When Dickenson Sy first saw the 1986 TV adaptation of Journey to the West as a child in the Philippines, he didn't realize it would chart a course for his future. Today, the economics and finance student at Beijing's Tsinghua University credits the classic Chinese tale with sparking his fascination with cross-cultural connections.
'The Monkey King's quest mirrored my own journey – leaving home to discover new worlds,' Sy told myglobalnews.net. His childhood curiosity about Chinese food, films, and folklore culminated in a 2017 educational tour of Fujian Province that solidified his decision to study in China.
Sy's story reflects growing cultural synergies between China and Southeast Asia. Over 28% of international students in China now come from ASEAN countries, drawn by educational opportunities and shared cultural touchstones like Journey to the West – a 16th-century novel that remains influential across Asia.
'These stories create bridges before we even realize it,' Sy said, noting how his university friends from 20+ countries bond over analyzing mythological archetypes. As he prepares for a finance career, Sy aims to merge his technical expertise with cultural diplomacy: 'Numbers communicate globally, but stories connect us humanly.'
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
