IN-DEPTH / IN-DEPTH
Cooperating with China means walking with opportunities: S.African entrepreneur and brand ambassador
Digital bridges, Real bonds
Editor's Note:
Having enjoyed a long history, friendly exchanges between China and Africa have deepened in recent years, covering various fields such as politics, economy, and culture. The Global Times is launching a China-Africa Rhapsody series, aiming to showcase the profound human connections and development visions between the two peoples by sharing the true stories of Chinese people in Africa and African people in China. From touching stories of China-Africa cooperation and exciting collisions of youthful ideas to debunking fallacies concocted by some Western sources about China-Africa collaboration, this series hopes to promote closer cooperation and deeper understanding between the peoples of China and Africa.
This installment shares the stories of two young representatives active on China-Africa social networks and in various exchange settings, who talk about their affection for China and views on using digital means to further enhance exchanges between China and Africa.
"Let's collaborate, connect, and make something happen." That was the message delivered by South African doctor and entrepreneur Brett Lyndall Singh at the "Global South Dialogue · China-Africa Roundtable Forum" on Wednesday, capturing the pragmatic spirit of the gathering. Known to Chinese fans as "A Le," Singh has become a dynamic force in fostering exchanges between China and Africa across healthcare, e-commerce, and innovation.
Singh's connection with China began in 2011 when he arrived in Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, to study Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. "I am a doctor, and it was the experiences in the city of Wenzhou that shaped who I am today," he reflected. The entrepreneurial energy of the city not only helped him master medicine but also instilled in him a deep understanding of Chinese business thinking and collaborative spirit.
Singh recalls, "The friendships I built as a medical student in Wenzhou reflect the true essence of renqing (human warmth). From sharing meals in the dormitory to volunteering in communities, I experienced the real China, where people value humility, hard work, and collective success." After completing his studies, he worked as a resident doctor at Wenzhou Medical University's Second Affiliated Hospital. The experience inspired him to later channel his medical expertise into entrepreneurship aimed at strengthening China-Africa relations.
In 2020, with support from Wenzhou's Ouhai district, Singh launched a medtech startup in the city's National University Science Park. "My medical background allows me to view innovation through a human-centered lens," he explained.
"My years in Wenzhou were formative. China's entrepreneurial ecosystem, from its efficient company registration to innovation parks, provided me with mentorship, funding exposure, and a mindset of scalability," he noted.
At the roundtable forum, Singh emphasized the pivotal role of digital media in promoting China-Africa trade. As a Brand South African Ambassador and KOL on Bilibili with over 650 million views in a single interview program, he has taken part in livestream campaigns that introduce Chinese consumers to African products. "When I speak to African audiences, I showcase China's pragmatism and innovation, not just its skyscrapers," he said. "And to Chinese audiences, I emphasize Africa's entrepreneurial dynamism, creativity, and youth potential."
"In my experience, digital media and KOLs with professional backgrounds in specific fields can bring tremendous opportunities, we have worked on several campaigns that have promoted South African Health Products like Rooibos Tea, and Tourism Packages to encourage more visitors to our beautiful country," he stated. He urged collaboration to leverage digital advancements, such as AI-powered digital avatars, to amplify cross-border communication and policy dissemination.
Reflecting on the long-standing China-Africa partnership, Singh stressed: "We have enough momentum, now we need more execution." He advised Chinese and African youth to co-create digital ecosystems through e-commerce, AI innovation labs, and co-learning platforms.
"Cooperating with China means walking with opportunities," he told the Global Times
A strong believer in the role of youth, Singh noted, "There are countless Africans currently pursuing tertiary education in China - I was one of them. We need to utilize their language proficiency and cultural understanding." He encourages African youth to "come to China not only to study, but to learn systems of manufacturing, innovation, and execution," while urging Chinese youth to "come to Africa with curiosity and collaboration, you'll discover a continent of opportunity and creativity."
"My message to both is this: We are family within the Global South. Let's turn exchanges into daily life through technology, culture, and entrepreneurship, so that our friendship becomes a shared legacy for generations to come," Singh said.
