On December 30, the 2025 “Hi, Qiantang!” International Communication Conference got underway in Qiantang. More than 200 people gathered, including international communication experts, representatives of media organizations stationed in China, and international youth delegates from around the world, for in-depth discussions on cross-cultural exchange and innovative practices in international communication. International students from Zhejiang Gongshang University were invited to attend and, with their outstanding performance, won several honors—a vivid demonstration of the global outlook and well-rounded quality of ZJSU’s international students.
A highlight of the conference was the BRICS Special Economic Zones Cooperation Opportunities Ideation Competition, which drew close attention. The competition encouraged international students from BRICS member and partner countries to go deep into enterprises, communities and industrial parks and turn their field research into practical cooperation proposals. A team of ZJSU international students from Malaysia—Jeff Ting Xing Yan (Chen Xingyan) and CAROL YONG YII JOU (Yang Yiru)—focused on cooperation opportunities between Malaysia and Qiantang, China, under the “Five Pillars” development concept. In their on-site presentation, the team laid out the core highlights and implementation roadmap of their report on trade and economic cooperation opportunities in BRICS special economic zones with a clear logical framework, professional data analysis and vivid case studies, earning high recognition from the judges and ultimately standing out to win first prize.
The conference also held the appointment ceremony for the second cohort of “Qiantang Overseas Communication Envoys.” Elena (Ye Lina), a Russian master’s student in Tourism Management at ZJSU, was selected as one of the seven newly appointed envoys in recognition of her deep passion for Chinese culture, her outstanding cross-cultural communication skills and her enthusiasm for sharing China’s voice. Receiving her gold-stamped letter of appointment, Elena said she had been deeply drawn to Qiantang’s historical heritage and modern vitality and was eager to convey a true and vivid picture of Qiantang to audiences overseas. She plans to draw on her professional expertise to interpret the city’s development through a cross-cultural lens, using short videos, illustrated columns and other formats.
The conference then officially launched the “Qiantang Cup” International Youth Chinese Language and Culture Competition. Jointly organized with universities across the district and open to international students and foreign youth, the competition combines Chinese speech and talent performances, weaving Chinese-language learning together with Qiantang’s regional culture and China’s “trendy” culture. It assesses not only language ability but also cross-cultural understanding, new-media expression and the vitality of young minds, aiming to cultivate a cohort of international youth envoys who know China, befriend China and love China. Wu Luyan, Vice Dean of ZJSU’s School of International Education, was invited to attend the launch ceremony.
Zhejiang Gongshang University has long embraced an open approach to education, actively building platforms for international exchange and cooperation and encouraging students to take part in cross-border, cross-disciplinary academic and practical programs. Going forward, the university will continue to strengthen its international communication capacity, supplying outstanding international talent for Qiantang District’s development and telling more and more compelling China stories—for Qiantang, for China and for the world—so that China’s voice travels ever farther and wider.
Student Reflections
Elena (Ye Lina), newly appointed Qiantang Overseas Communication Envoy
It's a great honor and responsibility to be appointed as a Qiantang Overseas Communication Envoy. During my studies at Zhejiang Gongshang University, I've deeply fallen in love with Chinese culture and been captivated by Qiantang's unique charm—ancient yet youthful, warm and vibrant. As a Gen Z international youth, I aim to share my life and experiences in Qiantang with friends worldwide via social media, telling true stories of Qiantang and spreading Chinese voices. I will cherish this mission, actively participate in international communication activities, and contribute to cultural exchanges between China and Russia as well as friendship between our peoples!
Hiew Ye Soon (international student in Management Science and Engineering)
Attending today’s International Communication Conference, I deeply felt the weight that the word “communication” carries today. It has long outgrown mere transmission of information and become a bridge for building consensus and connecting civilizations. The cases shared by Chinese and international speakers showed me that true, vivid and heartfelt stories cut through the most. Whether bridging cultural differences or discovering shared values, everything begins with sincere listening and equal dialogue. I realized that effective international communication is not a one-way output but a two-way “dance”—you must stand firmly on your own cultural roots while expressing yourself in a language the world can understand. This calls not only for professional skill, but for respect and understanding of different civilizations. The conference has ignited my passion for international communication; I will strive to improve myself and hope in the future to contribute a small part to building a bridge between China and the world.
Dannel Loh (international student in Logistics Management)
Today’s conference gave me a deep sense of the vitality and vision Qiantang District brings to international communication and youth exchange. From the brilliant performances at the youth innovation camp, to incubating overseas influencers and appointing Qiantang Overseas Communication Envoys, to launching the BRICS cooperation initiative and the Chinese language and culture competition, every part of the program embodied an open, inclusive and innovation-friendly atmosphere. The speakers at the roundtable deepened my understanding of how industries going global and cultural resonance work together. As a young student, I am eager to take part in such international exchanges, tell China’s story well, and broaden my own horizons for growth.
