From October 2nd to 8th, faculty and students from SFD embarked on a cultural exchange programme in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan as part of their "Interdisciplinary STEAM Rural Education Public Welfare Practice Project." The programme aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of Central Asian education and culture, further deepen and promote rural education concepts and practices, and foster cross-border, interdisciplinary academic and cultural connections among faculty and students.

Visiting Chinese embassies and consulates in the region to chart a new chapter in Silk Road education

During the project, faculty and students from Beijing Normal University were invited to visit the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Kyrgyzstan, where they were warmly received by Ambassador Du Dewen and Minister Counsellor Li Baojie.

Zhang Wulong, Secretary-General of the Education Development Foundation of Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Campus, briefed Ambassador Du on the university's development and the composition of the project team. Liang Xu, Head of Cooperation and Development at SFD, presented Ambassador Du with a national gift specially crafted for Kyrgyzstan by faculty and students following their visit last year. Liang also explained the design concept behind the gift and its cultural significance.

Ambassador Du highly praised the achievements of Beijing Normal University’s international practice and exchange programme. She shared insights on the development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations and the long-standing friendship between the peoples of the two countries. Ambassador Du encouraged the students to promote Chinese culture, convey China’s stories effectively, and strengthen understanding and friendship between the youth of both countries. She urged them to contribute their youthful energy to China's modernization efforts and to the building of a shared China-Kyrgyzstan community.

The faculty and students of Beijing Normal University were also received at the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Almaty by Education Consul Huang Xiaomin and Science and Technology Consul Zhang Wei. During a discussion session, the two consuls introduced the cooperation between China and Kazakhstan in areas such as culture, trade, education, and technology. The BNU delegation and the consuls engaged in a discussion on how to leverage the university’s resources to better support the educational and cultural development of countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.

Enhancing International Exchange and Deepening International Cooperation

During the project, faculty and students from Beijing Normal University were invited to visit Kyrgyz State Technical University, Bishkek State University, Issyk-Kul State University, and SDU. They conducted visits and research at these institutions, receiving a warm welcome from the faculty and students at each university. 

At the welcome ceremony, Chymyrov Akylbek Urkaliyevich, Vice President of Kyrgyz State Technical University, highly praised the collaborative achievements between the design schools of both universities. The two sides reached a broad consensus on future cooperation, including student exchange programs and shared training curricula. They agreed to continue discussions to finalize and sign a memorandum of cooperation to promote bilateral exchange. An exhibition and presentation of the interim design achievements from both institutions was also held at the ceremony.

The Vice President of SDU University held a cordial meeting with the faculty and students involved in the project, engaging in in-depth discussions on cooperation in the fields of education and technology. Faculty and students from both universities interacted actively, exchanging commemorative gifts.

Project representatives also engaged in productive dialogues with representatives from Bishkek State University and Issyk-Kul State University, focusing on substantive cooperation in the field of education, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration.

Hosting an Interdisciplinary STEAM Workshop to Promote Traditional Chinese Culture

The "Interdisciplinary STEAM Rural Education Public Welfare Practice Project," organized by SFD， places particular emphasis on the preservation and promotion of traditional Chinese culture. During the project, faculty and students conducted workshops to showcase the richness of Chinese traditional culture to local faculty and students.

At Bishkek State University, the project faculty and students conducted a workshop titled "I am a Caisson Guardian," allowing participants to engage in interactive learning to gain a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture, particularly the architectural art of the caisson. Huang Wenwen, a student from SFD, provided a detailed introduction to the historical background and cultural significance of caissons and guided participants in creating their own caisson models. 

At Issyk-Kul State University, the project faculty and students conducted a workshop on the paper-folding art of the mamianqun (horse-face skirt). Associate Professor Xu Dongliang from SFD introduced the concept and origins of the mamianqun, showcased styles from various historical periods, and invited Kyrgyz students to try on the garment. By recreating the basic structure of the mamianqun through paper folding, the workshop helped deepen the understanding of its design principles, allowing the faculty and students to experience the uniqueness of Chinese culture firsthand.

While promoting traditional Chinese culture, the project faculty and students also focused on spreading interdisciplinary STEAM education principles, laying a foundation for future collaboration in the field of STEAM education.

Experiencing Central Asian Folk Culture and Strengthening the Deep Friendship between China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, faculty and students from SDU University and the project team from SFD jointly held a cultural performance. Highlights included traditional dombra performances of Balamyshka and Aelekhisa, as well as presentations of their learning in Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, dance, and song. Through a series of performances, the project faculty and students from SFD also showcased the richness and unique charm of Chinese culture, enhancing cultural appreciation and strengthening the bonds of friendship between both groups.

In Kazakhstan, faculty and students from SDU University and the project team from SFD jointly held a cultural performance. Highlights included traditional dombra performances of Balamyshka and Aelekhisa, as well as presentations of their learning in Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, dance, and song. Through a series of performances, the project faculty and students from SFD also showcased the richness and unique charm of Chinese culture, enhancing cultural appreciation and strengthening the bonds of friendship between both groups.

Additionally, the project faculty and students visited local attractions and cultural institutions, including Ala-Archa National Park, Issyk-Kul Lake, the Open-Air Petroglyph Museum, and the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan. These visits provided them with an in-depth understanding of the history, culture, and ethnic traditions of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

This year, the School of Future Design, in collaboration with the Youth League Committee of Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Campus, launched the "Interdisciplinary STEAM Rural Education Public Welfare Practice Project." In the first phase, the faculty and student team carried out interdisciplinary STEAM education initiatives in Yonghe County, Shanxi Province, focusing on the county's educational needs. In the second phase of the project, the faculty and student team traveled to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan for cultural exchange activities, exploring educational models and concepts in different cultural contexts. The project aims to produce outcomes such as the "Interdisciplinary STEAM Rural Education Curriculum Series," development of cultural heritage-inspired creative products, implementation of model education spaces, and intercultural exchange workshops.

In the future, SFD plans to initiate more exchange visits with countries along the Belt and Road, establishing a collaborative platform for design education within the initiative. This aims to promote China’s perspectives on international design and provide young students with greater opportunities for cultural exchange.