I never expected to return from China carrying far more than memories of lectures on media and artificial intelligence. I came home with the faces of friends from different continents, the unforgettable experience of breaking my fast on the Day of Arafah in Hangzhou, breathtaking moments at the Great Wall of China, an unexpected visit to a hospital in Beijing, and countless human stories that reminded me that the greatest gift of any journey is the people we meet along the way.
Over the course of two weeks, I had the privilege of participating in an international media training program organized by the China Radio and Television Digital Management Training Center (CRTV). The program brought together media professionals from different countries and took us through Beijing and Hangzhou, combining academic lectures, field visits, and firsthand exposure to China’s remarkable progress in media, technology, and artificial intelligence.
From the very beginning, we felt that we were not simply guests attending a training course; we were partners in a carefully designed experience where every detail reflected professionalism, respect, and genuine hospitality.
One of the key figures behind this experience was Mr. Kai Ning. He was far more than a lecturer or program coordinator. He was a true mentor and a friend to every participant. Each day, he greeted us with warmth, patiently answered every question, and shared China’s media experience with remarkable openness. What impressed me most was that he never offered ready-made answers. Instead, he encouraged us to think critically, reminding us that while technology evolves rapidly, quality content and credibility will always remain the foundation of journalism.
Alongside him was Ms. Fang Yan, who carefully oversaw every aspect of the program from the moment we arrived until our departure. She ensured that every visit, every lecture, and every activity ran smoothly, always ready to assist participants with kindness and a welcoming smile. Thanks to her dedication, the program never felt formal; it felt personal.
Inside the classrooms, we explored the dramatic transformation of the global media landscape. We learned how smartphones have become the world’s primary screen, how short-form video has reshaped communication, and how Chinese media organizations have reinvented themselves to reach audiences across digital platforms. We also witnessed the growing role of artificial intelligence in news production, video creation, data analysis, and content generation, while discovering China’s booming micro-drama industry, now one of the fastest-growing sectors in digital entertainment.
Yet the most memorable lessons came outside the classrooms.
The Day of Arafah found us in Hangzhou. Around ten Muslim participants from countries including Sudan, Türkiye, and several African nations observed the fast together, far away from our families and our homelands. As sunset approached, we shared chocolates, sweets, and small gifts we had brought with us, transforming our iftar into a warm family gathering where nationalities and languages simply disappeared. One gesture touched us all deeply: the hotel management thoughtfully delayed dinner service so that it would coincide with the exact time of our fast-breaking, demonstrating genuine respect for different cultures and religious traditions.
During the trip, I also suffered an injury to my foot after several days of extensive walking, especially following our visit to the Great Wall of China. The pain became severe enough that I had to visit a hospital in Beijing for medical examinations.
Although it was an unfortunate incident, it revealed another unforgettable side of the journey. My fellow participants never left me alone. They constantly checked on me, accompanied me whenever necessary, followed up on my medical examinations, and made sure I was comfortable throughout my recovery. At that moment, I realized that our group had become much more than colleagues attending the same program—we had become a small family brought together by shared experiences.
My visit to the hospital also left a strong impression. The efficiency of the procedures, the professionalism of the medical staff, the advanced diagnostic equipment, and the genuine care shown to patients reflected the high standards of China’s healthcare system. Despite the language barrier, I never felt isolated, as there was always someone willing to help and explain every step.
Our field visits offered another fascinating window into Chinese civilization. Standing atop the Great Wall of China, I could truly appreciate the determination and vision that created one of humanity’s greatest engineering achievements. We visited the magnificent Temple of Heaven, rich with history and spiritual significance, and spent an unforgettable day at Universal Studios Beijing, where imagination and technology merge into an extraordinary entertainment experience.
In Hangzhou, a city that has become a global symbol of innovation, we witnessed how technology and nature coexist in perfect harmony. We visited companies where artificial intelligence is already transforming media, education, and daily life, making the future feel remarkably close.
Throughout the journey, I built friendships with colleagues from many different countries and cultures. We exchanged professional experiences, discussed the future of journalism, and learned about one another’s traditions and customs. I discovered that language differences never stand in the way of genuine communication when people share the same passion for learning and the same commitment to their profession.
I returned to Egypt carrying new perspectives on the future of media, but I also returned with a deeper appreciation for intercultural dialogue. I realized that technology, no matter how advanced, will always remain a tool, while people will always remain the heart of every meaningful story. Authentic content, built on truth and credibility, will continue to define journalism regardless of how quickly technology evolves.
As this remarkable journey came to an end, I could only express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Kai Ning, Ms. Fang Yan, the entire CRTV team, all the lecturers, organizers, and staff members whose dedication made this program such a success. My heartfelt thanks also go to every fellow participant who shared these unforgettable days with me and transformed two weeks in China into one of the most meaningful professional and personal experiences of my life.
The journey may have ended, but its impact continues. What I learned in China will remain with me—not merely as memories, but as lessons that will shape my work, enrich my perspective, and remind me that the future begins with knowledge, grows through dialogue, and is ultimately defined by humanity.
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