Liu Yangyang 52452046@qq.com WITH Chinese New Year just around the corner, the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology, and Innovation Bureau and the Shenzhen Municipal Foreign Experts Affairs Bureau hosted a Spring Festival panel at Shenzhen University that included 13 international experts living in Shenzhen. These experts shared their work and life experiences in the city and also participated in traditional Lunar New Year activities, deepening their sense of belonging and connection to Shenzhen. Friday’s event was co-organized by the Shenzhen University Institute for Innovative Shenzhen Urban Communication and EyeShenzhen. During the panel, the experts shared their insights and experiences in Shenzhen and offered suggestions for the city’s development. Andrew Flanner, an American who teaches humanities and social sciences at Huitong School, discussed the panel’s importance. “I think that panels like today’s are extremely important to people like me for a few reasons. One is being able to learn about the experiences of people who have been here longer. He also said, “At the same time, being part of these panels allows people like me to help the city and its decision-makers understand unique experiences that newcomers have compared to others.” Speaking about the networking aspect of the event, Flanner stated, “These panels provide an opportunity to meet other experts across various industries and fields, fostering both connections and friendships, and giving attendees a clearer picture of what’s happening in the city.” Shunichi Takeda, a Japanese professor at Shenzhen University’s Medical School, also found the discussion highly beneficial. “I sat next to someone who runs a company, which is exactly the kind of collaboration I hope to explore in the future,” Takeda shared. Building on Flanner’s thoughts about networking, Takeda added, “This panel offers a fantastic opportunity to build relationships and connect with other experts and professors. From the discussion, I learned that many share the sentiment that Shenzhen is a city full of opportunities.” After the panel, the experts tried their hands at traditional Chinese New Year customs, such as writing couplets and the Chinese character “福” (pinyin: fu; meaning “bliss”). Olatunji Mumini Omisore, an associate researcher at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, tried writing the character with the help of a calligraphy teacher. “One of the things that inspires me about Chinese culture is how it incorporates symbols and traditions into daily life. For example, ‘福’ represents good fortune, luck, and positivity for the coming year. I truly hope that the year brings many opportunities, personal growth, and ways to contribute to society,” Omisore told Shenzhen Daily. | 