Having enjoyed a long history, friendly exchanges between China and Africa have deepened in recent years, covering various fields such as politics, economy, and culture. The Global Times is launching a China-Africa Rhapsody series, aiming to showcase the profound human connections and development visions between the two peoples by sharing the true stories of Chinese people in Africa and African people in China. From touching stories of China-Africa cooperation and exciting collisions of youthful ideas to debunking fallacies concocted by some Western sources about China-Africa collaboration, this series hopes to promote closer cooperation and deeper understanding between the peoples of China and Africa.
This installment shares the stories of two young representatives active on China-Africa social networks and in various exchange settings, who talk about their affection for China and views on using digital means to further enhance exchanges between China and Africa.
Brett Lyndall Singh hosts a program in Johannesburg's Chinatown. Photo: Screenshot of Singh's social media
"Let's collaborate, connect, and make something happen." That was the message delivered by South African doctor and entrepreneur Brett Lyndall Singh at the "Global South Dialogue · China-Africa Roundtable Forum" on Wednesday, capturing the pragmatic spirit of the gathering. Known to Chinese fans as "A Le," Singh has become a dynamic force in fostering exchanges between China and Africa across healthcare, e-commerce, and innovation.
Singh's connection with China began in 2011 when he arrived in Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, to study Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. "I am a doctor, and it was the experiences in the city of Wenzhou that shaped who I am today," he reflected. The entrepreneurial energy of the city not only helped him master medicine but also instilled in him a deep understanding of Chinese business thinking and collaborative spirit.
Singh recalls, "The friendships I built as a medical student in Wenzhou reflect the true essence of renqing (human warmth). From sharing meals in the dormitory to volunteering in communities, I experienced the real China, where people value humility, hard work, and collective success." After completing his studies, he worked as a resident doctor at Wenzhou Medical University's Second Affiliated Hospital. The experience inspired him to later channel his medical expertise into entrepreneurship aimed at strengthening China-Africa relations.
In 2020, with support from Wenzhou's Ouhai district, Singh launched a medtech startup in the city's National University Science Park. "My medical background allows me to view innovation through a human-centered lens," he explained.
"My years in Wenzhou were formative. China's entrepreneurial ecosystem, from its efficient company registration to innovation parks, provided me with mentorship, funding exposure, and a mindset of scalability," he noted.
At the roundtable forum, Singh emphasized the pivotal role of digital media in promoting China-Africa trade. As a Brand South African Ambassador and KOL on Bilibili with over 650 million views in a single interview program, he has taken part in livestream campaigns that introduce Chinese consumers to African products. "When I speak to African audiences, I showcase China's pragmatism and innovation, not just its skyscrapers," he said. "And to Chinese audiences, I emphasize Africa's entrepreneurial dynamism, creativity, and youth potential."
"In my experience, digital media and KOLs with professional backgrounds in specific fields can bring tremendous opportunities, we have worked on several campaigns that have promoted South African Health Products like Rooibos Tea, and Tourism Packages to encourage more visitors to our beautiful country," he stated. He urged collaboration to leverage digital advancements, such as AI-powered digital avatars, to amplify cross-border communication and policy dissemination.
Reflecting on the long-standing China-Africa partnership, Singh stressed: "We have enough momentum, now we need more execution." He advised Chinese and African youth to co-create digital ecosystems through e-commerce, AI innovation labs, and co-learning platforms.
"Cooperating with China means walking with opportunities," he told the Global Times
A strong believer in the role of youth, Singh noted, "There are countless Africans currently pursuing tertiary education in China - I was one of them. We need to utilize their language proficiency and cultural understanding." He encourages African youth to "come to China not only to study, but to learn systems of manufacturing, innovation, and execution," while urging Chinese youth to "come to Africa with curiosity and collaboration, you'll discover a continent of opportunity and creativity."
"My message to both is this: We are family within the Global South. Let's turn exchanges into daily life through technology, culture, and entrepreneurship, so that our friendship becomes a shared legacy for generations to come," Singh said.
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