Tang Yan Joo, a Malaysian economics and finance undergraduate at Tsinghua University in Beijing, discovered her connection to China through an unexpected medium: poetry. Her journey began after reciting a classical Chinese poem about the Terracotta Warriors at a competition in Malaysia, sparking a fascination with the country’s cultural heritage.
“The poem made me realize how history lives through words,” Tang shared. Her curiosity deepened during a trip to Shanghai, where she witnessed firsthand the city’s rapid digital transformation and emergence as a global economic hub. “Seeing innovations like cashless payments and AI-driven logistics showed me China’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.”
“China isn’t just about ancient relics – it’s where young minds can shape tomorrow,” Tang said about her decision to study there.
With over 500,000 international students in China as of 2024, Tang’s story reflects a growing trend of global youth choosing Chinese universities for career-focused education. Tsinghua University ranks among Asia’s top three institutions for tech and business innovation, attracting students eyeing opportunities in Belt and Road projects and China’s booming tech sector.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
