Corporate
China and South Asia Chart New Paths for Cooperation at Kunming Forum
Last week, Kunming, Yunnan, played host to the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum, a significant gathering that brought together over 200 influential figures from more than ten countries, including China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Nepal. Dignitaries, diplomats, and representatives from the business and cultural sectors convened both in-person and virtually under the theme “Join Hands for Open and Inclusive Development,” aiming to forge new avenues for regional collaboration.Since its inception in 2018, the China-South Asia Cooperation Forum has served as a crucial multilateral diplomatic platform for China, South Asian nations, and Indian Ocean Rim countries. This year’s event, co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, featured an opening ceremony, three insightful sub-forums, and various thematic discussions and interviews.
Xu Feihong, Chinese Ambassador to India, highlighted the growing bond between China and South Asian countries. He noted that recent years have seen a new chapter of friendship unfold, driven by high-level exchanges, the Belt and Road Initiative, collaborations in vital livelihood sectors, and robust people-to-people connections. “We are willing to continue the time-honored friendship with South Asian countries by strengthening strategic coordination, deepening pragmatic cooperation, and expanding people-to-people exchanges, to tighten cooperation ties, and jointly grow the pie of our shared interests,” he affirmed.
Ahmed Nazim, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives, emphasized the importance of trust and mutual understanding in fostering true cooperation, citing the strong Maldives-China relationship as a testament. As an island nation, he stressed that the Maldives’ future hinges on connectivity, sustainability, and development resilience. He expressed the nation’s readiness to collaborate with China and other South Asian countries to advance open, inclusive, and sustainable regional development through enhanced connectivity, economic links, and cultural exchanges.
Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka, shared his country’s focus on transitioning to green energy, coastal ecological conservation, and sustainable agricultural development. Recognizing China’s leadership in these areas, he expressed optimism for deeper cooperation.
The forum also welcomed a perspective from beyond South Asia. Abdullah Al Saleh, Under Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, highlighted the deep and enduring cooperation between the UAE and China in economic, technological, and cultural spheres. He noted that China is the UAE’s largest global trading partner, while the UAE is China’s largest export market and second-largest trading partner in the Middle East. Al Saleh expressed a strong desire to further collaboration with China and South Asian nations in emerging fields such as smart logistics, digital trade, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.
Corporate
International Lei Feng Spirit Promotion Team from Sanming University Visits Liedong Middle School for Cultural Exchange
In a vibrant display of cross-cultural friendship and shared values, the International Lei Feng Spirit Promotion Team from Sanming University was invited to Liedong Middle School in Sanming City on the afternoon of March 25. The visit coincided with the launch ceremony for the third season of The Glow Project: Youth in Community Service and the presentation of the fourth phase results for the “7+1” Diverse Ethnic Fusion Second Classroom.
Foreign teachers and international students joined local middle school students in a lively gathering that interpreted Lei Feng’s spirit through a global lens while fostering dialogue on Chinese and international cultures. The event created a harmonious melody of youth-driven kindness and cultural integration.
This event successfully integrated the promotion of Lei Feng’s spirit with an international perspective, breathing new life into the spirit through cross-cultural exchange. By leveraging the platforms of The Glow Project: Youth in Community Service and the “7+1” Diverse Ethnic Fusion Second Classroom, it further strengthened inter-school cooperation between Sanming University and Liedong Middle School. The activity also deepened mutual understanding and friendship among Chinese and foreign youth, as well as among young people from different ethnic backgrounds.
Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, a Bangladeshi foreign teacher and head of the International Lei Feng Spirit Promotion Team at Sanming University, led the team’s participation throughout the activity. He delivered an inspiring speech titled “Small Actions, Big Impact: How Can We Be Like Lei Feng — A Global Perspective?” Drawing on personal experiences and real-life examples, He illustrated the enduring vitality of Lei Feng’s spirit on modern campuses and in international exchanges. He also emphasised the core values of selfless dedication and willingness to help others, noting that Lei Feng’s spirit is not only a treasure of Chinese culture but also a universally admired quality cherished by humanity. The speech resonated deeply with teachers and students in attendance.
