More than 30 students from the University of New South Wales Business School in Australia participated in a study tour from Aug 31 to Sept 13. On Sept 10, they visited several leading digital economy enterprises in Shanghai's Changning district, gaining firsthand insights into the region's dynamic digital industry.

In the morning, the students visited the Greater Hongqiao Business Environment Service Center. They watched a promotional video on Changning district and explored functional zones such as the digital business experience area, the Government Online-Offline Shanghai Self-Service Area, and one-stop integrated service counters. These visits offered them a comprehensive understanding of the district's history, cultural background, and pro-business policies.

The group then visited Meetsocial, a global intelligent advertising platform, to learn how it supports Chinese brands in expanding overseas. They also joined discussions on the latest trends and developments in digital marketing and technology services.

In the afternoon, the students visited Blacklake, where they explored how the company's digital solutions enhance production and supply chain management, and how digital technology drives transformation and upgrading in traditional manufacturing.

At Westwell, they learned about the company's strengths in autonomous driving technology and its corporate vision, recognizing its role in advancing the development of Shanghai Silicon Alley and fueling regional innovation.

During the 14-day study tour themed Exploring Innovation and Application of Digital Economy in Shanghai, the students visited local cutting-edge enterprises, high-tech parks, and universities, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the city's advancements in fields such as e-commerce, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and fintech. In Changning, the program featured bilingual presentations from enterprises and in-depth exchanges with industry experts.

Participants shared their reflections and experiences. One student from Australia said that the program gave her the chance to see many high-tech applications driven by advanced technology in Shanghai. She noted that she often uses a variety of Chinese apps in her daily life and learns Chinese on various social platforms, which not only improves her language skills but also keeps her updated on China's latest innovations.

Another student of Chinese origin said that Shanghai is a city full of opportunities for young people. In the past, she visited Shanghai simply for tourism or family visits; however, this program gave her valuable insights into Shanghai’s economic vitality and urban appeal.

Bian Jun, president of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce Shanghai, said that he had been organizing study exchange programs for college students and youth delegations from Australia to Shanghai since 2019. He hoped that the program could give more students an authentic glimpse into Shanghai's development, historical heritage, and modern dynamism, while fostering deeper mutual understanding between the two countries.

Source: Shanghai Observer