Liu Yangyang

524652046@qq.com

IN an effort to strengthen international collaboration and express appreciation for the support of foreign entities, the 2025 Kun Peng · Spring Gathering — Economic and Trade Seminar for Foreign Institutions in China with Shenzhen @Tencent Inno-Tech Event took place Friday at the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning.

Frenchman Sebastien Bourgeois, director of Oxygenate, a sourcing and trading company focused on the European market, shared his thoughts with Shenzhen Daily after the event.

“The data and statistics we gained today are very insightful, and it’s always good to stay updated on Shenzhen’s progress. I’ve been here for over 18 years, and I’ve seen the city evolve. You can truly feel the impact of the constructive policies and the success that has been achieved. It was great to reflect on how far Shenzhen has come,” Bourgeois said.

He added, “It’s important for people who are far from home to connect with others who have different goals in life, to exchange experiences [and] knowledge, and expand networks.”

Joseph Cirelli, the academic principal of Shenzhen American International School, also found the event insightful. “I’ve lived in Shenzhen for a year and a half, but I haven’t fully appreciated the city until now.”

“It was enlightening to see all the efforts being made to make Shenzhen a more beautiful place. I admire how the city preserves nature and integrates it into urban life. The technological advancements are also incredible, as they aim to improve the lives of citizens and create a better environment for everyone,” he said.

“Social networking is always important. As an international school, we serve mostly foreign nationals, so it’s great to expand our network. I’ve also met people from other companies who have ideas for educational initiatives. Bringing everyone together like this is extremely beneficial,” Cirelli continued.

He also noted, “Shenzhen is proactive in considering public opinion before making major decisions. I remember hearing that Shenzhen is a ‘city of parks,’ and my school is next to one. It made me think we should incorporate more nature into our curriculum, allowing children to spend more time outdoors and appreciate nature. That’s one of the key takeaways I gained from today.”

The event also included several side activities designed to immerse guests in Shenzhen’s rapid advancements in innovative technology, smart urban planning, and traditional Chinese culture through three exhibitions.

After exploring Tencent’s Penguin Island exhibition, Bourgeois shared, “Tencent products are very user-friendly and easy to use, even for foreigners. They provide many tips that make life in Shenzhen and China much easier. WeChat is widely adopted, and after having a QQ account for years, I switched to WeChat, which is much more practical for foreigners.”