China Visit: A Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Journey of a Lifetime
Following their visit to China, organised through the Chinese Consular Generals Office in Johannesburg, students at the University of Johannesburg interview by the Inner-city Gazette said they had an educational experience of their lifetime.
The students who were in China from 22 March to 4 April 2025 comprised a cohort of UJ students who travelled to Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing, where they participated in academic sessions, engaged with industry leaders, and immersed themselves in Chinese culture and student life.
The group of students led by senior academics from the University had the chance to participate in the Innovation Start-Up Exchange Programme (ISUEP), also known as “China by Train”, a pioneering initiative that connects South African and Chinese students through joint learning, skills exchange, and exposure to best practices in entrepreneurship and start-up development.
The group attended lectures at the Yenching Academy of Peking University, exploring the evolution of China studies through the lenses of language, politics, and the economy, and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where they engaged in discussions on innovation ecosystems and cross-border entrepreneurship. They also visited Nanjing Technological University, where UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, delivered a lecture reinforcing the growing academic ties between South African and Chinese institutions of higher learning.
The cohort of UJ students, which brought both male and female students said they had a great time learning, experiencing the advanced and sophisticated Chinese higher education’s system, while they savoured Chinese culture.
They were exposed to hands-on learning through site visits to leading innovation hubs and industrial operations such as the BAIC automotive plant, observing the end-to-end production of the Stellato 9 electric vehicle and even test-driving the final product.
Speaking to Inner-city Gazette Newspaper the students expressed their gratitude to the Chinese Consular Office in Johannesburg, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, the Chinese government, their host University, and the government of South Africa for forging closer ties which enabled to experience advanced innovation firsthand.
They pointed out that the experience was life changing and inspiring, and they looked forward to pursuing further studies in China.
China has overtaken the US, and many Western institutions of higher learning as the prime destination for African and international students seeking higher education opportunities.
Beijing is also Africa’s number one trading and developing partner, and the leading trading partner with South Africa. Education partnerships and exchanges are crucial in fostering long term mutually beneficial relations amongst to the two close diplomatic and economic partners.
As for the students, they were clear that while the universe is huge, the future maybe looking towards Beijing.
