In the afternoon of Sep 28, SPA embraced the festive spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival by hosting a truly memorable event. This special gathering featured an enlightening academic workshop led by Mr. Ferdie Mostert, a distinguished expert with more than two decades of experiences in China. This captivating event took place on the 28th of September, blending cultural celebration with intellectual exploration, all aimed at deepening students understanding of both the digital and human aspects of the global economy.

During the first session for awards and Chinese cultural instructions, SPA celebrated the richness of Chinese culture by gifting students with lovingly crafted UESTC-made mooncakes, symbolizing the warmth and togetherness of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Vice Dean of the School of International Education Ms He Qilei, Chairman of the School Council Mr. Zhengyu Tao,Vice Chairman of the School Council Mr. Yang Zhifan, Vice Dean of the School Council Prof.Hanhong, Director of Center for International Exchange and Cooperation and Distinguished Professors. Professor Zhao set the stage with a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for an afternoon filled with celebration and enlightenment by focusing on sticking to UESTC Motto as well as SPA’s Motto to deliver equity and integrity by seeking to truth and facts. Then Associate Professor Ren Yang gave an engaging presentation about Chinese traditional festivals, sharing insights into their different aspects. He also showed a video about the Mid-Autumn Festival, which made the experience even more interesting. His talk highlighted the importance and customs of this festival, helping the audience better appreciate Chinese culture.

During the awards ceremony, students were recognized for their exceptional achievements in study, active student activities and community service. These awards demonstrated the students' exceptional commitment and outstanding achievements in different aspects of their academic journey. All international have mooncake as festival gift and take a group photo together to commemorate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

During the secondsession for workshop, the Academic Workshop was delivered by Mr. Ferdie. With the topic People and the Digital Global Economy, he explained the complexities of the global economy, drawing from his vast experiences.  Mr. Ferdie also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and the value of knowledge sharing. He highlighted the advantages of innovation and technology in today's rapidly changing world, and he also discussed ways to better understand the positive impact of the evolving global digital economy and how human influence shapes the global economy.

In his inspirational words, "Never stop learning and keep learning from others. Innovation and technology are the driving forces of our time, creating endless possibilities. To better understand the positive impact of the changing digital global economy, we must recognize the pivotal role that humans play in shaping its course.

Finally, Professor Zhao reiterated and adding, "We must consider human needs and not focus solely on monetary gains. Opportunities are often worth more than money. We must think about our long-term goals. Following Mr. Ferdie's enlightening talk, students engaged in a lively Q&A session.

The event concluded on a high note, leaving attendees with a profound appreciation for Chinese culture, a deeper understanding of the global economy, and a rekindled sense of purpose and curiosity. It was a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary elements, leaving attendees with an invigorated sense of cultural appreciation and a deeper understanding of the complex global landscape. SPA of UESTC remains dedicated to providing its students with enriching experiences that inspire and empower them.

Author: Aayush Maskey （马玉，2023 international student of SPA）

Proofreader：赵文龙