Source: School of International Studies
Written by: School of International Studies
Translated by: Li Jinzhen and Luo Xuan 
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On November 6-8, 2014, the First Dameisha China Innovation Forum (DCIF), initiated and hosted by Shenzhen Innovation and Development Institute, was held in Sheraton Dameisha Resort Hotel in Shenzhen. Four international students at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), including Jean-Sébastien Gagnon from Lingnan College, Pawel Jan Gawronski Jonas Sassin and Sérgio Santos from School of International Studies, stood out from a long list of challengers and participated in the forum as youth delegates (seats limited to 30 all over the world). Ma Hao, chairman of the Graduate Student Union of SYSU Zhuhai Campus, Yao Jiajun and Li Zhaoning, vice-chairmen of the International Student Association of SIS, were also invited to attend the forum.
With the theme of “Modernization of National Governance”, the forum had sub-forums covering issues on national economy and people’s livelihood, including legal construction, anti-corruption, innovation in special economic zone, innovation on the internet, financial innovation, development of mixed-ownership model, innovation on science and technology. Over 300 domestic and overseas elites from politics, business and academia, and experts from well-known think tanks and research institutes were invited to the forum.

The sub-forum Youth Forum of DCIF took “Youth should bear responsibility” as the theme. Thirty youth mentors and thirty youth delegates from around the world gathered together and were paired one by one. Pawel Jan Gawronski and his mentor Mr. Chi-Ming Sin, Managing Director of Hong Kong Modern Time Trading Co. Ltd., Jean-Sébastien Gagnon and his mentor Mr. Wu Gang, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of New Media Department of China National Radio, Jonas Sassin and his mentor Prof. Hu Biliang, Dean of Emerging Markets Institute and Dean of School of Development Studies of Beijing Normal University, Sérgio Santos and his mentor Mr. Song Dong, Vice Chairman of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Asia-Pacific Region, studied together for two days, talking about social innovation and discussing youth development.

At the Youth Roundtable Forum held on November 8, Jean-Sébastien Gagnon presented the results of the group discussion on “Technology Innovation & Ethics”. He gave a profound analysis of the status quo and contradictions of the current technology innovation and social ethics, and put forward some original and constructive solutions.

During the forum, with their broad perspectives and unique insights, the four youth delegates from SYSU won applause from mentors and participants from different circles, demonstrating their leadership charisma. Their excellent performance was a gift for SYSU’s 90th anniversary.

After the forum, the youth delegates said:

"I’m truly grateful for having this chance of participating in this forum with so many experienced businessmen and distinct leaders. I have to thank SYSU for helping me grasp this priceless opportunity. This kind of activity is very meaningful to guide the young generation to a brighter future.” — Sérgio Santos

"It was a great experience to attend the Dameisha Youth Innovation Forum. I’d like to thank Sun Yat-sen University and the School of International Studies which supported us exchange students attending this forum. It’s important to grow awareness of today's problems and challenges concerning not only China but the world. In this forum, the first step to a successful opening of our minds was taken.” — Jonas Sassin