Guangxi Youth Envoys’ Visit to Brunei Kicks Off with Opening Ceremony

Singapore, Singapore Aug 12, 2025  – In line with the 2025 China-ASEAN People-to-People Exchange Year, the “Magnificent Guangxi, Friendship Around the World–Guangxi Friendship Youth Envoys Visiting Brunei” program is taking place in Brunei from August 10 to 17. This initiative, hosted by the Guangxi People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and organized by Go Study, aims to deepen understanding and exchange between Chinese and Bruneian youth and to encourage young people to further the China-Brunei friendship. Twenty-four young representatives from Guangxi are participating in the week-long exchange visit.

The opening ceremony was held on the morning of August 11 at Laksamana College of Business in Brunei. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, reflecting the enthusiasm of the Chinese and Bruneian youth meeting. Following enthusiastic applause, the host introduced the honored guests, and the ceremony officially began.

Mr. Shi Rongke, Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, stated that close friends remain connected regardless of distance. He highlighted Guangxi’s role as a key hub for China-ASEAN cooperation and the longstanding friendship between Guangxi and Brunei. He expressed his hope that the youth delegates would value this opportunity for mutual learning, embrace cultural diversity, help Bruneians understand China, and contribute to the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Dr. Sivarajah warmly welcomed the Guangxi youth delegation, emphasizing the importance of young people as drivers of social progress. He expressed his desire for intellectual exchange to spark new ideas, for cultural understanding to deepen, and for stronger friendships to form between the youth of both countries.

Ms. Zhu Xiaoli, Director of the Office of the Guangxi People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, noted the significant progress in Guangxi-Brunei relations across trade, culture, tourism, education, and sports. She emphasized that young people are the future and ideal ambassadors for cultural exchange. The program includes cultural immersion, site visits, and cross-cultural dialogues to broaden the participants’ international perspectives, promote respect for cultural diversity, and cultivate a global mindset. She encouraged the young participants to “use friendship as a bridge and hearts as a bond to strengthen the friendship between our peoples.”

Following the speeches, all guests and youth delegates participated in a group photo, an ice-breaking activity, and a language, culture, and etiquette class titled “Exploring Brunei,” organized by the Laksamana College of Business Student Council. A campus tour followed.

Over the next seven days, the youth delegation will engage in cultural experiences, field visits, and youth dialogues to develop a deeper understanding of Brunei’s society, history, and culture. The goal is to enhance understanding and friendship between Chinese and Bruneian youth through mutual learning.