2025 Shenzhen Universiade International Scholarship Foundation
Shenzhen Universiade International Scholarship Foundation, founded in Shenzhen on August 13, 2011, actively raises funds to promote the Universiade spirit and foster cultural and educational exchanges among international young people.
In 2025, seven international students from our university have been awarded this scholarship. These outstanding recipients not only excel academically, but also demonstrate an admirable balance between their studies and personal lives. By fostering closer connections between diverse cultures, they contribute fresh perspectives and vibrant energy to international exchange.?
Jeslyn Karaniya Tjandra
Class of 2023 Undergraduate Student, Diligentia College, SDS, Indonesia
Jeslyn chose to study in China due to its leading role in the technology industry, which aligns closely with her major in Computer Science. The rapid advancements and presence of global tech giants such as Huawei and Tencent provide a dynamic environment for gaining industry-relevant experience.
She selected CUHK-Shenzhen because its English-medium instruction offers an accessible yet challenging academic environment for international students. The university’s advanced AI laboratories and location in Shenzhen—a hub within the Greater Bay Area—further support her academic and career aspirations.
While the academic program is conducted in English, she quickly realized that daily life in China requires basic proficiency in Mandarin. Initially, tasks such as using public transport and communicating locally were challenging. To address this, she enrolled in Mandarin classes and engaged in language exchange programs. Consistent practice and interaction with native speakers have significantly improved her language skills and overall adaptability.
Academically, the rigorous environment encouraged her to develop stronger time management and study habits. Breaking tasks into manageable components and focusing on her own progress have been effective strategies for maintaining academic performance.
She has actively participated in several university organizations, including the MDC Denim92 Dance Team, Diligentia Ambassador Team, and the Student Coach program. These experiences have enhanced her teamwork, discipline, and cross-cultural communication skills. Performing at university events and competing in external dance competitions have been particularly memorable and rewarding for her.
Her primary goal is to pursue a career in software development or artificial intelligence within China’s technology sector. Companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and Alibaba offer compelling opportunities for professional growth.
If needed, she plans to pursue a master’s degree to further specialize in areas such as AI, algorithms, cybersecurity, or machine learning. Advanced studies would strengthen her qualifications and expand her professional network.
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Clairen Gunawan
Class of 2023 Undergraduate Student, Diligentia College, SME, Indonesia
Clairen's interest in Chinese language and culture, which began in elementary school, motivated her to study in China. CUHK-Shenzhen stood out to her due to its strong academic reputation, international outlook, and location in Shenzhen—a center of innovation and business.
She chose Marketing and Communication because it combines her strengths in understanding people and expressing ideas. Fluency in English, Indonesian, and Chinese allows her to engage with diverse audiences, which is essential in this field. The ever-evolving nature of marketing also offers continuous opportunities for creativity and learning.
As a member of the International Students’ Association, she led a team of 15 students on a visit to Citibank Hong Kong, improving her leadership and communication skills. She also served as a multilingual host for six university events, which enhanced her ability to perform under pressure.?
Participating in a social practice program in Luoyang, where she taught English and assisted local farmers, was a meaningful experience that deepened her connection to Chinese society and culture.
She aims to become a marketing director, preferably in Shenzhen or another Chinese city, where she can contribute to innovative branding strategies. Shenzhen’s dynamic business environment provides an ideal setting for professional development.
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Stephanie
Class of 2023 Undergraduate Student, Muse College, SME, Indonesia
Stephanie began learning Chinese at a young age and developed a strong interest in the language. Studying in China offered full immersion, which was not possible in her home country. CUHK-Shenzhen’s global recognition, AACSB accreditation, and strategic location in Shenzhen influenced her decision to enroll.
Although she did not face significant language barriers, adapting to the fast-paced academic environment required discipline. Support from professors and teaching assistants during office hours was instrumental in helping her succeed.
Her involvement with the International Students’ Association (ISA), including serving as former Chair of the Activity Department, allowed her to organize multicultural events and develop leadership skills. She also contributed to the Resident Students Association of Muse College and currently serves as Lead Coordinator of the International Student Ambassadors, supporting incoming students through campus activities.
After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to work as a business analyst at a top consulting firm such as McKinsey & Company. Subsequently, she intends to pursue a CEMS Master’s in International Management to gain further expertise and a global perspective. Last summer, she participated in the C-Blue Training Program organized by China Merchants Group, which included visits to Chongqing, Yichang, and Shenzhen. Currently, she is on an exchange program at Seoul National University, which has broadened her intercultural understanding and adaptability.
