From December 26, 2024, to January 6, 2025, the NUS Guangzhou Research Translation and Innovation Institute (NUS GRTII) and the NUS Global Relations Office jointly launched the “STEER Guangzhou and Shenzhen—Innovations to Fight Climate Change” study tour. Sixty-one NUS students visited Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and other cities. Through a combination of classroom sessions, thematic seminars, corporate visits, and cultural immersion, the participants experienced firsthand the dynamic energy of Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area technology and innovation, while also absorbing the unique charm of Lingnan culture.

The NUS Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER) programmes are designed to expose students to the diverse sociocultural environments of emerging regions through a mix of thematic classroom-based learning, experiential site visits and immersive interactions with various local communities. 

Igniting Aspirations in the City of Rams

At the opening ceremony of the STEER Bay Area tour, Professor Meng Qiang, Director of NUS GRTII, warmly welcomed the NUS students. He expressed his hope that the students would fully experience the booming innovative spirit of the Greater Bay Area, broaden their horizons, and gain abundant insights. Ms. Fu Xiaofang, Senior Associate Director of the Institute, similarly encouraged the students to engage actively, reflect throughout the journey, and appreciate the allure of the Greater Bay Area and Chinese culture.

The ice-breaking session reached its peak when students chanted “Guangzhou Welcomes You” in Cantonese, blending laughter and joy as regional barriers dissolved in the spirit of warmth and camaraderie. This marked the official commencement of the eagerly anticipated study tour in the GBA.

Exploring Cutting-Edge Knowledge

The STEER Trip’s theme, “Innovations to Fight Climate Change,” was reflected in a meticulously designed curriculum. Professors Seah Kar Heng from the NUS Faculty of Design and Engineering and Loh Wai Lam, Academic Director of the NUS Global Relations Office and also from the Faculty of Design and Engineering, led sessions that analyzed the current status and trends of climate change, interpreted the latest renewable energy technologies, and showcased innovative forces reshaping the global energy landscape.

A highlight of the tour was the interactive exchange between students from NUS and their counterparts at South China University of Technology, where academic discussions and collaborative learning took center stage during campus visits.

Corporate Visits: Exploring China’s “Intelligent” Manufacturing

During the tour, NUS students visited renowned enterprises and institutions such as Huawei, Tencent, GAC Aion, and CVTE. These visits offered a close-up view of China’s innovation-driven “intelligent manufacturing” in the Greater Bay Area, demonstrating the strong momentum of regional technological development.

Additional stops included a tour of China’s first carbon-neutral green building in Shenzhen—certified under dual standards and triple accreditations—an opportunity to experience Robotaxi autonomous rides in Nansha District, Guangzhou, and an in-depth look at the history of Singapore–China cooperation at the Guangzhou Knowledge City Exhibition Centre.

Celebrating Lingnan Culture and Heritage

The STEER tour seamlessly integrated academic learning with Lingnan culture and intangible cultural heritage. Students were immersed in the rich Chinese cultural tapestry, from the museum of the Nanyue King to the vibrant architectural gem of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the century-old Yongqing Lane, capturing countless memorable moments with their cameras.

To offer a closer look at the “lion dance culture” of Lingnan, a traditional lion dance performance was arranged in Foshan. The electrifying rhythm of drums and the spirited movements of the lion dancers brought the tradition to life, earning enthusiastic acclaim from the audience.

Moreover, a hands-on session on crafting Shunde-style fish lanterns allowed heritage artisans to guide students through the intricate processes of assembling, gluing, and painting, resulting in uniquely designed fish lanterns.

The journey was also a feast for the senses. Sampling regional delicacies—from the succulent shrimp dumplings and soft, savory char siu buns to the silky rice rolls and exquisite Shunde-style fish soup—offered students an authentic taste of the culinary richness of the Greater Bay Area.

The tour culminated in a unique Chinese New Year celebration. The dazzling Pearl River night cruise, the spectacular traditional “Iron Flower” performance, and the warmth of a communal bonfire filled the final night of 2024 with joy and unforgettable memories of China, the Bay Area, and Guangzhou. As the countdown echoed “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!” the year ended in splendor, heralding a promising start to 2025.

A Fitting Conclusion and Hope for the Future

At the concluding ceremony of the “STEER Guangzhou and Shenzhen—Innovations to Fight Climate Change” tour, Professor Loh Wai Lam remarked, “At NUS, we uphold an educational philosophy that values interdisciplinary collaboration, comprehensive development, international perspectives, and lifelong learning. This STEER project is a vivid embodiment of our values.”

Professor Seah Kar Heng added, “Throughout this journey, you have witnessed the sparks that arise when technology meets green innovation. May the knowledge you’ve gathered serve as nourishment for your future professional endeavors.”

This study tour, traversing the forefront of corporate technology, the deep roots of historical culture, and the expansive realm of academic knowledge, has paved a path for the growth and development of NUS students. Looking ahead, the STEER Bay Area tour will continue to explore the vast potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, unlock innovative solutions to global challenges, and empower aspiring young minds to connect the world with the future, thereby injecting vibrant energy into the sustainable development and cooperation between Singapore and China.