To actively enhance students' English proficiency, the All-English Excellence Teaching Center at Sun Yat-sen University's Xiwai College organized the inaugural event of the International Youth Forum series, themed "What’s New and Unique in the World." Students from various countries including the United States, Guatemala, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Taiwanese students were invited to participate. The students enthusiastically discussed and shared the changes in their hometown environments, fostering lively interaction.

The forum was hosted by Assistant Professor Thomas Hayward from Xiwai College at Sun Yat-sen University. Li Xianglan, Executive Director of the All-English Excellence Teaching Center at Sun Yat-sen University, stated that the center's "International Salon" plans innovative, diverse, and lively English enhancement activities to provide international and local students with a flexible, knowledgeable, and thriving platform for knowledge exchange, aiming to enhance students' interest and effectiveness in foreign language learning. Li Xianglan reminded students that English proficiency, combined with communication skills and cross-cultural understanding, is essential for stepping onto the global stage. She encouraged students to integrate English learning into their lives and actively participate in various English communication activities.

Chen Ruihua, convenor of the Xiwai International Salon and assistant professor, mentioned that in order to enhance students' international perspectives and understanding of global trends, the All-English Excellence Teaching Center will regularly hold international youth forums starting this semester. They hope that students will not only have more opportunities to discuss international trends but also accumulate international exchange experiences through sharing their own experiences. Seeing the transformation of students from initial shyness to confidently conversing in English, the All-English Excellence Teaching Center is more confident in continuing to create an English environment for students.

Students who participated in the event expressed great happiness at being able to attend. In the relaxed atmosphere, they felt unafraid to communicate in English, and group members actively exchanged opinions. During the event, they also learned about the characteristics of different cities, whether it be in architecture or culture, and the unique experiences were highly beneficial to them.

Different from traditional teacher-planned lectures, future international forum events will be entirely student-led, with students determining the themes and leading the discussions. The All-English Excellence Teaching Center hopes that through this series of activities, they can cultivate future leaders with international perspectives, reflection, and analytical skills.