The scholarship programme provided by the KAS | Shanghai financially and non-materially supports talented SIFT students. As part of the programme insight into the economic sector and challenges for the economic growth of the region are given through study trips to companies in Shanghai and the Yangtze Delta.

This year almost 70 students applied for the programme; more than ever before, which reflects the attractiveness of the programme. The students were asked to write an essay on one of the given topics: “From Made in China to Created in China: Unleashing the Chinese Innovation Potential”, “Perspectives for the Development of a Green Economy in China” and “40 Years of Diplomatic Relations of China and Germany”.

38 candidates were invited to an interview with staff of KAS | Shanghai and SIFT professors, during which the applicants were asked to explain in detail their ideas on the chosen topic. Furthermore they had to answer questions on the work of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in China and on the political and economic perspectives for China.

The jury agreed on 18 applicants, who were awarded with the sur-place scholarship. After the interviews an awarding ceremony took place during which, Dr. Peter Hefele, director of the KAS | Shanghai, presented the students their certificates.