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The School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University successfully hosted the International Symposium on Africa-China Relations in the Digital Era: Power, Precarities, and Prospects on April 12-13, 2024. The two-day symposium, jointly hosted by Lingnan University, the School of Graduate Studies, and the Institute of Policy Studies, in collaboration with the Africa-China Research Network and the International Classroom for Postgraduate Research Methodology Enhancement. The symposium was hosted in hybrid mode with some participants physically on Lignan University campus while others joined online from several countries/regions. The symposium provided a deep exploration of the evolving dynamics of Africa-China relations, particularly in light of the expanding digital and technological advancements in this field of study. 

The 2-day symposium attracted over 140 participants, both online and offline, and featured speakers from 12 countries/regions, including Australia, China, Finland, Ghana, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. The primary objective of the symposium was to delve into the dimensions of power and governance in Africa-China relations within the context of the digital age. The symposium explored how the ongoing digital revolution has brought transformative changes to power dynamics, with technological prowess and connectivity playing increasingly influential roles. 

Prof. Sam KWONG Tak Wu, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Lingnan University, delivered the welcoming address for the symposium. He highlighted the Lingnan University's significant progress in education and research. He iterated the consistency between the theme of the symposium and Lingnan University’s new vision of becoming a university in the digital era. He reaffirmed the university's commitment to creating platforms for dialogue on crucial international relations issues, including China-African relations. Prof. Kwong also emphasized the quintessential humanitarian role of digitization in international relation policies and their implementation. He added that digital advancement will offer more opportunities for collaboration between China and Africa to build a better future. Prof Kwong expressed his hope that the symposium would positively impact the strategic relationship and development between the two places. 

In the opening remarks, Prof. Joshua MOK Ka-ho, the Vice President of Lingnan University, emphasized the university's dedication to fostering global understanding and facilitating meaningful academic exchanges to explore the complexities of Africa-China relations in the digital age. Prof. Mok reiterated the importance of nurturing strategic collaboration between China and Africa and other global powers such as the US. He underscored the opportunities provided by the digital age for enhancing mutual understanding, collaboration, and shared prosperity. Prof. Mok emphasized the need to forge strong partnerships that would enable both regions to navigate the digital transformation and create a brighter future. He also highlighted the conference as an opportunity for students of China and Regional Studies to expand their perspectives beyond classroom lessons on the cultural, social, and economic aspects of China and Africa relations. 

The symposium consisted of seven-panel sessions involving 21 speakers and 14 panelists, which delved into four key themes. These themes included power and governance dimensions of Africa-China relations in the digital age, shedding light on shifts in power distribution, technological prowess, and the disparities in access to and utilization of digital technologies. They discussed the importance of technology and knowledge transfer, as well as the challenges associated with these processes, to foster progress and prosperity between the two nations. Some speakers emphasized that, alongside the blessings of China's economic and technological power, African governments should possess a clear vision and negotiation power to fully leverage the positive aspects of the bilateral relationship. 

In the closing remarks, Prof. Padmore Adusei Amoah, Assistant Professor at the School of Graduate Studies of Lingnan University, expressed deep appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions to the successful symposium. He acknowledged that the symposium's achievements were a result of the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee, the unwavering support of esteemed partners, and the active participation of scholars and experts from around the world. Prof. Amoah reiterated Lingnan University's commitment to promoting cross-cultural dialogue and advancing research on Africa-China relations, citing the fruitful outcomes of this year's symposium.