Capturing China Through the Lens and Melody: Xiehe Expat Teachers Shine at the 5th “China in My Eyes” Awards

The closing ceremony of the 2026 5th “China in My Eyes” (CiME) Foreigners Telling China Stories Vlog Project was held on October 31 at the Shanghai Jing’an International Salon. The event was jointly organized by the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association and the Shanghai Jing’an Overseas Friendship Association, co-organized by the Jing’an District Office for Spiritual Civilization Development, and hosted by the Jing’an Branch of the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association and the Shanghai Dream+ Youth Exchange and Development Center.

This year’s event attracted nearly 200 short-video submissions from participants across 40 countries. Following an initial round of evaluation, 26 entries were shortlisted for the final judging. Notably, two SUIS expat teachers stood out for their outstanding creative work, each winning an individual award in the final round.

Antony Leedale from WUIS/SUIS Wuxi won the Outstanding AI Theme Song Award for his original composition “See Me”.

Jörg Rindermann from SUIS Jiaoke won the Outstanding Cinematography Award for his short video

 “Two Decades: From ‘Why Go’ to ‘Let’s Go'”.

Meanwhile, SUIS Jiaoke received the Outstanding Organization Award.

▲ Adam Flower, Vice Principal of EMW Middle School, SUIS Jiaoke (third from right) accepted the award on behalf of the school.

From authentic moments captured through the camera lens to AI-powered music creation, the two teachers used different forms of artistic expression to share their observations, understanding, and personal connections with China. Their works also reflect the Xiehe teachers’ open-minded and diverse international perspectives, rich creativity, and enthusiasm for actively promoting cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world.

Where AI Meets Music: Sharing China’s Voice with the World

For the first time, this year’s event invited submissions from around the world for an AI-generated theme song, creating a new platform for dialogue between technological innovation and cultural expression. Antony’s original composition “See Me” stood out among numerous entries and made its global debut at the closing ceremony. The creative interplay between AI technology and musical imagination brought technology and humanity together through melody, opening up new possibilities for telling China’s stories to the world.

Seeing and Being Seen——Antony Leedale from WUIS/SUIS Wuxi

When my school’s Co-Principal, Dr Max Caruso, suggested I enter the fifth “China in My Eyes” contest’s first-ever AI theme-song call, I saw both an opportunity and a trap. The winner’s agreement grants broadcast rights, so a Suno free-tier entry — non-commercial by license — was never an option.

Instead I composed “See Me” with my own AI systems, refined over four years: lyrics redrafted with Kimi, DeepSeek, Gemini 4 Argon and Claude Opus, music via Google’s Lyria, vocals in ACE Studio, production in Logic Pro, and my own guitar taking the solo.

For me, “See Me” is more than an experiment in AI-assisted music creation; it is also an exploration of technology, art, and personal expression. Through this song, I hope to help more people see China through my eyes and inspire people from different cultural backgrounds to find a shared sense of connection through music.

 

Beyond the Classroom: Discovering the Spirit of Chinese Education——Jörg Rindermann from SUIS Jiaoke

What inspired me to join the “China in My Eyes” Foreigners Telling China Stories Vlog Project is China’s education for its young generation. I have long been curious about how young people here grow and learn.

Chinese schools do not only focus on textbooks. Students explore traditional culture, take part in creative projects, and learn to care about society. They balance hard work with curiosity, respect for history and courage to try new things. It shows how a country passes on its values while preparing youth for the future.

I want to share this special sight with people from other countries. Many overseas friends know little about Chinese youth education. Through this competition, I hope to break stereotypes. I wish to tell them that young people in China are thoughtful, hopeful and ready to connect with the world.

 

From the camera lens to musical melodies, from cultural observations to reflections on education, two Xiehe expat teachers share their own perspectives on China, telling its stories in their own distinctive ways and inviting the world to see and hear China through their eyes.

Telling China’s stories takes more than vivid expression. It calls for genuine observation, deeper understanding, and cross-cultural resonance. Xiehe Education has always been committed to creating platforms for multicultural exchange, encouraging students and teachers alike to explore the world with open minds, understand China through authentic experiences, and foster mutual understanding and appreciation through dialogue and exchange between Eastern and Western cultures.

 

Bringing China to the World, Bringing Cultures Closer Together.