SUIS Voices at CIIE | Practical Interviews, Lively Forums, and Cross-disciplinary Exchanges

# 01 Classroom Extension: SUISers Step Out of School and Into the China International Import Expo (CIIE)

SUIS students joined the Xinmin Evening News Young Reporters Team, participating in on-site interviews at the CIIE and engaging face-to-face with world-renowned enterprises.
SUIS students and teachers attended a parallel session at the CIIE, where they listened to discussions on the trending topic of the international economic forum on “Sustainable Trade Amid Global Climate Change”.

On 9 November, students from SUIS Hongqiao were invited to join the Xinmin Evening News Young Reporters Team to conduct interviews at the CIIE. Engaging in face-to-face exchanges with representatives from world-renowned enterprises, the students demonstrated their thorough research on the CIIE and its exhibitors beforehand. During the event, they adeptly conducted interviews in multiple languages or dialects, including Mandarin, English, and Shanghainese, as they navigated the various exhibition halls.

This social practice activity not only enhanced their inquiry skills, developed critical thinking and innovative mindset, but also honed their teamwork abilities. By participating in real-world experiences and collaborative projects, the students gained deeper insights into societal needs and real-world issues, strengthening their problem-solving capabilities while learning to face challenges collectively through cooperation.

On 6 November, students and teachers from SUIS Qingpu participated in the parallel session “Sustainable Trade Amid Global Climate Change: Challenges, Opportunities, and Paths to Cooperation” at the 7th CIIE – Hongqiao International Economic Forum. The forum was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and organized by the China International Import Expo Bureau and the Center for China & Globalization (CCG). During this prestigious event centered on sustainable trade amid global climate change, the participants attentively listened to inspiring speeches and in-depth discussions by top international experts. The forum’s trending topics sparked profound reflections among the students on global economic development, green cooperation, and sustainable trade.

As high school students specializing in business and economics, they effectively integrated theoretical knowledge from the classroom with real-world practice. By blending international perspectives with local realities, they sought to address local challenges through practical exploration and innovative thinking.

# 02 Cross-disciplinary Innovation: SUIS Principals Expand Understanding of the Interconnection between Education and Economic-Social Trends

On 7 November, Mr. Neil Bunting, Co-Principal of SUIS Hongqiao, Dr. Adam Neufield, Co-Principal of SUIS Qingpu, and Ms. Maxine Lu, General Principal of Xiehe Education, attended the China Economic and Social Forum 2024 held in Shanghai. With the theme “Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, Working Together to Make a Modern World”, the forum brought together 36 speakers from 20 countries and regions worldwide to share insights and propose strategies aligned with the theme. After the forum, both Co-Principals shared their reflections, offering their perspectives and takeaways from this significant event.

▲ Mr. Neil Bunting (Left), Ms. Maxine Lu (Middle), Dr. Adam Neufield (Right)

By Mr. Neil Bunting

Personally, I enjoyed immensely the opportunity to meet and talk with professionals from a range of backgrounds, experiences and professions. The presentations were informative and high-quality including speakers from UK, Africa, Europe and other parts of Asia. Some of the international speakers presented in English, but a number used fluent Chinese indicating their commitment and experience working in China for a long time. All presenters spoke positively about their experiences working in China.

Key take away learning for me was the importance of promoting equality and nurturing opportunity (economic globalization) for all. Lastly, the importance of developing a peaceful world recognizing and working with differences. This reminds me of the IB Mission Statement and reminds why I am an educator and care about creating the right kind of education for children irrespective of their nationality and background.

By Dr. Adam Neufield

As an educator and school leader, I have participated in numerous educational conferences and forums over the past twenty-four years. When attending such events, you typically interact with other educators and leaders, as well as individuals from organizations or companies connected to education, such as educational services, teacher recruitment organizations, and publishers. You also engage with topics focused on the latest trends across all aspects of education. Having the opportunity to attend the China Economic and Social Forum 2024 was a refreshing and insightful occasion. I was able not only to learn about economic and social trends worldwide and how China is making significant progress in building connections and development in the region, but also to meet individuals from a wide variety of industry sectors and from many different countries.

While a few individuals at the forum were connected to education, I was delighted to have the opportunity to interact with many people from around the globe who are not directly involved in the education sector. Attending this type of forum has broadened my understanding of how education is intertwined with economic and social trends, and has also served to inform me of global developments so that I can better contribute to the growth of our school, SUIS Qingpu. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the China Economic and Social Forum 2024, learned a lot at the event, and look forward to the next forum!

In Xiehe, you’ll encounter beauty, explore infinite possibilities for a better world, and become the best version of yourself!

类别： In the Newssuiseditor 2024-11-20