China
Read about how students explored Shenzhen's culture, history and innovation through immersive learning experiences, school exchange and visits to leading technology companies, while developing global competencies and cross-cultural understanding.
Shenzhen Internationalisation Trip 2026
From 25 to 29 May 2026, a group of 36 students and 5 teachers embarked on a 5-day, 4-night Internationalisation Trip to Shenzhen, China. The programme combined educational exchange, cultural immersion and industry visits, providing students with authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom. Through these experiences, students gained a deeper appreciation of how culture, education, innovation and technology have shaped Shenzhen into one of China's leading global cities.
Exploring Shenzhen's Development and Heritage
Students visited Lianhuashan Park, where they learned about Deng Xiaoping's vision and leadership in transforming Shenzhen from a small fishing village into a global innovation hub. The visit to Shenzhen Civic Centre further reinforced these insights as students explored how thoughtful urban planning, smart infrastructure and green spaces have contributed to building a sustainable and livable city. These experiences encouraged students to appreciate the importance of visionary leadership, long-term planning and innovation in nation-building.
The group also explored Dapeng Ancient City, one of Shenzhen's best-preserved historical sites. As they learned about its rich history and cultural significance, students gained a deeper appreciation of how Shenzhen continues to preserve its heritage while embracing rapid modernisation, highlighting the importance of balancing progress with cultural identity.
Educational Exchange at Longgang Experimental School
A key highlight of the trip was the educational exchange at Longgang Experimental School, where students attended lessons, toured the campus and interacted with both students and staff. They observed how technology and artificial intelligence are integrated into teaching and learning while gaining fresh perspectives on another education system.
Beyond the classroom, students forged meaningful friendships with their Chinese peers through conversations and classroom learning. Despite language differences, they communicated confidently using simple English, Chinese and gestures, demonstrating adaptability and mutual respect. These authentic interactions broadened their global perspectives and strengthened their appreciation of different cultures.
Exploring Innovation at Tencent and UBTECH
Students also visited Tencent and UBTECH, where they gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship, robotics and artificial intelligence.
At Tencent, students were introduced to the Business Model Canvas and explored how organisations identify customer needs, create value and develop sustainable business models. Through interactive activities, they gained a better understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation and creative problem-solving.
At UBTECH, students interacted with humanoid robots, learned about Robot Wukong, and programmed the Robot Wukong to dance and perform simple tasks such as carrying a cube. These hands-on experiences provided students with a deeper appreciation of how robotics and artificial intelligence are transforming industries and creating new opportunities for the future.
Experiencing Future Technologies
Another memorable experience was witnessing a drone delivery demonstration, where students explored how autonomous technologies are transforming logistics and transportation. Beyond understanding the technology, they discussed its practical applications and proposed how similar solutions could be adapted for Singapore, encouraging them to think critically about innovation and its impact on society.
Developing 21st Century Competencies
Throughout the Internationalisation Trip, students engaged in daily reflection and debrief sessions, connecting their experiences to their learning. The programme provided authentic opportunities for students to strengthen their 21st Century Competencies (21CC), including Global Awareness, Communication, Collaboration, Cross-Cultural Literacy, Critical and Inventive Thinking, and Social-Emotional Competencies.
The Shenzhen Internationalisation Trip 2026 exemplified the school's commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom. By immersing themselves in a different culture, engaging with innovative industries and building connections with their Chinese peers, students returned with broader global perspectives, deeper cultural appreciation and greater confidence to contribute meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected world.