Smart Paper: The Cross-Border Charm of Chips and Paper – Green Technology Confucius Institute Hosts Virtual Cultural Exchange

On 13 May 2025, the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) at the University of Venda joined hands with Jiangxia Vocational Academy in Wuhan China to organise a unique online cultural exchange workshop titled ‘Smart Paper: The Cross-Border Charm of Chips and Paper.’ Students from both countries engaged in lively interactions, exploring the fusion of traditional and modern paper culture while celebrating the rich heritage of the Venda people, marking a new chapter in China-South Africa cultural dialogue.
The event was attended by Prof Grace Ge, Chinese Director of GTCI, Manager Ted XIONG, other GTCI faculty members, Jiangxia Vocational Academy Vice-Principal HE Ying, Youth League Secretary FANG Zihao, instructor CHEN Ying, and nearly 50 students from the two institutes.

The session began with Jiangxia Vocational Academy students presenting mesmerising performances on the guzheng and guqin musical instruments, showcasing China’s classical musical elegance. Members of the school’s paper art club then displayed their creative works—handmade flower-embedded paper, paper-based material paintings, and paper lanterns—demonstrating exquisite Chinese craftsmanship.
A standout feature was the integration of Near-Field Communication (NFC) chips into the paper artworks. By simply tapping a smartphone, viewers could instantly access student-produced videos introducing Jiangxia’s centuries-old paper making culture. ”Combining traditional art with cutting-edge tech has given paper craft a whole new dimension,” remarked impressed UNIVEN students.

In return, University of Venda student ZHANG Hui (Khomunala Vhuhwavho), dressed in traditional Venda attire, shared insights into her people’s history, language, attire, customs, and cuisine. The Venda, an ethnic group from northern South Africa, preserve their legacy through oral poetry and vibrant cultural practices. Chinese participants eagerly asked questions, deepening their under-standing of this distant yet fascinating culture. The virtual meet-up buzzed with enthusiasm, culmi-nating in promises of future in-person meetings.
Paper chronicles human civilisation; chips empower civilisation with technology; the internet weaves friendships across continents. Jiangxia Vocational Academy’s students captivated their South Afri-can peers with fresh, relatable storytelling, while Venda’s youth proudly shared their heritage with the East. As a vital bridge for South Africa-China mutual understanding and exchange, the Green Technology Confucius Institute will continue to foster youth connections and mutual appreciation between the two nations.

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University Of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811