On July 4th, more than 80 international students from countries such as Morocco, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Armenia, studying at China Jiliang University and Zhejiang University of Technology, visited Shangyu District in Shaoxing City. They embarked on a journey to explore the historical and contemporary significance of the birthplace of porcelain and experienced the charm of Yue Kiln celadon culture. They were amazed by how Zhejiang Tianxingjian Waterworks Co. Ltd carries forward their hometown's millennium-old ceramic culture through innovation. The students were deeply impressed by the company's accomplishments in entrepreneurship and technological innovation, which sparked their desire to start businesses in China and strengthen cultural exchanges.
Uncovering the Legacy: A Brief History Lesson
The morning sun cast its gentle rays upon Shangyu Museum as these curious souls stepped inside. They found themselves amidst a treasure trove – the Yue Kiln celadon (越窑青瓷) exhibition hall – where time seemingly stood still. Over 1,800 years ago during the Eastern Han Dynasty, this enchanted land witnessed an extraordinary birth—the emergence of mature porcelain production.
Intrigued by their surroundings and guided by knowledgeable experts within these hallowed halls, international students marveled at how this region had become home to one of humanity's earliest encounters with refined ceramics. For well over a millennium since that fateful era, Yue Kiln celadon has flourished both domestically and across borders – its influence spanning far and wide.
As our intrepid travelers learned more about this enduring art form within Shangyu Museum's walls, they couldn't help but be captivated by its timeless charm. This delicate green-hued ceramic was bestowed with an endearing moniker – “the mother of porcelain.” Every stroke painted across each piece told stories woven through time by diligent craftsmen who harnessed fire and earth's gifts to forge magnificent works that would endure for generations.
For Li Da from Morocco studying at China Jiliang University, it was an epiphany like no other when she realized that “china,” referring to porcelain in English parlance as well as China itself when capitalized – shared deep roots with her daily life back home in Morocco. Inspired by their newfound knowledge and appreciation for Chinese culture's profound impact on their lives even continents away from its origins – these students resolved within themselves not only to spread awareness about Chinese traditions but also foster a genuineappreciation for the art of porcelain in their own countries.
Exploring Modern Applications: From Daily Life to Industry
The afternoon sun led our adventurers to Zhang Town (章镇), where they ventured into the realm of Zhejiang Tianxingjian Waterworks Co., Ltd. This high-tech enterprise, specializing in water treatment solutions for municipal water supply, wastewater management, and seawater desalination, opened their eyes to a surprising facet of ceramics – its application in modern industries.
As Anastassiya from Kazakhstan studying at Zhejiang University of Technology marveled at the sight of ceramics transforming from everyday household items in the morning to industrial equipment in the afternoon, she couldn't help but express her wonder. The general manager of Tianxingjian Waterworks Company, Chen Feng shared his profound connection with Shangyu's ceramic culture since childhood. He emphasized that culture's true essence resides not only in preservation but also innovation.
Driven by this belief and armed with a vision rooted in modern civilization principles,Tianxingjian Waterworks Company has spent over a decade devotedly researching and innovating within the field. Their groundbreaking achievements include developing ceramic ultrafiltration membranes that have gained recognition domestically and internationally. At their manufacturing facility, international students witnessed skilled workers deftly operating intricate machinery as raw materials transformed into finished products – each ceramic membrane serving as a testament to technological advancement and management excellence found within Zhejiang province.
Leading Innovation: A Testament to Shangyu's Advancement
Zhang Town has been at the forefront of water treatment advancements for drinking water quality improvement and wastewater management in recent years. With its establishment as a specialized base for water treatment services, it has effectively stimulated industrial agglomeration in its vicinity. Chen Feng reminisced about his deep-rooted connection to this land as a native of Shangyu when he decided to invest over 1 billion yuan into building a modernized water plant supply chain (emergency) management service base in his hometown after spending years working in Hangzhou.
The Role of Talent: Nurturing Development
Talent serves as vital support for high-quality corporate development and is key to future competition. In recent years, Tianxingjian Waterworks Company has been exploring mutually beneficial talent cultivation mechanisms with universities. Collaborations have been established with institutions such as China Jiliang University and Zhejiang University of Technology through programs like water engineering classes that provide practical experience opportunities for university students during summer vacations.
Now, beyond domestic students, Tianxingjian is extending its talent cultivation efforts towards foreign students studying abroad by constructing an overseas talent introduction system and service platform that facilitates innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities within China – creating an incubator for startups while sharing development prospects offered by “Youth City.”
The visit by international students from various countries provided them with an awe-inspiring experience uncovering ancient Chinese porcelain's splendor while witnessing how Shangyu continues its legacy through innovative applications across industries like water treatment technology. The journey ignited their enthusiasm not only for entrepreneurial endeavors but also for fostering stronger cultural exchanges between their home countries and China.
This hands-on experience allows them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, honing their skills and gaining valuable industry insights. The company's commitment to nurturing talent extends beyond domestic students, as they have now expanded their efforts towards international students studying in China.
Driving Innovation Through Diversity
To create a platform for international students to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship in China, Tianxingjian Waterworks Company is establishing an overseas talent introduction and service system. This initiative aims to provide support, guidance, and resources for international students who wish to capitalize on the vibrant opportunities available in China's “Youth City.”
By attracting foreign talents from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences,Tianxingjian Waterworks Company seeks to foster inclusivity within its workforce while encouraging fresh perspectives that can drive innovation. These international students bring not only their academic expertise but also a global mindset that can help create solutions tailored for both local and international markets.
The presence of international students within Tianxingjian Waterworks Company creates an environment conducive to creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding. By fostering diversity within their workforce, the company harnesses the potential for new ideas that can lead to groundbreaking innovations.
The unique perspectives brought by these international students enable the companyto think outside traditional boundaries when tackling complex challenges. Their diverse backgrounds facilitate the exchange of ideas across borders,enriching problem-solving processesand promoting cultural awareness among employees. With this fertile ground for collaboration, Tianxingjian Waterworks Company is poisedto push boundariesand achieve new heights of success.