Community workspace opens for expats in Nanshan

Zhaoshang Subdistrict in Nanshan District officially opened a new space to serve its vibrant international community at the Nanshan International Cultural Exchange and Service Center (NSIC) on Thursday afternoon.

The inauguration ceremony of the NSIC International Community Workspace is held Thursday at Zhaoshang Subdistrict. Photos courtesy of NSIC

The NSIC International Community Workspace aims to attract more organizations and talent to cooperate in technology, culture, education, and many other fields, according to a representative from the Zhaoshang Subdistrict Office.

The opening ceremony gathered government officials, guests from the local expat community, and over 20 French college students enrolled in an exchange program in Shenzhen.

Government officials and guests from the local expat community unveil NSIC international community workspace on Thursday.

French artist Michel Saja, who has lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, opened the ceremony with a musical performance. He sang a touching French song and a Chinese pop song, “The Moon Represents My Heart,” winning cheerful applause from the audience.

David Bassir, a professor at the University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard (UTBM), praised the workspace as a “great initiative.”

Attendees discuss at the workspace.

“This platform allows Chinese and foreign companies in the subdistrict to showcase their latest innovations and discuss collaboration opportunities,” Bassir said during an interview with Shenzhen Daily. He added that he hopes to connect Chinese students with both Chinese and French companies to aid their career development.

Bassir highlighted the importance of fostering cooperation on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and believes the workspace will witness a closer bond being established between Chinese and French companies. “Goodwill helps build trust, and trust evolves into cooperation. When we have a trust, we can build something together,” Bassir said.

French entrepreneur Sevag Baroudjian, a resident of China for over 20 years and a representative of the French community in South China, sees the workspace as a home for the local French community. “Now the workspace is our home as our French community can seek cooperation opportunities with various companies and associations,” Baroudjian told Shenzhen Daily.

“People can come here anytime they want, and they can meet people and access the facilities. It’s a very good idea for the local government to have started this,” he continued.

Students from France visit Shenzhen InnoX Academy in Nanshan District before they attended the inauguration ceremony of the NSIC International Community Workspace on Thursday. Courtesy of NSIC

Before the ceremony, the French students and faculty participated in the “Discover Nanshan” program. They toured Shenzhen InnoX Academy, getting a close-up look at the latest technological advancements and trends, and experiencing the allure of Shenzhen as a technological hub.

Zhaoshang Subdistrict is one of the city’s first model international subdistricts.

It’s home to more than 5,000 expats, seven international schools, and three ports — the Shekou Port, the Chiwan Port, and the Shekou Cruise Homeport. Over the years, Zhaoshang Subdistrict has organized a number of cultural events including exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and seminars to promote cultural exchange between Chinese and foreign residents.