The history of globalisation is marked by tales of exploration and exchange, with countless journeys that crossed borders and connected worlds. From the ancient Silk Road to the bustling ports of the Age of Discovery, each chapter added its own flavour to the tapestry of globalisation, where diverse cultures intertwine and flourish.
All hail ‘Emperor Chen’! An unforgettable opera experience for UTARians across the seas
From left: Lee, Tee, Khoo, Hue, Ding, Chen, Edward Yeoh, Hoh, Eunice Chua, Tan, and Mooi
Today, that same impetus for development endures in the technology age. Modern narrators of life sail shared seas and exchange good laughs and wisdom with one another, bridging continents not with caravans or ships, but with the spirit of discovery and innovation. It was this very spirit that 11 UTAR students carried with them as they travelled to Shenzhen, China, to participate in the Global Summer School (GSS) 2025, organised by the Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS).
The students who joined GSS 2025 were as follows:
The GSS 2025 was held from 22 to 27 June 2025. The one-week trip brimmed with brains, curiosity, and camaraderie, forming a melting pot of intellect and intercultural exchange. Each student’s experience differed based on their faculty at Tsinghua SIGS, yet a shared drive for knowledge exchange tied them together.
The programme featured a diverse range of activities, including expert-led lectures, cultural experiential activities, faculty tours, visits to external companies, and a one-day excursion to Guangzhou, one of the world’s major trading hubs enriched with Cantonese heritage.
Lee, Khoo (first and second from left), Tee (fourth from left), Tan, and Mooi with international peers at the entrance of Tsinghua SIGS
‘Nose in a book, burning the midnight oil.’ Hands-on learning extends far beyond textbooks. Tan Gui Ye, who joined the programme under Tsinghua SIGS Institute of Data and Information (iDI), gained academic inspirations from international peers and experts. He was particularly impressed by the advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies used daily by one of the visited companies, Aqara.
He enthused, “Throughout the five-day programme, I was able to deepen my understanding of key concepts and current developments in AI and data science. The programme included a comprehensive range of academic lectures delivered by experienced professors, where I gained insights into the theoretical foundations and real-world applications of AI technologies.”
“This study tour was an eye-opening experience that not only broadened my academic horizons but also strengthened my interest in pursuing further studies and research in AI. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to engage with leading academics, researchers, and industry professionals at one of China’s prestigious institutions,” he added.
Exploring the modern campus of Tsinghua SIGS, delving into AI modeling with the Open Faculty for Innovation, Education, Science, Technology and Art (Open FIESTA), wandering through Guangdong’s cultural legacies in Nantou Ancient City, Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum, Huaqiangbei Museum, and Guangzhou; seeking innovation at Shenzhen InnoX Academy and Chaihuo X.factory, and forging connections with peers from all walks of life—these were the experiences that made the evanescent week shine for Edward Yeoh.
Though fleeting, the summer experience echoes with lasting memories among its participants!
Hoh and Edward (crouching, first and second from left) celebrating their ‘graduation’ from the one-week programme at Tsinghua SIGS with their peers
Ever wonder where tech innovators go in Shenzhen? One place is the Shenzhen InnoX Academy!
Second row, from left: Edward Yeoh, Ding, and Hue with international students at the Shenzhen InnoX Academy
He said, “It is a wonderful experience to join such an event. This summer school had given me the chance to widen my views, giving me a better idea of my future paths and careers. The people I met during the camp were from diverse economies and universities, and most of them are deeply knowledgeable.”
Quoting an ancient adage, he added, "As the saying goes, ‘There are people beyond people, skies beyond skies.’ There will always be someone more capable, just as there are skies beyond what we can see. It reminds us to stay humble and always strive to learn."
Edward Yeoh also commented on the interdisciplinary learning approach at Open FIESTA. “Open FIESTA is a multi-disciplinary faculty where students are required to be engaged between different academic paths. It requires students to take part in different core subjects throughout the semester, diversifying the learning experience rather than limiting it to a single field. I believe that it could be very helpful for individuals taking part in it, especially when it comes to their career, as a multi-specialist,” he commented.
He ended with a heartfelt advice, “I would highly recommend our juniors, whether pursuing postgraduate or undergraduate studies, to seize the opportunity if you ever get the chance to join a programme like this. You will get a clearer idea of your future path.”
‘A broadened Weltanschauung begins with an open heart and diverse friends.’ Travelling with an open heart transforms each new friendship into a window to a richer world.
A tour to the city of technology? Make It Shenzhen!
Lee, Khoo (second and third from left), and Tee (far right) smiling with new friends before setting off on a tour session under Make It Shenzhen programme
(Photo credit to Tsinghua SIGS)
Tee (sixth from right) receiving an award certificate as one of the most engaged participants during the GSS 2025
For Tee Junn Jeh, it was the camaraderie and cultural exploration that made his overseas experience truly memorable. Whether it was through a tour in Nantou Ancient City, lectures, cultural exchange sessions or a live opera extravaganza performance, he treaded through the diverse activities with curiosity and friendships he made along the way, earning him a bountiful gain as the recipient of the Most Engaged Participant Award in iDI.
He remarked, “Participating in the GSS programme has been a truly rewarding experience. I am sincerely thankful to the organisers, faculty members, volunteers, and fellow participants who made this journey so memorable. The blend of academic learning, cultural exploration, and international friendship has left a lasting impression on me. I look forward to applying what I have learned and cherishing the connections I have made during this incredible programme.”
As a participant under the programme of the Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering (iBHE), Chen Che Tze echoed the sentiments, remarking on his vast discovery of technological insights, cultural values, and newfound friendships.
“I enjoyed discovering the local lifestyle and environment. One of the good parts of this trip was meeting new friends—not just from our university, but also students and professionals from different backgrounds and economies. We bonded quickly over shared interests and the excitement of exploring new places together,” he shared.
Though a week in China’s ‘Silicon Valley’ may have been brief, the students returned with far more than souvenirs: they brought back lasting memories, global perspectives, and a deeper understanding of cultural and academic exchange.
(Photo credit to Tsinghua SIGS)
The start of the one-week programme, where distant cultures, friendships, and knowledge converge
(Photo credit to Tsinghua SIGS)
A one-day trip to Guangzhou, the heart of Guangdong’s heritage and innovation
(Photo credit to Tsinghua SIGS)
Recreating the timeless art of Xiqu — participants from across borders cheered as the Opera Extravaganza Performance sang its swansong
UTAR extends its heartfelt gratitude to Tsinghua SIGS for hosting the GSS 2025, providing an enriching platform that fostered not only academic growth but also intercultural understanding across the interconnected world. ‘Sailing far, together in the same boat (同舟共济，扬帆远航).’ Through collaboration, institutions can connect talent, bridge cultures, and shape a shared future.
About Global Summer School
The Global Summer School (GSS) is an annual programme launched in 2019 by Tsinghua SIGS. The summer school aims to broaden students’ international horizons and encourage the exchange of ideas among young minds across the globe.
This year’s GSS welcomed 148 international students from 101 universities across 44 regions, including Harvard University, Technical University of Munich, Kyoto University, Kanazawa University, University of Buenos Aires, Asian Institute of Technology, National University of Singapore, University of Malaya, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.
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