On July 26, the closing ceremony of the Smart City module, 2024 Zhejiang University SDG Global Summer School was successfully held at the International Campus, ZJU. Prof. Ma Hao, Vice Dean of ZJUI and Director of Smart City module, and Assist Prof. Yang Liangjing, Faculty Representative of the Smart City module presented the ceremony and awarded the certificate to student participants.

Prof. Ma Hao, Vice Dean of ZJUI, made a summary of the module. He appreciated the professors’ dedication to giving our students a rich and varied learning experience and praised the students’ passion for learning and relentless pursuit of knowledge over the 14 days. He pointed out that the journey towards creating smarter cities is ongoing and ever-evolving, requiring continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, and encouraged students to inspire their innovation and critical thinking, strive to create urban environments that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable, inclusive, and equitable, and become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

▲ Prof. Ma Hao, Vice Dean of ZJUI, made a summary of the module

The ceremony was hosted by Zhou Bilan, an undergraduate student from the University of Nottingham Ningbo. Hussain Muhammad Awai, a doctoral student from Zhejiang University, Chen Ruihua from Xi'an Jiaotong University, and Lv Xinyi from Macau University of Science and Technology, delivered speeches as student representatives. They reviewed their gains from the module learning in the past 14 days and made a prospect and expectation for actively participating in the construction of smart cities in the future.

▲The ceremony was hosted by Zhou Bilan

▲ Speech by student representative Hussain Muhammad Awais

▲ Speech by student representative Chen Ruihua

▲ Speech by student representative Lv Xinyi

▲ Certificate awarding

▲ Group photo

This year, the Smart City module of Zhejiang University's 2024 SDG Global Summer School was launched offline for the first time. During the 14-day module learning, more than 20 students from universities at home and abroad, engaged in diverse activities such as classroom learning, lab visits, company tours, cultural exchanges, and project collaborations. Under the instruction of outstanding faculties from world-renowned universities such as Cambridge University, University of Washington, and Zhejiang University, the module helped students understand the concept of smart cities, and explore the development of smart cities, and provide a broad perspective and solid foundation.

▲ Moments of the classroom

During the module learning, the students visited the Supcon and explored the automation, informatization, and digitalization construction and services under the "e-City · Easy Life" smart city concept. They learned about the application of emerging information technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing in the industry in real life, and observed cases of infrastructure digitalization solutions and infrastructure digitalization platforms and equipment.

▲ Moments of corporate visit

At the same time, the students also visited the historical and cultural district of Nanguanxiang in Haining, visited the former residences of famous figures such as Xu Zhimo and Jin Yong, watched exciting shadow puppetry performances, during which they experienced local customs and traditions together, and appreciated the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture and art.

▲ Moments of cultural activities

When the students first arrived at ZJUI, they wrote down their expectations for the 14-day exploration journey of smart city modules. After a period of in-depth learning and diverse life experiences, the students not only significantly improved their professional competence and international perspective, but also fell deeply in love with the campus life and cultural atmosphere in Zhejiang. In the recent feedback survey on the offline module of smart cities, students unanimously gave high praise. They praised the rich and cutting-edge course content, the professional and enthusiastic faculty team, and the well-arranged and inspiring practical activities. Many students mentioned in their feedback that through this course, they have gained a more comprehensive understanding and profound thinking about the development of smart cities, as well as a clearer direction and motivation for future learning and career development.

▲ Students' expectations when they first arrived at ZJUI