Across Miles to Lingnan: A Journey of Academic and Cultural Exchanges for Portuguese Youths

Recently, Lingnan College welcomed a group of 12 students and 2 accompanying professors from ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal, for an 8-day short-term visiting program. Featuring academic lectures, company visits, and city cultural activities, the program allowed the Portuguese guests to experience the unique charm of China firsthand and deepen their understanding of Guangzhou and the country.

Academic Lectures: Decoding China's Development

During the program, Lingnan College organized special lectures with topics on green finance, political economy, and urban development.

Associate Professor Zhu Xiaoyu elaborated how green disclosure is transitioning from voluntary ESG practices to more stringent regulatory requirements. He analyzed how disclosure rules enhance the comparability and credibility of information, and how companies are adjusting their investment, innovation, and emissions decisions under both market and regulatory pressures. He also compared green disclosure regulatory frameworks between China and Europe, guiding students to explore regulatory effectiveness as a testable scientific question.

Professor Xu Zhun explained China's new development philosophy from the perspective of political economy, introducing the country's major achievements in innovation, coordination, green development, openness, and shared benefits. He distinguished the philosophy from neoliberalism and discussed the implications of China's experience for the world.

Professor Ye Lin from the School of Government at Sun Yat-sen University introduced Guangzhou's vision of becoming a central world city. He analyzed the city's strengths and development paths from across four dimensions—trade influence, production service capacity, connectivity and innovation leadership, and presented Guangzhou's history, current status, and future prospects.

Company Visits: Tapping into Industrial Frontline

During the program, the group visited two representative enterprises, gaining an up-close look at China's industrial innovation.

At Runjian Corporation, Portuguese students learned how artificial intelligence is deeply integrated with telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, education, tourism, and other sectors, and how technological innovation drives digital transformation, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement for enterprises. Ma Yiming, dean of Runjian Academy, a training unit of Runjian Corporation, warmly welcomed the visiting group. 

At Goelia, they explored the evolution of the Chinese fashion brand. Through an on-site case study presented by Professor Chen Gang of Lingnan College, the group gained insights into how the local apparel company is expanding into international markets in the digital era and learned about the practices of Chinese enterprises going global.

Cultural Experiences: Discovering Guangzhou's History and Modernity

The group also took part in a rich array of cultural activities to appreciate Guangzhou's historical heritage as a millennium-old commercial hub and its vibrancy as an international metropolis. They visited Shamian Island, Yongqingfang, the Guangdong Museum, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and other attractions, and enjoyed making dumplings and playing table tennis during the program.

Successful Conclusion: Building Friendship and Future Collaboration

On the afternoon of April 4, the Portuguese students and professors departed for home, bringing with them academic gains and cherished memories, which marked the successful conclusion of the visiting program. This event not only bridged friendly exchanges between Chinese and Portuguese youths but also strengthened the cooperation between Lingnan College and ISCTE. 

Looking ahead, Lingnan College will continue to foster cross-cultural dialogue and shared development through diverse academic exchange programs.