International students from Sanming University also stepped forward enthusiastically to share stories about their home countries’ unique cultures, customs, and traditions. They engaged in warm interactions with Liedong Middle School students, who in turn shared insights about China’s excellent traditional culture and the distinctive cultures of various ethnic groups. The atmosphere was lively and harmonious, successfully building a bridge for Sino-foreign cultural communication and multi-ethnic cultural integration.
Participants expressed their commitment to using this exchange as an opportunity to carry forward Lei Feng’s spirit. They pledged to spread warmth through small acts of kindness, serve as ambassadors of cultural exchange, and let their youth shine brightly through dedication and cultural blending.
The event highlighted how Lei Feng’s legacy of helping others continues to inspire young people across borders and cultures, contributing to a shared sense of national and global harmony.
The new Executive Committee of Wikimedia Bangladesh, the officially recognized local chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation, has been elected for the 2026–27 term. A 9-member Executive Committee was formed through a vote by members during the organization’s Annual General Meeting on January 17. Subsequently, the new leadership of the organization was determined during the committee’s first meeting on February 8.
In this committee, Tanvir Rahman has been elected as President, Md. Delwar Hossain as Secretary, and Shakil Hosen as Treasurer. The other members of the Executive Committee are Moheen Reeyad, Shabab Mustafa, Subrata Roy, Dolon Prova, Mayeenul Islam, and Tanbin Islam Siyam.
Founded by Wikipedians in Bangladesh, this organization was recognized as the 39th chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation on October 3, 2011. Later, on June 9, 2014, it was registered as a non-profit foundation in Bangladesh under the Societies Registration Act.
Wikimedia Bangladesh believes in the vision of a world where every human being can share in the sum of all human knowledge. Considering the right to education and knowledge as a human right, this organization works toward the creation, collection, and dissemination of open knowledge at all levels of society. Although the content of Wikipedia and other Wiki projects is created by volunteers, the organization’s goal is to encourage this unique community in digital volunteering and support them in achieving their objectives.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dhaka West has announced its new New Leadership Team for the year 2026, with Subah Afrin elected as Local President and Md Tanvir Hasan as Secretary General.
The executive committee was formed during the General Assembly of JCI Dhaka West, held on Tuesday (December 23) in Gulshan, Dhaka.
The newly announced board includes Sujaur Rahman Emon as Immediate Past Local President, Md Saddam Hossain and Audrika Eshna Purbasha as Executive Vice Presidents, Md Sameen Rahman as Vice President, Masud as Treasurer, and Ibrahim Khalil Foysal as General Legal Counsel.
Other office bearers include Ahmed Wazedul Haque Khan as Training Commissioner, Asia Binta Amanat Sumi as PR and Media Chairperson, Jobayer Ahmed Sakib as Digital Committee Chairperson, Md Tanvir Hossain as International Affairs Chairperson. The committee also includes Directors Abdur Rahman Khan Bappy, Tanvir Sohan, Yasir Shahriar and Ahnaf Ahmed. Committee Chairs appointed for 2026 are Sheikh Mahmuda Sultana Sara, Minhatul Jannat, Rayan Islam Sardar and S M Shafiul Alam Sakib.
The election process was conducted under the supervision of SM Belal Uddin, National Vice President of JCI Bangladesh and 2024 Local President of JCI Dhaka West, who served as the Election Commissioner.
The event was attended by Arefeen Raafi Ahmed, newly elected 2026 National President of JCI Bangladesh, Kazi Fahad 2025 National President, along with members of the National Board and several Local Presidents from different chapters.
JCI is a global organization of young active citizens aged 18 to 40, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Operating in more than 120 countries with over 200,000 members worldwide, JCI focuses on developing leadership, skills and civic responsibility among young people. In Bangladesh, JCI has over 40 Local Organizations, among which JCI Dhaka West is one of the oldest and largest chapters.
