In July 2026, a practice group under Shanghai Jiao Tong University's (SJTU) Global Competence Program set out on a five-day transnational study tour in Australia. Led by Professor Zhen Fengchao, Deputy Dean of the School of Foreign Languages, the delegation brought together seven outstanding students from five schools: the School of Foreign Languages, the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, the KoGuan Law School, the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry, and the Low Carbon College. With cultural exchange as a bridge and academic research at its core, the group visited Australian universities, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Melbourne, and major public cultural institutions. Through campus tours, street surveys, and cultural interactions, the students explored how Australian society perceives China's governance philosophy, especially its approach to artificial intelligence (AI) governance, while deepening the friendship between Chinese and Australian youth.

Street Surveys Bring Chinese Culture to the Public

From July 24 to 26, the group spent three consecutive days conducting questionnaire surveys and cultural activities on the streets of Melbourne to gauge the public's awareness and acceptance of China's governance and AI governance philosophy.

Before the fieldwork, the students designed their own questionnaires and prepared two types of gifts: SJTU souvenirs such as folders, postcards, and bookmarks featuring campus scenery, and traditional Chinese cultural products such as embroidered sachets and bookmarks printed with classical poems.

Team members worked in densely populated areas, adapting their approach on the ground and engaging proactively with local residents and international students. Many respondents gladly shared their impressions of China: some spoke of its millennia-old civilization and the beauty of its calligraphy and traditional architecture, while others focused on its economic vitality and technological achievements, citing the innovation of cities such as Hangzhou and Shenzhen. Upon learning that the visitors were from SJTU, many asked about higher education and campus culture in China.

The surveys yielded hundreds of valid questionnaires from respondents of diverse ages, professions, and cultural backgrounds, providing solid data for follow-up research. More importantly, they became an opportunity to present Chinese culture and the openness and warmth of Chinese youth to the local community, while sharpening the students' cross-cultural communication skills and global competence.

University of Melbourne: Campus Visit and Dialogue on Growth

On July 27, guided by SJTU alumnus Yin Shengkai and Dr. Carrie Peng Xin, Assistant Professor at the University of Melbourne's School of Languages and Linguistics, the group toured the University of Melbourne.

The visit was followed by a discussion. Professor Zhen Fengchao introduced SJTU's School of Foreign Languages and outlined prospects for cooperation in AI development, interdisciplinary construction, and academic exchange. Dr. Carrie Peng Xin then elaborated on the University of Melbourne's teaching system and research strengths. Drawing on their survey findings, the students raised questions, which the two scholars answered while encouraging them to broaden their academic horizons through diverse exchanges.

That afternoon, the group interviewed Shiwei Liao, a Master's student in Global Media Communication at the University of Melbourne, on AI governance, global communication, and the international dissemination of Chinese culture. The conversation deepened the students' understanding of how AI issues are framed in different social contexts and offered new perspectives on China's AI governance philosophy overseas.

Monash University: Broadening Horizons, Exploring Cooperation

On July 28, the group visited Monash University, exchanging views with Tracy de Silva and Diro Yang, heads of China engagement at the university's international office, on academic practice, internationalized education, and cross-institutional cooperation.

The exchange gave the students deeper insight into the internationalized educational philosophies of Australian universities and the importance of cross-institutional cooperation in promoting youth exchange and academic mutual learning.

At the Consulate General: Shouldering Responsibility Through Practice

On the afternoon of July 28, the group visited the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Melbourne, where they were warmly received by Consul Ding Li, with the rank of Counselor, Vice Consul Sun Mengli, and Huang Chaoyong, head of the China-Australia Youth Dialogue. The discussion centered on people-to-people exchanges, youth development, and international practice.

Consul Ding Li welcomed the delegation and engaged the students in depth on China's governance model, development achievements, China-Australia relations, and youth growth, framing her remarks around "four questions of the era" — original aspiration, context, vision, and mission. She noted that the international community has spoken positively of China's long-term strategic planning capacity and policy continuity, while encouraging a balanced view of development gaps. She observed that diplomacy in the new era calls for well-rounded talent who combine patriotism with a global vision, and encouraged the students to consolidate their professional foundations and contribute their youthful energy to China-Australia friendship.

Professor Zhen Fengchao expressed gratitude for the consulate's support and briefed the officials on the program's background and progress. All those present agreed that cultural exchange and academic cooperation are like a seed that must be sown and nurtured by young people of both countries before it can grow into a tree of friendship connecting the hearts of the two peoples. The discussion gave the students a more direct understanding of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and the role of youth in promoting people-to-people ties.

Exploring Public Spaces, Perceiving a Diverse Society

Beyond the street surveys and campus visits, the group also visited public cultural institutions including the State Library of Victoria and Museums Victoria, learning about Australia's history, public education system, and social mechanisms. Their close observation of Australian society provided vivid material for studying cross-cultural phenomena and the overseas dissemination of Chinese culture.

Looking ahead, the students expressed their commitment to telling China's story and spreading its voice with a broader international perspective, building friendship and consensus between Chinese and Australian youth and contributing to mutual understanding between peoples and mutual learning among civilizations.