Recently, the "Qiong-SG Synergy" practice delegation from Tsinghua University Shuimu College embarked on an in-depth research trip to Hainan, China, and Singapore. Centered on the theme "International Experiences and Chinese Practices in Free Trade Port Development", the delegation aimed to conduct a comparative study of the ongoing construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the established practices of Singapore. Guided by Shuimu College's pedagogy of "cultivating leading figures of future engineering", the members sought to explore policy pathways for high-level opening-up and cross-cultural engineering practices through on-site visits to leading enterprises, research institutions, and universities in both regions.
Led by Dr. Deng Geng, Deputy Director of the Tsinghua University Writing and Communication Center, and faculty advisor Huang Lixuan, a Master's student from the School of Public Policy and Management, the delegation visited several institutions. These included the Haikou Jiangdong New Area, Haikou Customs, the Hainan Industrial Economy Research Institute of Hainan University, the Wenchang Commercial Space-Launch Site, Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Centre for Next Generation Port, PSA Horizon, China Construction (South Pacific), China MCC Singapore, DNV, Surbana Jurong, and Nanyang Technological University. Extensive exchanges were held on topics such as cross-border logistics, transportation and free trade port development experiences.
At the Haikou Jiangdong New Area, delegation members gained an understanding of Hainan's "Three Zones and One Center" strategic positioning and the "zero tariff, low tax rate, simplified tax system" policy framework of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Further discussions were held on the New Area's distinctive advantages and industrial park development in the low-altitude economy sector. The delegation’s visit to Haikou Customs provided firsthand insight into the logistics management system of "frontline liberalization, second-tier control" and the smart supervision technologies capable of efficiently identifying contraband.
Delegation in The second-line ports of Haikou Xinhai Port and Nan Port
At the China Unicom (Hainan) Experience Center, staff introduced the company's overall strategic positioning in Hainan and its phased achievements in areas including international digital infrastructure construction, exploration of cross-border data flow, and cultural industry park development.
During the visit to the Hainan International Economic Development Bureau, Mr. Fu Yuyuan, Head of the Second Investment Promotion Department, provided an in-depth explanation of the substance and specific mechanisms of Hainan's core "island-wide customs closure operation". He also discussed the "4+5+3+2" modern industrial system with Hainan characteristics, encouraging the student members to systematically build their cognitive frameworks to grasp policy dividends and industrial opportunities.
The delegation visited the Hainan Free Trade Port One-Stop Aircraft Maintenance Industrial Base. At the HNA Technic training classroom, members learned common techniques used in aircraft maintenance and practiced using safety wire pliers to secure components. Professor Wan Xiaopeng from Northwestern Polytechnical University lectured on the principles of aircraft structural design for both the delegation members and NPU students undertaking internships there.
The field study at the Wenchang International Aerospace City and the commercial space launch site allowed the delegation to directly perceive Hainan's advantages in commercial aerospace and data security. The ultra-high data resolution of the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites left a profound impression on the members.
In Singapore, the delegation visited the National University of Singapore (NUS). At the Centre for Port Modelling and Simulation, members learned about the application of digital twin and simulation modeling technologies in various port operation processes. The visit to PSA Horizon focused on the specific mechanisms for data collection and management within port systems. These visits provided a more comprehensive understanding of port logistics functions and management approaches. At DNV, in-depth discussions were held on the "digital certification" of ships and how such experience could be adapted for application in Hainan.
Compared to Hainan, Singapore has smaller land area yet achieves high land utilization efficiency, also possessing a more comprehensive industrial system. Through visits to companies such as China Construction (South Pacific), China MCC Singapore, and Surbana Jurong, the delegation systematically learned about the principles of land planning and the concept of sustainable development in Singapore.
Delegation with Surbana Jurong
Delegation members expressed that through the field visits and research, they gained a profound understanding that the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port is a pioneering and systematic project. They also recognized that interdisciplinary and cross-professional integration will be a significant trend in future engineering practices.
