This week, education officials from ASEAN embassies in China, including representatives from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei, took part in an educational tour across Guangdong. A key event of the tour was held at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen,where diplomats gathered for an exchange session with university representatives, exploring opportunities for collaboration in education and culture. During the event, several international students, including an Indonesian student named Arthur, gave speeches about their experiences at SUSTech.

For Mr. Yudil Chatim, the Attaché of Education and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of Indonesia in China, this encounter was a pleasant surprise. Mr. Chatim was delighted to meet Arthur and shared some heartfelt advice with him, underscoring the value of language and cultural understanding. “We are very happy,” he remarked. “If there are more Indonesian students who would like to study here, I would be very happy. But I need to tell him that Indonesian students in China should learn Chinese, as our ambassador has emphasized.” Mr. Chatim stressed that learning the language is crucial not only for communication but for gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and society.

A bright future in China

Reflecting on his decision to study at SUSTech, Arthur, who is in his final year of aerospace engineering, said that he was drawn to the university's dynamic academic environment. “When I planned to apply for university, the first thing I looked at was the professors—whether they were highly qualified,” he explained. “SUSTech, as a young university, has professors from all over the world. This diversity shows the university’s bright future.”

Arthur expressed his appreciation for life at SUSTech, describing it as vibrant and fast-paced. “Life here is amazing because it’s high in quality and dynamic. In terms of academics, the study is deep and fast,” he said.

Ambitious plans in aerospace engineering

Arthur, who is set to graduate soon, spoke of his ambitions in the field of aerospace engineering. “My plan is to continue in aerospace engineering,” he said. “Engineering, especially this field, is complex and demands a deep understanding. Therefore, I plan to pursue postgraduate studies, most likely here in China.”

The encounter between Mr. Chatim and Arthur captured the spirit of ASEAN’s educational outreach in China, highlighting the strengthening ties between Indonesia and China through education. The diplomat’s words of encouragement and Arthur’s determination to pursue his study reflect the positive impact of educational exchanges on future generations.