As the 2024 Future Close-Up program concluded on June 21, Beijing Review invited all participants to share their thoughts on this trip. The following are edited excerpts of their views: 

Filip Koprcina 

(Croatia) 

I am impressed by the ingenuity of the Chinese people and their technological advancements. The ease of using apps to pay for transportation, particularly bike services that are significantly more affordable than similar services in Europe, was astonishing. The speed and scale of China's development are truly incredible. As someone working in the energy sector, I am fascinated by Chinese technology and the relentless pursuit of environmentally friendly solutions, including electric cars and efficient energy technologies.

We should share our best practices to enable Croatian and European governments to achieve the same efficiency and rapid development that China has demonstrated.

Peter Carberry 

(Ireland) 

The trip provided a diverse experience with a balance between professionally engaging and social activities. However, I expected more information about actual

opportunities for foreigners in China or the potential they have to take part in China's development. It would be great to share some success stories about individuals who have come from abroad and succeeded in China or success stories of companies who have established themselves in China.

The Future Close-Up program has showcased a range of visions and ambitions in the sphere of technology, from academia to industry, and to governance. There is a sense of pride and confidence in the work that is happening and an openness to share it with the world. Without social impact, digitalization and innovation are never complete. From developing new tech to enrich the lives of the disabled, to the restoration and preservation of native plants and animals, it is exciting to see the benefits of innovation being distributed throughout all of society.

Inessa Alaverdyan  

(Armenia) 

The visit to Xiongan New Area was actually the cherry on top. It was impressive to see a city of the future, where everything is built from scratch.

Thank you, China, for the incredible opportunity to explore your cutting-edge technology and innovation. I was deeply impressed by the advancements and hospitality during my visit. Your dedication to progress and excellence is truly inspiring. I look forward to seeing more amazing developments from China in the future, especially Xiongan New Area and how it will affect the global scene as well.

Phillip Forman 

(United States) 

Learning about the technology and actually using it in day-to-day life was incredibly convenient. In particular, Weixin [known internationally as WeChat], a super app, makes living in China as a foreigner very easy because everything is all in one place. Also, I think visiting "non-Tier 1" cities is important because it showed a more holistic view of where China is now and where it is going in the future.

These types of programs are incredibly important because they facilitate dialogue between the future leaders of the U.S. and China. Although the governments may not communicate and be so friendly, it is clear that young people from the U.S. and China actually get along very well and want to collaborate. Therefore, organizations within both countries must make sure we share ideas, knowledge, and even failures with each other so that we can all progress on all fronts.

Lester Chan 

(Hong Kong, China) 

As someone fairly familiar with the Chinese tech ecosystem, I found my recent trip to the mainland to be particularly insightful. The highlight for me was visiting Xiongan New Area, which gave me a fascinating glimpse into the mainland's ambitious plans for the capital region.

The development of Xiongan seems aimed at relieving some of the immense pressures Beijing faces in terms of space constraints, traffic congestion and barriers to further growth. It was enlightening to see how this new city is being designed and positioned to take on key functions and responsibilities, helping to reshape the entire regional ecosystem.

Coming from Hong Kong, I believe we have an important role to play in helping to elevate the mainland's relationships and engagement with the international community. As a bridge between the mainland and the outside world, Hong Kong can facilitate deeper understanding and stronger connections. 

Sonia Stephanie 

(Kenya) 

As a tech lover, I've always admired the high level of sustainable development strides through tech that China has been making. But coming to China through the Future Close-Up program has opened my eyes to a world of unlimited opportunities through tech. From [Chinese tech titan] Tencent's innovations, to exploring Shenyang and Beijing, it has been a remarkable experience. The icing on the cake was visiting Xiongan, a very strategic smart city encompassing an urban look and nature.

I have had the opportunity to experience the hospitality and friendly nature of the Chinese people and enjoy the culture. Thank you for bringing together youth from around the world for a common goal. 

