Creative sparks among new youth and unveiling a new chapter in cultural industries

28 Mar 2025

On 26 March 2025, under the bright sunshine, the Academy of Film and Creative Technology (AFCT) at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) hosted a grand event titled "China-Singapore Entrepreneurs Face-to-Face: Youth Cultural and Creative Exchange." As the main venue, AFCT served as a bridge between the youth of China and Singapore, helping Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) attract top talent in the cultural and creative industries and explore new development opportunities.

Gathering of Elites, Embarking on a Creative Journey

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from host Yifei Sun, a senior student at AFCT. Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including Professor Qian Liu, Dean of AFCT, whose presence brought strong academic influence. Also in attendance were Lei Chen, Deputy Director of SIP's Singapore Experience Reference Office; Liang Zhang, Deputy Secretary of SIP's Youth League Committee; Tianying Han, Director of SIP's Human Resources and Social Security Bureau; Weiqin Liu and Jingxiang Chen, Assistant Managers of Business China; and Huimin Hong, President of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce & Industry in China (Jiangsu Chapter). Their participation infused the venue with vibrant energy and endless possibilities.

Diverse Insights, Illuminating Creative Brilliance

Professor Qian Liu delivered the opening speech, highlighting AFCT's achievements in film and creative technology while envisioning a bright future for Sino-Singaporean collaboration in creative industries. His address set an optimistic and forward-looking tone for the event.

Next, elite representatives from Singapore's polytechnics took the stage to share their insights. The speakers showcased Singapore's innovative approaches to cultural and creative education and industry practices. Their presentations provided XJTLU students with a glimpse into cutting-edge global creative education, sparking new ideas and inspiration.

Shifting focus to SIP, Na Li, a representative from SIP's Cultural Industry Investment Promotion Center, elaborated on the park's development and future plans. As a successful model of China-Singapore collaboration, SIP's rapid growth in cultural and creative industries aligns perfectly with AFCT's mission to nurture creative talent. Yifeng Bo, Partner and Vice President of Dayu Group, then shared the company's real-world experiences in the cultural sector, providing valuable case studies for XJTLU's creative education. Yongwei Chen, a Singaporean youth working in Suzhou, also shared his life and career experiences, bridging cultural and emotional connections between the two nations' youth.

Collaborative Platforms, Building a Creative Future

A key highlight was the introduction of the "China-Singapore Youth Internship Exchange Program."Weiqin Liu from Business China and Qi Tang from SIP's Human Resources Bureau outlined the program's details and significance. This initiative will provide XJTLU students and other young talents from both countries with hands-on opportunities to apply their creative knowledge in real-world industry settings.

During the free discussion session, AFCT students enthusiastically shared their academic and practical experiences, including their memorable involvement in the college's flagship event, MEGA, which showcased diverse creative projects. Students from Singapore Polytechnic, XJTLU, and Soochow University engaged in lively exchanges, with thought-provoking discussions lighting up the room.

The event concluded on a high note, deepening mutual understanding and laying a solid foundation for future collaboration. Special thanks go to Business China, XJTLU and SIP's related departments for their support.

Moving forward, AFCT will continue leveraging its expertise to lead Sino-Singapore youth cultural exchanges, empowering more creative talents to contribute to industry growth!

Provided by Yilin Yuan

Photos courtesy of Yilin Yuan

 

28 Mar 2025