The Zhi Xing student delegation embarked on an enriching journey to Bali from January 29 to 31, 2024, immersing themselves in the island’s dynamic blend of academic innovation, cultural heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their visit began at the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center, where they gained valuable insights into the center’s initiatives in education, sustainability, and regional development. A guided tour of the campus and the surrounding island provided a firsthand look at how Bali is positioning itself as a hub for intellectual and economic collaboration. The discussions and explorations set the stage for a deeper understanding of the island’s evolving role in global academic and business networks.
The second day of the trip took the delegation to Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, where they experienced the island’s rich traditions and spiritual landscape. A visit to the sacred Monkey Forest offered a glimpse into the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture, while explorations of local Hindu temples deepened their appreciation for Bali’s enduring religious and artistic heritage. These experiences provided a striking contrast to the modern developments they had observed at TSEA, reinforcing the delicate balance between tradition and progress that defines the island’s identity.
On the final day, the group turned their attention to Bali’s growing digital economy with a visit to LivitHub, a vibrant coworking space dedicated to nurturing startups and remote professionals. Here, they engaged with entrepreneurs and innovators who are shaping Bali’s reputation as a global hub for digital nomads and tech-driven enterprises. The journey concluded with a visit to The Confucius Institute at Udayana University, where discussions on cultural exchange and language learning underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration. As the delegation departed, they carried with them a deeper appreciation for Bali’s unique synthesis of academia, culture, and innovation, leaving inspired by the island’s vision for the future.