Ricardo Manuel Barbosa Moreira 

(Portugal) 

This kind of initiative, bringing future leaders to China, is more important now than ever. At a time when many forces are trying to create an East-West divide, it is important to allow the younger generations to come to China and experience the country and the culture firsthand. Even in such a short time, it becomes clear that the Chinese people are one of the warmest and most welcoming cultures today. China is a friendly nation, interested above all in maintaining a good relationship with all, and focused on its own internal affairs. There is no conspiracy to take over the role of world leader or dictate what others must do. That role is purely economic and the byproduct of the growth miracle which has taken place since Deng Xiaoping's opening-up policies. China has a very humble attitude and open mind, willing to learn and help others, to gather and share best practices, and use what they learn to improve their country, economy and the lives of their citizens. And, what's more, the planning timeline is fundamentally different from what we are used to in the West. China's vision is measured in decades.

In terms of both technology and governance, this might well be "the End of Copycat China" and "the Rise of Innovative China." Or, in fact, "the Return of Innovative China," as the Middle Kingdom has always held the important role of innovator throughout the millennia.

Erika Gherardi 

(Italy) 

This journey was a true surprise. It is not the China I was expecting, and certainly not the China I used to read about in the newspapers.

I think it is an extremely enriching experience and I have been fascinated by Xiongan. It's an ambitious urban planning project, sophisticated and captivating. I would like to learn much more about this city and its technology.

This journey in China has been an unforgettable adventure. Each day brought new discoveries and allowed me to appreciate the richness of Chinese culture. I am deeply grateful for the hospitality and kindness I encountered. The beauty of the landscapes, the depth of history and the innovation I've seen all left me speechless.

Stacey Ann Pearson  

(Jamaica) 

Overall, the trip was enjoyable, insightful and uncovered new perspectives for fellows who were new to China as well as those who have lived, worked or studied in the mainland. It was interesting to learn more about how different provinces and cities approach economic development, foreign direct investments, commerce and trade, as well as how they are planning to care for their population.

One lasting impression that stands out is the long-term time horizon that China makes policies and plans for—in other words, initiatives are made decades ahead of time with the expectation that the next generation will reap the benefits.

The visits to Liaoning and Xiongan were quite impressive as they showed a different side of smaller cities in China and how the different levels of government and private sector are working together to advance their economies.

Jessica Stephanie Fink  

(Germany) 

The trip was fantastic for learning about Chinese culture and people. This was my first time properly visiting and observing the Chinese mainland. Challenging projects like Xiongan New Area will be fascinating to keep an eye on, and hopefully we will see them thrive in the future as examples to reinvent urban livability and help redesign congested city centers around the world.

Arnav Varshney 

(India) 

The event was meticulously planned and executed with great efficiency. As a young professional in the technology sector, I found the itinerary to be perfectly tailored to provide a comprehensive experience of the existing and emerging technological advancements in China. The Xiongan project, in particular, stood out as a fascinating long-term initiative.

Should the plans come to fruition, I envision Xiongan evolving into a hybrid of Beijing and Shenzhen [a tech hub in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong], a city I would be keen to relocate to personally.

China's rapid growth over the past few decades has been remarkable. It is inspiring to observe how the country is leveraging technology to its fullest potential.

With major tech companies like Tencent and Alibaba, the opportunities for growth and employment in the tech sector are abundant for young professionals. However, I would welcome more policies and incentives aimed at encouraging foreign entrepreneurs and tech innovators to either relocate to or establish startups in China. Currently based in Hong Kong, I am eager to eventually explore the opportunities that the Chinese mainland has to offer.

Alland Dharmawan  

(Indonesia) 

The trip to Xiongan was the one I looked forward to the most. The city shares the same spirit as Indonesia's new capital city, aiming to be a city of the future. There is so much to see and learn from each other. Once again, I'm always spellbound by the speed of China in constructing such beautiful architecture and deploying hi-tech. 

In Indonesia, there's a saying, "Tak Kenal Maka Tak Sayang," which means "if you don't know someone, you can't love them." This applies perfectly to China's approach. By warmly inviting everyone to visit, China allows people to experience the country firsthand and develop a deeper appreciation for its achievements.

I am always amazed by China's development and advancement. Even though I had lived in China for four years, every time I return, I always learn something new. China never stops innovating and making technological leaps. I believe countries around the world, including Indonesia as a fellow developing nation, have the opportunity to learn and develop alongside China. I would like to encourage everyone around the world to visit China and experience the country for themselves.  

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

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