Behind the scenes at The Big Brother
By Huub Fenten | Participant NAHSS 2019, Shenzhen
"Huawei welcomes the NAHSS 2019" is written prominently on the screens as we enter Huawei's headquarters in Shenzhen in July 2019. Huawei, the Chinese technology giant that increases in value by more than 20% annually. Huawei, which has been selling more phones than Apple since 2018. Huawei, which was in the news weekly, if not daily, this spring with the developments of 5G towers. Fifteen minutes after our entrance, we are looking at these 5G towers. Taking photos is forbidden, and technical details are not extensively discussed, but the technology is demonstrated. As if we are an investor group interested in the company. Next to me, 21 Dutch young adults in suits who look like they could really be this investor group. However, over the past weeks, I have learned that they also have a completely different side. When I boarded the plane at Schiphol, I felt a bit lost. Traveling to the other side of the world with a group of students to attend classes, conduct research, and visit companies, completely dependent on each other. However, one month was enough for me to make new friends for life. The people you travel with have the same interests and mindset as you, which makes it click quickly. Together you live for a month and a half from adventure to challenge to learning moment, returning to the Netherlands with a load of unforgettable experiences and a group of new friends. This is what makes NAHSS unique for me: the people you do it with and the places you visit.
Company visit to Huawei
Advanced robots amaze us during one of the visits to a tech start-up
The city of Shenzhen
Shenzhen is one of the world's cities that no one knows. Dubbed by economists as the "Factory of the World" and "China's Silicon Valley," Shenzhen is one of the world's fastest-growing cities. In 40 years, the fishing village of Shenzhen has become a metropolis with over 11 million inhabitants and an enormous industrial production. However, the tremendous growth has been well planned by public authorities; the city was designed on the drawing board. This means that, despite its enormous size, it still has a lot of public space. More than 40% of the city consists of public greenery. In these parks and nature reserves, you can take beautiful walks with a sea of skyscrapers in the background. The openness also makes the city less oppressive than other Chinese cities. The traffic is less busy, and there is more "space to breathe." With the city's enormous growth, start-ups have also sprung up like mushrooms. Especially in the technological field, Shenzhen is currently one of the most vibrant locations in the world. With the NAHSS, you visit a selection of these companies. It offers a unique insight into the world of companies that have grown from a few to hundreds of employees in no time and where innovation after innovation is claimed. In the back rooms in Shenzhen, you find the technology we will all use in 30 years!
The NAHSS goes on
It sounds like it all ends after that month and a half, but it does not. After you return from China, there are still several activities where all NAHSS participants and their partners are present. Several of my travel companions are seriously considering a future with one of the partners. The NAHSS has given them a unique behind-the-scenes view and contacts at innovative companies. Every now and then, there are alumni events where former participants can network. Additionally, many arrangements are made between participants. Reunions, housewarmings, and even Sinterklaas (a Dutch celebration) are on the agenda. So, the NAHSS is something that not only stays with you as a memory but also something you can continue to participate in. If you are looking for a challenging summer, where you will learn a lot of new things, go to places you would never otherwise go, and get to know people you will be friends with for a long time: sign up!
Spectacular light show in the vibrant city of Shenzhen
