The enthusiasm of China’s young people

Last month, I had the privilege to attend two conferences where I saw the enthusiasm and eagerness to learn of China’s young people.

In Tianjin, the World Intelligence Conference was three days of serious discussions about the role of artificial intelligence, with a special focus on how the internet of things could contribute to building smart, green and livable cities. I expected a few hundred people to show up.

But, to my astonishment, 4,000 people, mostly in their 20s, were clamoring to get into the convention center well before the opening. This is pure thirst for knowledge.

While in Tianjin, I also had the opportunity to visit the Tianjin University Health Sciences Platform. This five-year old English language program offers a world-class education in chemistry and biology, leading to a degree in pharmaceutical engineering. I was impressed by the new facilities and the curriculum, which incorporates handson lab research with a topnotch faculty. The school offers a free education to foreigners in the program. I wish I were 18 again.

In Changsha, capital of Hunan province, I attended the International Belt and Road Youth Forum, which brought together people from 65 countries, mostly in their early to mid-20s, for three days of discussions. Again, I was struck by the enthusiasm and friendships formed by youth from around the world. Even delegates from countries that are formally hostile to each other, worked in harmony. What an opportunity for the lucky kids who got to attend.

Last year, Changsha was selected as a UNESCO Cultural City of Media Arts, so much of the work focused on ways to stimulate the arts and media. The city has good reason to be proud of the brand new Meixihu Culture and Arts Center, designed by architect Zaha Hadid. The astonishingly beautiful building looks like it grew organically from the Earth. Or, maybe it’s a space ship. Take a look at the photos online. It is destined to be a world-famous icon. The investment in this center bolsters Changsha’s reputation as a center for media production companies.

I’ve also been struck by the work ethic and serious enthusiasm of young people who were not able to go to university. For example, at the factory of Sany Heavy Industries, a listed private company in Changsha, workers put together very large construction equipment — so people’s lives and the fate of the company depend on them.

These workers, mostly young, make about 10,000 yuan ($1,567) per month, a very good salary in the city. In contrast, recent graduates of Changsha’s highly-rated universities often earn around 4,000 yuan per month. Maybe some need to re-evaluate whether attending university is the best path.

I admire the work ethic of the young delivery guys I see in Beijing. Reportedly, there are more than 100,000. Many of them are saving money so they can return to their hometowns to build their own businesses.

I spent much of my life in Washington, which is dominated by self-important and outright mean cynics, and in United States universities, which are now going through their own vicious turmoil. It is so refreshing to see sincere enthusiasm and a real zest for productive knowledge.