Singaporean Gen Z: We need more visits to see a real China

Dai Kaizhen (second row, second from left) poses for a group photo after making woodcut printmaking in Ninger Hani and Yi Autonomous County, Puer City, Yunnan province. (Li Jiaxian/Photo)

Recently, Dai Kaizhen, a young representative of Singapore's Generation Z, shared on social media his experiences in exploring China's southwestern frontier of Yunnan province with fellow youths from eight countries. They basked in the natural beauty of the province – which is dubbed as the "world’s garden", and observed the vibrant developments along the border.

"I've visited China several times for cultural exchanges and benefited a lot. I hope more Singaporean youths curious about China can travel here in person," Dai said.

Now 21 years old, Dai studied at a prestigious public school in Singapore. He embarked on a school trip to China in 2015. Since then, his journeys have taken him to iconic cities and ancient capitals such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Guangzhou, where he deepened his understanding to the profound Chinese culture.

While traversing diverse cities, Dai was amazed by China's rapid economic progress. "In recent years, the surge in e-commerce is palpable. Each visit allows me to experience the conveniences from technological advancements," Dai noted.

During his visit to Yunnan, Dai immersed himself in traditional arts. He learned to make the rare art of woodblock printing and "Wamao", also known as the Tile Cat Black Pottery– a local handicraft believed to be protector of households.

Relishing coffee and tea produced in Pu'er, Dai enthused on social media, "I've fallen in love with Yunnan's delightful weather, ubiquitous blossoms, and its unique cultural landscape."

Furthermore, traveling by train from Yunnan's Kunming city to Xishuangbanna autonomous prefecture that borders Laos and Myanmar, Dai felt the vibrancy of Yunnan's connectivity with South and Southeast Asia.

At the Yunnan Railway Museum, Dai learned about the intriguing history of Yunnan's rail system. "In the past, Yunnan's trains connected more with neighboring countries than domestic provinces. This fact left a deep impression on me. Historically, railways have always held significance in Yunnan, facilitating China's deeper engagements with neighboring countries," Dai said.

Dai was attracted by a conceptual map of the Pan-Asia Railway. "If this railway, which starts from Southwest China and connects Laos, Thailand and Malaysia, finally reaches Singapore, it will significantly drive the regional trade, logistics, and people-to-people exchanges. I hope this vision becomes a reality," he said.

Dai has noticed that, in recent years, an increasing number of Singaporean youths have been setting their sights on China. He joined a Singaporean youth organization that aims to bridge understanding of China's societal, economic, and cultural advancements. By collaborating with Chinese universities and youth organizations, the group fosters strong reciprocal ties among youths from both nations. Moreover, Dai has been actively organizing events like the Asian Youth Chinese Forum to promote intercultural dialogues among Asian countries.

"The world is diverse, and young people should not think in the box; they need to venture out and learn from others," Dai said.

Looking ahead, Dai aspires to leverage the strength of youth organizations, encouraging more Singaporean youths to step beyond their borders, experience China's rich culture and rapid development, and have a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China.

Source: China News Service; trans-editing by Guo Yao