Aileen Sierends Davina, from student to storyteller

At just 19 years old, Aileen Sierends Davina, a sophomore at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), is carving out a unique path as a content creator, sharing her life as an international student in China with a growing audience.

Aileen Sierends Davina

Studying marketing and communication, Aileen has turned her experiences in Shenzhen into engaging content on Instagram and YouTube, capturing the attention of viewers, particularly from her home country, Indonesia.

During a recent interview with Shenzhen Daily, Aileen opened up about her journey, her aspirations, and how her content is inspiring others.

From dorm room to digital fame

Aileen’s content creation journey began two years ago, with her videos covering topics from daily life to Chinese technology.

“Last year, I didn’t realize people were watching my content because I was just in my dorm with my friends,” she said. It wasn’t until she returned home to Indonesia for the summer holiday this year that she discovered her reach.

“I met people who recognized me from my videos. They’d say, ‘You’re Aileen, the big sister!’” she laughed, referring to the nickname freshmen at CUHK-Shenzhen have given her.

Her videos, which showcase everything from drone food deliveries to a dog-washing machine, have resonated with Indonesians who are intrigued by China’s cutting-edge technology.

One video about a pet-washing machine went viral in Indonesia, sparking both awe and debate. “Some thought it was innovative, but others weren’t sure about it,” Aileen explained, noting the polarized reactions. Despite various comments, she still focused on the positive impact.

Balancing creativity and ambition

Aileen’s content creation is more than a hobby — it’s a stepping stone toward her dream of becoming a businesswoman.

“Since childhood, I wanted to be a businesswoman, but I want to do it differently, using modern methods like being an influencer,” she said.

She sees her growing online presence as a way to build a personal brand that can support her future business ventures. “Being a businesswoman is the ultimate goal of my life, but inspiring others with my content has run through my blood since day one. I love creating businesses that solve problems for my fans,” she added.

Yet, Aileen is pragmatic about her future. Alongside her social media endeavors, she’s involved in campus organizations like the International Student Association at CUHK-Shenzhen and the Indonesian Students’ Association in China (PPI Tiongkok), where she serves as the chair of the tourism division.

Aileen Sierends Davina (C) and international students from around Guangdong Province during a trip to Shaoguan.

Her role in the tourism division aligns with her passion for cultural exchange, promoting Chinese tourism to Indonesians, and introducing Chinese audiences to lesser-known Indonesian destinations beyond Bali.

A summer of growth and connection

Aileen’s summer in Indonesia was a whirlwind of family, travel, and rediscovery. She visited China’s Taiwan and Sumba Island in Indonesia with her family, helped at her family-owned restaurant, and even conducted makeup training for the restaurant’s staff, leveraging a certification she earned the previous year.

“In China, I don’t have time to use my makeup skills, but in Indonesia, I could,” she said. Her time abroad also highlighted her growth in English fluency, a skill honed through university presentations and workshops on how to communicate with foreign tourists that she led for waitstaff in her hometown of Malang.

Embracing Shenzhen’s modern vibe

Aileen’s choice of CUHK-Shenzhen was well-considered. Drawn to Shenzhen’s modern, youthful energy, she opted for a city that felt “international yet Chinese.” Unlike the traditional cities she visited as a child, like Beijing and Suzhou, Shenzhen’s futuristic vibe resonated with her.

“It’s near Hong Kong, technologically advanced, and full of young people,” she said. The university’s English-taught courses and supportive environment for international students further solidified her decision. With all the good things that happened in Shenzhen, Aileen has found a sense of belonging in this city.

Aileen Sierends Davina during her first color run.

Aileen’s connection to China runs deep. With family roots in Meizhou, Guangdong Province, on her father’s side and Zhangzhou, southeastern China’s Fujian Province, on her mother’s side, Aileen has reconnected with relatives during her time in Shenzhen.

Aileen Sierends Davina (3rd, L) and her schoolmates during a Starlympics event at CUHK-Shenzhen.

“My Chinese family treats me like their own,” she said, recounting sleepovers, museum visits, and even an apartment renovation to accommodate her stays. These familial ties have enriched her experience, making Shenzhen feel like home.

Aileen Sierends Davina in front of a Fujian Tulou cluster while visiting her great grandparents' hometown in Fujian Province.

A community builder at heart

Aileen’s content stands out for its authenticity and spontaneity. Moving away from rigid content plans, she now posts as if sharing with friends, a strategy that has boosted engagement.

Aileen Sierends Davina (4th, L) and her schoolmates during a college orientation program at Wutong Mountain.

“I treat my audience like friends,” she said, noting how followers have helped her navigate challenges like fixing a blocked SIM card. Her videos offer practical tips for international students, from surviving Shenzhen’s addictive cuisine to adjusting to university life. “I want to show what living in China and CUHK-Shenzhen is like,” she said, proud that her content has inspired others to choose her university.

Her community-building extends beyond social media. Aileen actively seeks connections through campus events, tennis, and even spontaneous adventures, like chasing internet celebrity Speed in Shenzhen or eating Haidilao hotpot at 3 a.m. with friends. “University isn’t just about academics — it’s about connections,” she said, emphasizing the value of meeting people from diverse backgrounds.

Looking ahead

As she just turned 19 this September, Aileen is focused on refining her content while staying true to her roots. She plans to launch a Xiaohongshu account to reach Chinese audiences and continue growing her personal brand.

Long-term, she envisions a career that blends content creation with business, potentially in Shenzhen or Indonesia’s capital. “I want to create a business that solves problems for my generation and is a blessing to others,” she said.

Aileen’s advice to aspiring content creators is simple. “Start now. Post that video. You’re the youngest you’ll ever be.” Her journey, marked by resilience, adaptability, and a knack for turning everyday moments into meaningful content, is a testament to the power of Gen Z’s creativity and ambition. As she continues to share her story, Aileen is not just building a following — she’s building a community one post at a time.