Stephanie began learning Chinese at a young age and developed a strong interest in the language. Studying in China offered full immersion, which was not possible in her home country. CUHK-Shenzhen’s global recognition, AACSB accreditation, and strategic location in Shenzhen influenced her decision to enroll.
Although she did not face significant language barriers, adapting to the fast-paced academic environment required discipline. Support from professors and teaching assistants during office hours was instrumental in helping her succeed.
Her involvement with the International Students’ Association (ISA), including serving as former Chair of the Activity Department, allowed her to organize multicultural events and develop leadership skills. She also contributed to the Resident Students Association of Muse College and currently serves as Lead Coordinator of the International Student Ambassadors, supporting incoming students through campus activities.
After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to work as a business analyst at a top consulting firm such as McKinsey & Company. Subsequently, she intends to pursue a CEMS Master’s in International Management to gain further expertise and a global perspective. Last summer, she participated in the C-Blue Training Program organized by China Merchants Group, which included visits to Chongqing, Yichang, and Shenzhen. Currently, she is on an exchange program at Seoul National University, which has broadened her intercultural understanding and adaptability.
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Olivia Low Wen Xin
Class of 2024 Graduate Student, Minerva College, HSS, Singapore
After graduating from undergraduate studies, Olivia joined TikTok. However, she soon realized that practical experience alone wasn’t enough. While she could manage projects and propose solutions, she lacked the theoretical grounding to fully understand the behaviors she was observing and to design more effective, evidence-based interventions. That realization ultimately motivated her to pursue a Master’s in Applied Psychology at CUHK Shenzhen—so she could gain the academic depth, research skills, and holistic perspective needed to truly integrate psychology into organizational development.
One of the most memorable experiences she had was interning at a local hospital. It gave her the chance to see people from all walks of life and offered deep insight into Chinese society—its values, its healthcare system, and the quiet strength of everyday people. It was incredibly meaningful and left a lasting impression on her, both personally and professionally.
After graduation, she hopes to gain work experience at a hospital or a leading tech company in Shenzhen—such as DJI, Huawei or Tencent. With her HR background and the academic foundation she is building at CUHK-Shenzhen, she believes she will be well-equipped to contribute meaningfully and continue learning. In the long term, whether she is working with Chinese companies expanding into Singapore, contributing to government efforts in trade and diplomacy, or scaling her travel business to introduce more Southeast Asians to China, she hopes to be a good representation of cultural exchange and relationship between the two countries.
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Bryan Budiarta Sutanto
Class of 2023 Undergraduate Student, Shaw College, SME, Indonesia
When Bryan first came to China, he found that the language barrier made everything difficult. However, he adapted. He forced himself to talk more in Chinese and use his spare time to learn Chinese. Now, his Chinese is around conversational level. It is not the best and tones aren't the most accurate, but he can get his ideas across easily. In his last internship, he had to communicate in Chinese with his company's partners since none of his supervisors knew how to speak Chinese. He was shocked at how much he has improved and realized that learning a language is an endless journey.
Besides, he has been a part of the International Students' Association for two years. He first started as a Content Writer for MCD and then became the Chair of the Cultural, Integration, and Support Department, where he managed a group of students coming from diverse backgrounds and nationalities to organize events and support international students. His favorite initiative was the Chinese Conversational Classes. He interviewed and recruited local Chinese students who were passionate about teaching and offered classes in 4 levels for international students: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Business Chinese.
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Kayla Soewito
Class of 2022 Undergraduate Student, Muse College, SDS, Indonesia
Kayla joined the RoboMaster 2025 with the representatives of the school. Her team assembled robots and developed their control system. In the beginning, she was a complete newbie in both 3D modelling and robot construction. Through the support of the team, she was able to find her footing. It was a journey full of not only laughter and joy, but also with blood, sweat and tears (figuratively and literally). Those late nights spent inside the lab until 2-3 am, those frustrated discussions talking about mismatched holes and the blockage of the bullet paths, and the painful process of filing carbon plates and aluminium pipes that were used as the base foundations of these robots. Even though she was the only foreigner on the team, the others had given overwhelming translation support and encouragement. She plans to further explore her interest in robotics and 3D designing by taking up a research position as a research assistant and applying for a Master's in the same area.
