By Suyao Ao, PR & Communications Manager
It’s been two years and two months since I joined Swissnex in China. It feels like time has just flown by. The very first event I participated at Swissnex was Einstein Day at Fudan University. Then after a couple of Café des Sciences lectures, Venture Leaders Fintech, there came the outbreak of COVID-19. During the Spring Festival of 2020, the situation continued to escalate. We started the first few working weeks after the lunar New Year from home.
On February 20, 2020, we put together an online event with two renowned Swiss epidemiologists to address the concerns of our audiences regarding COVID-19. They predicted that the transmission of COVID-19 could be defined as pandemic and that there was a high probability of outbreaks outside China, which turned out to be real within just a few months.
After this first attempt to host a virtual event, we adapted swiftly to virtual and later hybrid event formats. We held the first-ever “Pitchinar” with 20 Swiss startups pitching to the jury panel and industry audiences online; the Café des Sciences lectures went online and later in hybrid formats; we invited representatives from leading Swiss universities and their alumni to share at the virtual version of Einstein Day… Over the past one year and nine months, the Swissnex team has definitely evolved — we have got used to and become great at hosting diversified events on Zoom. The coronavirus has certainly not made it easy for everyone, but I’m grateful to have spent this special period of time with Swissnex. I feel that I’ve also changed a lot myself.
Before joining Swissnex, I have only been to Switzerland a couple of times and my understanding of the country was limited to beautiful landscapes. Through daily Comms work, with the articles, posts, press releases, graphics and videos about Swissnex projects and the Swiss education, research and innovation scene, I have learnt more and become fascinated by the projects and initiatives of the many Swiss researchers, scientists, artists and institutions.
Looking back, there are many great memories, fun and inspiring moments, encounters and friendships which have been developed. I’d like to simply be grateful for everything that has happened. I wish you all the best my dear Swissnex family and I’ll see you again!