CHANGSHA CITY, Hunan – A group of journalists from the Philippines flew to China to participate in a seminar-workshop, with the aim of promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries in the context of journalism and communication.
The two-week long seminar officially opened with a welcome ceremony, led by officials from the Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce and Hunan International Business Vocational College last November 27, 2024 at the Millenia 21 Hotel in Hunan’s capital city, Changsha.
In his opening speech, Mr. Liu Qi, Second Investigator, Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce, welcomed the participants and highlighted the unique connection of the two countries.
“China and the Philippines are neighbors across the sea, connected by geographic proximity, familial ties, and cultural affinity. The historical friendship and cooperation between the two countries have forged a strong bond between us,” Qi said.
Photo show Mr. Qi, Second Investigator, Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce, as he welcomed the participants during the opening ceremony. (Photo courtesy fo Hunan International Business Vocational College)
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the overall development of China-Philippines relations has been smooth, with continuous expansion in various fields of cooperation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tang Jin, Party Secretary of Hunan International Business Vocational College, introduced the program and what the participants can expect for the next two weeks.
“Hunan International Business Vocational College has a history over 70 years. It is a “first-class vocational college in Hunan”, “China’s Training Base for International-oriented Talents in Foreign Trade”, “Backbone College for The Project of Reinvigorating Economy through Talents Organized by Ministry of Commerce of China”, and one of the first four “Academy bases for International Business Officials” authorized by Ministry of Commerce as well as Hunan Business Officials Training Center,” Mr. Tang said.
“We will invite experts and professionals from renowned universities and enterprises in Hunan Province to engage in in-depth discussions on journalism management experiences with everyone. Alongside our comprehensive courses, we've curated enriching field trips,” he continued.
Mr. Tang Jin, Party Secretary of Hunan International Business Vocational College, introduced the program and what the participants can expect for the next two weeks (Photo courtesy fo Hunan Business Vocational College)
During the seminar, Tang revealed that the program includes visits to famous media organizations such as Malanshan Video Creation Industrial Park, Hunan Mass Media Vocational and Technical College, and Red Net Group to exchange experiences.
The participants are also scheduled to visit Guangzhou province to “experience the charm of China’s thriving urban centers”.
“Simultaneously, we will visit Guangdong Radio and Television station(GRT) and Guangzhou New Media Center to gain insight into the development of China's advanced media industry,” Tang mentioned.
The 11 journalists from the Philippines who are participating in the latest iteration of the seminar for journalists and media practitioners are from DZRH Manila Broadcasting Company, News5 Digital, TV5, DZUP, Chinatown TV, Radio Mindanao Network-Davao, and Daily Tribune.
Tang mentioned that this is the 14th consecutive year that the College has organized a training program for the news media.
The current program is facilitated by Ms. Xu Qianya, Project Manager of China-aid Training Faculty of Hunan International Business Vocational College, and her team. Ms. Xu also hosted the opening ceremony.
Ms. Xu Qianya, Project Manager, China-aid Training Faculty of Hunan International Business Vocational College, hosted the opening ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Hunan International Business Vocational College)
The College has 500 working staff and faculty, 225 professors and associate professors, and over 11,000 full-time studying students.
While striving to develop the full-time degree of higher education, the College also actively carries out the external training and technology service. The College has trained tens of thousands of various talents from all across China and also from more than 100 countries and regions all over the world annually, Tang added.
