disabled person, who has a sick person... ... "The local government pays special attention to those villagers who are easy to return to poverty after being lifted out of poverty, and has helped these villagers through various measures."
After graduating from his Ph.D., Galib joined a large listed company.
In the work of the company's overseas business department, he came into contact with the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" project, and then developed a strong interest in the "Belt and Road" initiative.
"I hope my cross-cultural identity can contribute to the study of the Belt and Road Initiative and the promotion of international cooperation," said Garib.
In 2015, Jialibu returned to Wuhan University of Technology to continue his postdoctoral research, focusing on the joint construction of the "Belt and Road", international relations and international industrial cooperation.
After graduation, he served as the executive director of the school's cross-cultural exchange and "Belt and Road" research center and engaged in teaching work.
Not long ago, Jialibu participated in the "International Youth China Tour" in Qingdao, and felt the vigorous vitality and strong cooperation momentum of the SCO.
In his view, the SCO and the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" are an international cooperation platform for deepening interconnection and achieving mutual benefit and win-win results, and also expands channels for other countries to learn from China's development experience.
In recent years, Jialibu has published many articles in domestic and foreign media and academic journals, and won many honors including "Wuhan Youth May Fourth Medal".
But in his view, these are not the most important achievements. "I would like to tell the story of China to everyone. Telling the story of China well and spreading the voice of China well are my greatest achievements."
"An open China provides more opportunities for the world"
Our reporter Ren Haoyu and Cui Qi
"China is the 'window' for me to know the world, and it is also the starting point for me to start a business." Wahid Ahmedzai, a young entrepreneur from Afghanistan, described China in his eyes, "An open China provides better opportunities for the world. There are many opportunities, and I hope to be a bridge to help other international students and international talents find their own opportunities here.”
Ahmedzai grew up in Pakistan and returned to Afghanistan with his parents after graduating from junior high school.
In 2014, full of yearning for China, he came to Beijing to study abroad, and the story with China began.
Here, he is more used to be called Mach.
"Up to now, nearly 1/3 of my life has been spent in China, and the important step from school to society is also completed here." Maher likes to share with friends the topics that attract much attention in China's two sessions every year, and write project introductions At that time, he was very clear about China's relevant policies... Friends around him affectionately call him "China Hand".
In 2016, Maher and two Chinese classmates teamed up to participate in the China National College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program and the China International "Internet +" College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, and won the silver medal in the competition. It was a great opportunity to start a business, and I started my own entrepreneurial journey.”
During the start-up period, Mach had a deep understanding of China's international business environment and inclusive atmosphere, "In China, when entrepreneurs have a good idea and are willing to put it into action, they will receive support from the government, schools and other aspects. Support and help entrepreneurs take the first step."
Maher took his own entrepreneurial experience as an example. In September 2020, he participated in the 8th Overseas Talent Entrepreneurship Conference and won the Innovation Award.
In October of the same year, Chaoyang District, Beijing launched the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone CBD International Talent Port.
Mach's entrepreneurial idea received a positive response from the relevant person in charge of the Chaoyang District High-level Talent Service Center. The Beijing Infinite Port Culture Technology Co., Ltd. founded by him soon entered the registration process and became one of the first foreign-funded enterprises registered in the Pilot Free Trade Zone.
"After the establishment of the company, the staff of the Chaoyang District High-level Talent Service Center guided us to carry out various tasks and helped us connect with resources such as venues, media, and public institutions." Maher introduced that his company's main business is through the talent agency. Group building, providing business consulting, resource docking and other services for enterprises and personnel in need, helping international students and international talents to work in China, and promoting cooperation between foreign enterprises and Chinese enterprises.
"China is the China of the world, and China's development opportunities are also the world's development opportunities." This is a phrase that Mach often talks about.
Not long ago, he participated in the "International Youth China Tour" into Shandong.
In the Zibo Comprehensive Bonded Zone, after listening to the explanation of the on-site staff, Maher sighed, "It provides an international business environment and builds a complete industrial chain, which not only helps Chinese private enterprises expand overseas markets, but also provides foreign-funded enterprises in the manufacturing industry. It has created a good platform for them to share the development opportunities of the Chinese market.”
