Future Close-up program brings China's growth into focus

The third edition of the Future Close-up program reached its climax Sunday afternoon when 16 key opinion leaders (KOLs) from 14 countries and regions presented group insights on innovation and development, drawing on a weeklong field trip and in-depth research across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Winning KOLs pose with their prizes following the GBA City Innovation Demo Day contest, held during the program’s closing ceremony at Tencent’s global headquarters in the Binhai Building, Nanshan District, on Sunday afternoon. Photos by Lin Songtao

The 2025 Future Close-up program was jointly hosted by Shenzhen-based tech giant Tencent and China International Communications Group (CICG), aiming to showcase China’s dynamic achievements to international KOLs, with a particular focus on the GBA's tech scene this year.

First-prize winners Michelle Zhu of Hong Kong, China (R), and Marcelina Liszewska of Poland deliver their presentation at the GBA City Innovation Demo Day event Sunday.

The GBA region has long served as an important gateway for China to connect with the world, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and strong economic vitality. It plays a crucial role as a core engine driving China’s overall technological innovation and development, according to Qin Chuan, director of Tencent’s Reputation Management Center, who spoke to Shenzhen Daily.

During the past week, the participating KOLs visited cutting-edge innovation hubs that integrate industry, academia, research, and application, such as Tencent and China Southern Airlines. They experienced advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and life sciences firsthand.

In addition, they explored some ancient villages in Guangdong, seeing how these communities are embracing digitalization and new cultural industries to breathe fresh life into their traditional settings.

“We hope these youths will bring forth more creativity and share their feedback and innovative ideas with us, providing valuable input in return,” said Qin.

Hugo Fontanel (R) from France speaks while his teammate, Iuliia Bautdinova of Russia, looks on during their presentation at the GBA City Innovation Demo Day event Sunday.

Participants spoke enthusiastically about their experiences. Tanvir Parvez Matobbar, president of Tsinghua University Student Association of Belt and Road Initiative (SABRI), said that visits across multiple GBA cities revealed distinctive development paths that complement and coordinate with each other, unlocking vast opportunities that benefit the local population.

Vanessa Herdade, a digital solutions manager for a French retail chain, highlighted the dynamism and innovation of China’s tech firms. She noted that industry leaders like Tencent, alongside numerous small and medium enterprises, are pioneering advancements in healthcare, software development, and beyond.

Participants listen intently during the GBA City Innovation Demo Day, part of the program’s closing ceremony.

At the GBA City Innovation Demo Day, held during the program’s closing ceremony yesterday, the participating KOLs put forward proposals focusing on systematizing replicable models of the GBA’s high-quality development and offering innovative recommendations for its future growth. After evaluation by a panel of judges, their proposals were handed over to Sang Hui, director of the administration center of Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning.

The 2025 Future Close-up program brought together 16 international KOLs from countries and regions including Russia, Germany, Australia, and Brazil. The program featured site visits to Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Dongguan, Hengqin, and Guangzhou, along with round-table dialogues to give them an immersive view of China’s modernization journey. Guo Kaitian, Tencent’s senior vice president, emphasized at the closing ceremony the power of “connection,” encouraging young participants to embrace differences with openness.