Editor’s note

Welcome to Gen Z Weekly, our new column dedicated to showcasing the voices and experiences of Generation Z in Shenzhen and beyond. We’ve created this space to share authentic, youth-driven narratives that reflect the energy and perspectives of today’s young people. Through Gen Z Weekly, expect to hear directly from international students and Chinese youth about their campus lives, personal journeys, and thoughtful insights.

Chen Siqi

vankochensq@163.com

FOR Zimbabwean Ronald Malengu, a master’s student at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen (HITSZ), his journey in China has been about turning the impossible into reality. He never imagined he would achieve so much and grow in ways he never expected. Now, he aims to use his skills to build technological bridges between Africa and China.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in software engineering at Zhejiang University of Technology, Malengu was driven by a passion for artificial intelligence (AI) and desire to bring world-class AI advancements to Africa. This led him to enroll at HITSZ, where he is majoring in computer science. His dedication has earned him the title of “HITSZ Star of the College 2023-2024” and the Shenzhen Universiade International Scholarship in 2024.

Empowering cross-cultural communication

Malengu participated in the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition in 2024, collaborating on the OceanBrain project — an AI-driven initiative to protect marine ecosystems. Through this project, he actively promoted partnerships with Zimbabwean institutions, reflecting that it was a collaborative effort to strengthen Sino-Zimbabwean relations through technology and education.

His team earned both the gold and bronze awards in different categories. “This competition taught me how innovation can transcend borders. It’s not just about code and pitches, but about relationships and trust,” said Malengu.

Beyond academics, Malengu actively engages in campus life. He participated in an orientation program, hosting visiting students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). During this event, he led a seminar and shared his experiences as an international student in China, detailing both his academic journey and life outside the classroom. He also volunteered at the International Student Office, assisting with new student registration and visa applications.

Furthermore, he attended career fairs at companies like Oppo and Queclink, deepening his understanding of corporate operations and workplace culture and gaining practical engagement with industry experts. These experiences not only fostered cross-cultural understanding, but also bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world experience.

Shenzhen: Where tech meets opportunity

Shenzhen, widely known as China’s Silicon Valley, became Malengu’s ideal destination. As a hub for tech giants like Huawei and Tencent, the city uniquely blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation. “Shenzhen welcomes everyone,” he said, highlighting its vibrant expat community, cultural diversity, and ideal environment for an AI enthusiast to thrive.

Malengu attended the 2024 Intelligent Construction Expo in Shenzhen, where he explored more than 20 booths featuring smart tools, eco-friendly solutions, and AI technology. A self-operating crane safety system from China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group and Huawei’s plans for smart cities stood out.

For Malengu, the expo wasn’t just about new technology — it was a significant step toward a future in which construction is more connected and technology-driven, full of new business opportunities between China and Africa.

Cultural adaptation and creative pursuits

Cultural adaptation was no easy feat. Initially struggling with Mandarin and chopsticks, Malengu credits Prof. Pei Wenjie for her patient guidance. Through snack-based practice sessions, he mastered both language and dining etiquette. Now, he enthusiastically explores Chinese cuisine.

This immersive journey also led Malengu to reflect on deeper cultural contrasts. “Chinese culture tends to be more reserved,” he observed, “while Zimbabweans are more outgoing.”

When he isn’t busy with schoolwork, Malengu dedicates time to music and outdoor adventures. An accomplished guitarist, he performed with his band at a TV festival in front of over 200 people. “Music taught me focus. Starting a business takes the same mix of hard work and love,” he said. These hobbies help him relax and inspire new ideas, demonstrating how creative and logical thinking can work in harmony.

Malengu is also passionate about long-boarding, which he finds both thrilling and relaxing. Boarding through the city helps him unwind, explore new places, and clear his mind. The best part, he said, is doing it with friends — laughing, racing, cruising under the city lights at night, and creating cherished memories. He explained that these adventures have taught him balance and self-confidence, lessons he now applies to his work. For him, fun hobbies and creativity are deeply connected.

His journey proves that even the “impossible” becomes possible through small steps, an open heart, and unwavering patience. As he continues to explore AI, his story remains a testament to the power of perseverance. “Perhaps one day I will start a tech company in Zimbabwe, applying the AI tools we are developing here in Shenzhen to solve local challenges and make life better,” Malengu said while articulating his vision for the future.