Because of business relationships, Mach often communicates with international talents from all over the world.
"In the process of promoting the joint construction of the 'Belt and Road', Chinese enterprises have gathered international talents to provide development opportunities for countries and regions along the 'Belt and Road'. World development injects impetus and brings hope, which is what countries need to develop and the world economy to recover."
As an entrepreneur, Maher is full of confidence in China's economic development prospects.
"I will continue to stay in China, make my company better and bigger, and help more people get on the fast train of China's development," Maher said.
"What a great arrangement"
Our reporter Ju Yunpeng
"In my childhood impression, China is the hometown of Mulan, a magical place. At that time, I didn't expect to have the opportunity to work and live in China in the future." After living in Shanghai for 13 years, talking about the fate with China, from Armenia's Astrid Pogosian still finds it amazing.
She gave herself a nice Chinese name - Ma Xingxing.
After graduating from high school in 2009, Ma Xingxing, who studied violin since childhood, won a Chinese government scholarship and accompanied his mother to Shanghai to study at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
"In order to study and live better, I have been learning Chinese for the first 8 months since I came to China." Ma Xingxing recalled that it was difficult to learn Chinese with zero basic knowledge, but she persevered through gritted teeth and passed the Chinese proficiency test , successfully started the music learning journey in China.
During college, she participated in many on-campus and off-campus activities in order to deepen her understanding of China.
In a large-scale international violin competition hosted by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Ma Xingxing served as a volunteer, participated in some organizational planning work, and was also responsible for receiving foreign judges.
Because of her outstanding performance, after the event, she received a job offer from the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.
"Music students usually develop in the direction of performers. After graduation, few choose to engage in administrative work in orchestras, but I like to try different options." Ma Xingxing said that her tutor, the famous musician Professor Xu Weiling Pay attention to excavating the strengths of each student, respect her personal ideas, and support her to try out the orchestra.
In 2017, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, issued the "Notice on Matters Concerning Allowing Outstanding Foreign College Graduates to Work in China", allowing some outstanding foreign college graduates without work experience to find employment in China.
"This is so suitable for me. I think what a good arrangement this is. I want to stay!" Ma Xingxing immediately submitted the application. Within two months, she passed the approval smoothly and got the Shanghai No. 001 International Student Work Permit in Shanghai.
At the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Ma Xingxing is responsible for the communication of various international projects and the administrative affairs of the orchestra.
"My personal experience is a vivid example of China's continuous expansion and opening up." Ma Xingxing took Shanghai as an example. Every year, many international teams come to Shanghai to exchange performances, including many internationally renowned performers.
During the prevention and control of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, the cultural exchange work of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is still going on.
Whether it is live online, or indoor or outdoor performances, Ma Xingxing makes every effort to the business projects he is responsible for, carefully planning and steadfastly following up.
Outside of work, Ma Xingxing also has music in his life.
She formed a band in Shanghai with several jazz musicians and served as principal violinist.
The band's artists combine classical music with jazz to bring audiences a wonderfully immersive musical experience with creative visual and dance elements.
"Everyone has different majors and comes from different countries. It is very interesting and valuable to come together because of music." Ma Xingxing said.
During the epidemic prevention and control period, Ma Xingxing signed up as a community volunteer, wearing protective clothing, masks and face shields to serve community residents.
"Seeing foreigners volunteering, some residents were surprised at first. For me, it was a very natural thing. I have lived in Shanghai for so long, and it has become my home, What I do is to help my family," Ma Xingxing said.
The Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra are not far away. This short road of more than 300 meters records the story of Ma Xingxing and Shanghai.
Strolling around the surrounding streets, she sighed a lot: "Shanghai is changing all the time, and new buildings and shopping malls are always open for business; at the same time, there are also many places that have remained the same as before, and have never changed." Between the constants, history and innovation merge here.
"I have lived in China for 13 years, and I will live here for many more years, continuing to write my story with China," said Ma Xingxing.