International students share inter-cultural exchange experience

International students from Asian countries shared their personal experiences of intercultural exchange activities in China and expressed their views on the role of youths in promoting cultural exchanges between nations.

In a recent video interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), students from Indonesia, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia, currently studying in China, discussed their participation in cross-cultural exchange events in the country and their understanding of inclusive cultural interaction.

"I've been living in Beijing for three years and throughout my time here I've had countless opportunities to participate in cross-cultural exchange activities. It is an amazing event where students get to share their cultures through food, music, performances and traditions as well. Being part of it made me realize how cultural exchange helps break barriers and bring people from different backgrounds together," said Celia Annetta from Indonesia.

"Since I came to China, I have participated in some cross-cultural exchange activities. For example, some calligraphy workshops. I like to go to the local museums. Throughout my studies in China, I was invited to some cultural workshops and events to talk more about Kyrgyzstan," said Kyrgyz student Adel Baktygulova.

"I believe that communication is the key to cultural integration. It is through casual conversations that we had and also the shared moments that people from different cultural backgrounds bring to a mutual understanding," said Cheong Chee Wah, a student from Malaysia.

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 will be held from March 25 to 28 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, with the theme "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future". This year's event will focus on development, foster dialogue, explore innovative formats and value tangible outcomes, all aimed at promoting global development and cooperation.

Speaking about the upcoming event, these young individuals shared their insights on the crucial role youths can play in serving as bridges between cultures, and fostering mutual recognition across borders.

"As bridge builders, young people facilitate dialogue and collaboration between different cultures. We also leverage our creativity and technological skills to promote cross cultural understanding on TikTok and RedNote, which make cultural education accessible to a wider audience," said Vietnamese student Do Pham Ngoc Die.

"By interacting with others, we learn how to appreciate the similarities and differences between our cultures which helps to break down the stereotypes, but also helps to build a mutual understanding and respect," said Baktygulova.

"As the Boao Forum emphasizes 'Co-creating the Future of Asia', we, as a younger generation, serve as the bridges between cultures. We bring on fresh perspective and also innovative ideas that foster mutual recognition. Today, with the power of social media and digital platforms, we can actually authentically share our own culture through videos, views and bring on discussions that blend traditions with modern perspective," said Cheong.

International students share inter-cultural exchange experience

An armed volunteer group mainly made up by locals is helping reconstruction in a town in Russia's Kursk Oblast bordering Ukraine after the strategic transportation hub was recaptured by Russian force and is recovering from Ukrainian attacks.

In August last year, Ukraine seized a large part of Kursk region in a surprise cross-border attack and now the region is making a rebuilding plan for the recaptured areas.

Located just about 10 kilometers away from the border, Korenevo was seriously destroyed by attacks from long-range weapons and the important railway and road hub is now under the control of Russian force.

Last year's Ukrainian attack forced Korenevo residents to evacuate to safe locations like temporary shelters, and some of them stayed with their relatives.

Previously, the area had a population of about 5,500, but now only a small number returned.

"Now the situation is gradually calming down. People made it through, and most survived. Spring has arrived, and I hope the conflict will end soon so we can return to our homeland," said Alexey Egorov, a local resident in an interview with a reporter of China Global Television Network (CGTN).

The armed volunteer group, helping rebuild the recaptured town, is responsible for protecting strategic infrastructure, patrolling to protect residential buildings from robbery, and reconstructing bombarded buildings.

A team member codenamed Hasan was from Sudzha, a key town in the western Kursk region that has recently seen the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces.

"I have been working in the road construction department since 2007. I was a bulldozer driver at that time. I participated in road construction and brought joy to people. Suddenly, one day, this joy came to an abrupt end. Now, we are still working and are doing some repair work intermittently. We hope to repair the roads in Korenevo, Sudzha, and the entire border region. We have rich experience in road repair," he said.

Another volunteer codenamed Slavs, a father of four, joined the team to fight the fire from the first day the attack began, and his wife later followed him in participating in voluntary work.

"Despite that my family also needs help, I choose to help more people. If everyone only cares about themselves, then who will help relatives and other residents," he said.

The Russian military operation to retake the Kursk region from Ukrainian armed forces entered its final stage, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on March 13.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited one of the command posts in the Kursk region on March 12. Senior commanders briefed him that Russia was close to liberating the territory of the Kursk region from Ukrainian armed forces.

Putin emphasized the urgency of swiftly concluding the operation and establishing a security zone in the region.

Armed volunteer team rebuilds life in Russia's Kursk border town

Armed volunteer team rebuilds life in Russia's Kursk border town