On January 10, 2025, SUSTech warmly welcomed a delegation of 24 students and faculty members from Augustana College, USA, as part of the Young Envoys Scholarship (YES) program. This cross-cultural exchange initiative aims to promote mutual learning and understanding among young global students, showcase Shenzhen's dynamic role as a global innovation hub, and strengthen ties between the two institutions.

Professor Jiang Hong, Chairperson, University Council of SUSTech, warmly welcomed the delegation from Augustana College. In her remarks, she expressed her hope that this visit would foster friendship, encourage cultural exchange, and lay the foundation for future opportunities for international engagement between students and institutions from diverse backgrounds.

The visit began with a campus tour at SUSTech. During the visit to the SUSTech Exhibition Hall of Development and Achievements, the delegation gained insights into the university's founding history, educational philosophy, and notable research achievements, witnessing the transformative progress SUSTech has made since its establishment. The exhibition, featuring groundbreaking technological innovations and engineering projects, highlighted the university's efforts in driving future technological advancements. Later, the delegation toured the Cryo-EM Center, where they learned about SUSTech's cutting-edge capabilities in fundamental research and technological innovation.

Following the campus tour, Augustana College and SUSTech students engaged in a discussion session, exchanging ideas on academics, campus life, and career planning. The exchange of perspectives fostered mutual inspiration and strengthened the bonds of friendship between the students.

Aside from the activities on campus, tours of Shenzhen's landmarks and high-tech enterprises have also been arranged for the delegate, allowing the participants to experience firsthand the vibrant innovation and dynamic growth of the city. At Seeed Studio, a national-level high-tech enterprise, they learned how the company develops smart hardware products, collaborates with global developers to foster innovation, and empowers the digital transformation of traditional industries by making technology more accessible. A visit to Shenzhen Museum's historical and cultural exhibitions provided a comprehensive view of the city's remarkable transformation into an international innovation center since China's reform and opening-up.

This visit to SUSTech was an integral part of the delegation's tour of China. Following their time in Shenzhen, the group will continue their journey to Xi'an and Beijing to explore China's rich technological, economic, and cultural landscape and broaden their global perspectives.

The Young Envoys Scholarshipprogram is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural collaboration and mutual learning among international youth. As the first American university delegation hosted by SUSTech under the 2025 YES program, this visit marks the beginning of a series of international exchange activities for the year. It reflects SUSTech's continuous efforts to advance internationalization and expand global partnerships. The visit not only strengthened the ties between SUSTech and Augustana College but also showcased SUSTech's growing influence as a leader in technological innovation and higher education, laying the foundation for further exchanges in the future.

By: Yidan Sun