The Sequel to the Youth Technological Innovation and Sustainable Development Startathon: Chinese Youth Shine on the ASEAN-China-India International Stage.

180 Outstanding Youths from 12 Countries Gathered at the Shangri-La Singapore.




On October 29, 2023, 15 contestants who stood out from the first Youth Technological Innovation and Sustainable Development Startathon (hereinafter referred to as "Youth Startathon") embarked on a journey to Singapore, representing outstanding Chinese youth at the ASEAN-China-India Youth Leadership Summit (ACIYLS). This summit was sponsored by Temasek Foundation and jointly supported by the ASEAN Foundation, Nanyang Technological University, Singtel, and other institutions. The Chinese youth attending the event were led by the Ningbo Wutong Talent Development Center. It gathered 180 exceptional youths from China, India, and the ten ASEAN countries, providing a platform for intellectual exchange, building transnational friendships, deepening understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and discussing practical action plans.


During the six-day summit, the outstanding SDG proposals from the sprint round of the Youth Startathon received high praise from guests of the sustainability forum. The international teams, formed by the Chinese youth and participants from various countries, won the first, third, and fourth prizes in the sustainable development project competition. On the day of the awards ceremony and dinner, Ms. Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Education,

Minister of State for Manpower presented trophies and prizes to the three winning Chinese youths: Qiu Xinyi, Shang Yaxuan, and Wang Zixuan. Through this event, Chinese youths demonstrated their exceptional global competence and leadership, cross-cultural communication and teamwork capabilities, as well as social insight and technological innovation skills on the international stage.



Ms. Gan Siow Huang Presented the Project Challenge Champion Trophy to Chinese Youth Qiu Xinyi.


The first and second days of the summit began with a unique experiential learning journey, where participants from various countries explored the theme of sustainable business models through a board game. They also visited landmarks of sustainable urban development in Singapore, such as Jurong Lake Gardens, Nanyang Technological University, and GDL Green Gallery @Botanic Gardens, led by local teams. These field visits provided young leaders with inspiration on sustainable development and enhanced their understanding and awareness of local culture.



Ice Breaking of Cross-Cultural Teams and the Board Game of Sustainable Business Model




International Teams Visiting Sustainable Landmarks in Singapore

The sustainability forum on Day 3, distinguished leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts from renowned companies and institutions like City Development Limited, Schneider Electric, and the World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) shared their profound insights and rich experiences in crafting liveable sustainable cities, starting a business on sustainability and building a career in sustainability, Chinese youths Hu Chenlu, Li Jiaying, and Shang Yaxuan presented their SDG proposal "Little Yellow Hat’s 1 Mlie" In the context of an aging society and the digital divide, they proposed a model combining "real-life guardians with little yellow hat companions," using e-commerce platforms to offer customized and professional travel protection solutions for the elderly, helping them with medium to long-distance travel issues.



Participation in the Sustainability Forum and Case Presentation


The 48-hour Sustainability Challenge was officially launched on the fourth and fifth days of the summit. Under the guidance of mentors, 30 teams of youths discussed specific issues and the feasibility of execution plans. On the morning of the last day, they conducted team presentations and reports. A panel of judges from Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, Singapore Environment Council, Ruijie Networks, Gartner, and other institutions and companies selected the top six winning teams.


From the Youth Technological Innovation and Sustainable Development Startathon to the ASEAN-China-India Young Youth Leadership Summit, we witnessed the unique and brilliant glow of Chinese youths. We look forward to seeing more outstanding young talents next year!