Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

IN a bid to nurture the creativity and voices of Gen-Z, the Z10 Club was launched by EyeShenzhen of Shenzhen News Group yesterday, bringing together young minds from 10 leading higher education institutions in Shenzhen.

Gen-Z, often referred to as “Zoomers,” encompasses the demographic cohort born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. They are known for their digital prowess and comfort with technology and social media.

The Z10 Club, an innovative platform envisioned to be a melting pot of diverse talents and ideas, aims to encourage these energetic and creative students to share their “Shenzhen Stories” on social media platforms.

The establishment of the Z10 Club aligns with Shenzhen’s ascending trajectory as a magnet for students from around the globe. Leading the charge in reform and opening up, Shenzhen has emerged as the premier destination for international students seeking to understand China.

Statistics show that Shenzhen’s intake of international students increased significantly last year, with 2,393 students from more than 80 countries and regions pursuing their academic aspirations in the city. Remarkably, the number of international students enrolling in local universities in 2024 surpassed the total number of international students then studying in the city.

With the onset of the new academic term last September, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School greeted an incoming class of approximately 1,900 graduate students in 2024, including over 390 doctoral candidates and almost 1,500 master’s degree seekers. These international scholars hail from a diverse range of 25 countries across the globe.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen opened its doors to about 240 international students from 16 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Russia, Brazil, and Japan. Additionally, the university hosted 133 exchange students from 44 partner institutions across 23 countries and regions. This marked a record high for the number of international and exchange students at the university.

With activities designed to be as dynamic and varied as the students themselves, the Z10 Club will invite the students to explore different themes such as traditional Chinese culture, technological development, and green and low-carbon development. For instance, the club’s first event will take place in Nanshan District, offering participants a firsthand experience of the city’s cutting-edge scientific and technological innovation.

The Shenzhen Gen-Z Global Social Media Short Video Contest is another avenue for young people to make their mark. This challenge invites Gen-Z to create and share short videos that reflect their experiences and perspectives, providing a stage for them to express their creativity and potentially influence global trends.

As the Z10 Club continues to grow, it is clear that the voices of Gen-Z in Shenzhen will be heard loud and clear. Through the club’s efforts, these young individuals are not only expressing their creativity but also shaping the future of cultural exchange in China and beyond.

Gen-Z Speaks

Chico Manna

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen)

I’m from Brazil and 19 years old. I’ve been in China for six months and study global business management at the CUHK-Shenzhen.

I was invited to participate in the Z10 Club. I came to the launch ceremony and it’s very interesting because I met a lot of people and made a lot of connections.

I would say that the outdoor landscape in Shenzhen is truly breathtaking, rivaling the natural beauty of Whistler in Canada, a haven for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

I take great pleasure in venturing out to a nearby hill or mountain on a Friday or Saturday morning to take in the vistas and engage in conversations with others. It’s an interesting observation that the deeper you venture into the countryside, the fewer foreigners you encounter and the more surprised the Chinese locals are to see you.

It’s quite amusing when hiking in the mountains, such as the renowned Wutong Mountain, where foreigners are a rarity. The reactions from the Chinese people when they spot you can be quite interesting, often resulting in requests for photos together. It’s an exciting cultural exchange.

I manage an Instagram page that has garnered over 120,000 views, with a primary focus on Brazilian audiences. My content is exclusively in Portuguese. Currently, my target demographic skews a bit older, around 30 to 35 years old. However, I’m looking to expand my reach to a younger audience — those who are 18 or 17 years old and may be uncertain about their future paths or considering moving abroad. I want to show them that America is not the only option. Coming to China, in my view, is way better.

Pooneh Dabiri

Shenzhen University

I’m from Iran and currently in the final semester of my master’s degree at Shenzhen University, majoring in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I have already applied for a Ph.D. program and hope to continue living in Shenzhen. I love this inclusive city.

The main reason for me joining the Z10 Club is that it is good platform to meet like-minded people, get new ideas, hear new things, and explore more opportunities.

Social media plays a powerful role in showcasing Shenzhen’s dynamic culture and developments. I’ve been working on my Instagram account (@pooneh.monica) for about a year. Now I have more than 40,000 followers. I’m sharing China’s innovations, new products, and trends with Middle Eastern audiences.

I currently live in Nanshan District and love it. It’s so green, and there’s a lot of nice, modern architecture. In the future, I’d love to explore Shenzhen’s ancient villages and historic areas, which I haven’t had the chance to visit yet.

Jessica Theodora

Southern University of Science

and Technology (SUSTech)

I’m from Indonesia and currently in my third year of studies at SUSTech, majoring in biomedical engineering. My initial impression of Shenzhen is its uniqueness, because it has a different vibe from my hometown. It’s an integration of advanced technology and rich Chinese traditions. This fusion paints a unique picture of Shenzhen.

My main purpose for joining the Z10 Club is to connect with individuals from around the globe. As we are all studying in Shenzhen, I think this platform offers a great opportunity for us to bond, exchange our cultures, share our experiences, and showcase them to the wider world.

During my time in Shenzhen, I have taken up the guzheng (Chinese zither) and found the teachers to be exceptionally friendly and welcoming.

Many are unaware that beyond its technological achievements, Shenzhen also has a lot of tourist attractions. While visitors often come for the technology companies and markets, the city also has historical places like Gankeng Hakka Town and numerous natural wonders that remain relatively unexposed to the rest of the world.

Neima Ait Lahcine

Southern University of Science

and Technology (SUSTech)

I’m from Morocco. I study at SUSTech and my major is biomedical engineering.

For me, one of the standout aspects of Shenzhen is its safety and cutting-edge technology. The ease of access to amenities and services, coupled with the prevalence of English signage, makes life here worry-free and convenient. This, I believe, is one of the best features of living in Shenzhen.

I find it quite unjust how China is perceived by the outside world. I am eager to help others see the real version of China. Whenever I return to Morocco, I am met with limited knowledge about China and often find myself sharing insights about the country’s offerings. I want to disseminate a more accurate image of China.

On a personal level, I would like to meet as many new people as possible, talk to new people, and have new experiences. I’m really excited to join this club as it presents an opportunity to connect with a broader community and to socialize with a multitude of individuals.

Fedor Kurilo

Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen

I am the host of today’s events. I study at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen and am majoring in Economics. This is my second year in Shenzhen.

The Z10 Club offers young adults like me in Shenzhen a unique opportunity to showcase our talents, participate in more events, and connect with others. Shenzhen is a dynamic, fast-growing city. I think it’s important for Shenzhen to provide such networking platforms for expats and newcomers. I think it’s a big step for Shenzhen to be more open to foreigners.

My favorite place in Shenzhen is Tanglang Mountain, where people can appreciate the amazing panoramic views of the city from the top.

Umar Farooq

Tsinghua Shenzhen International

Graduate School

I’m from Pakistan and am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in power systems. I chose Shenzhen for my studies because it is a hub of technical innovation, offering far more advanced infrastructure and opportunities compared to other cities globally.

The Z10 Club aligns perfectly with today’s fast-paced evolution in technology, particularly in the AI era.

The club allows us to contribute our energy and creativity to Shenzhen’s growth and to share positive stories about China. Having lived in Shenzhen for a year and a half, I’ve embraced its dynamic, competitive spirit. The city pushes you to grow daily. With my background as an electrical engineer — having worked in Pakistan, Germany, and Italy — I aim to explore Shenzhen’s zero-carbon facilities and industrial zones with the program. (Zhang Yu, Chen Siqi)