Huawei's CSR flagship programme, Seeds for the Future, is now open for South African applications. The annual programme provides training opportunities for outstanding students, including a cross-cultural exchange and advanced training in technologies such as 5G, Cloud, AI and IoT.

Huawei states 15 South African students will be chosen and will be welcomed back to China for the first time since the Covid 19 pandemic.

Launched in South Africa in 2016, in partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, 114 South African students have gained new ICT knowledge and have had an unforgettable experience being a part of the programme.

For those interested in the Seeds for the Future programme, here is all the information needed:

What is on offer?

An onsite experience around technology and culture:

• History of Huawei and its technological developments
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology: 5G, cloud computing and AI
• Exclusive thought-provoking sessions with global visionary industry leaders
• Exploration of the Huawei culture
• Provision of an official programme graduation certificate.

Who Huawei is looking for?

• Top-performing university students majoring in subjects such as Computer Science, Electronic Science, Information Technology, Software, or Engineering
• Interest in ICT, cross-cultural exchange, and entrepreneurship
• A passion for telecoms and technology trends.

What application materials are needed?

• Profile/biography elaborating on what has been motivating the student to pursue an ICT-related degree, career goals for the future etc.
• Verification of studies
• Other relevant certificates that can show leadership & entrepreneurship.

To be noted:

• Applicants will need to create and activate their own LinkedIn profile
• The application form can be found here
• Submit the application form and supporting documents by 31st of July 2024, to the following e-mail addresses: seedssa@huawei.com and mtau@dcdt.gov.za
• Regrettably applications are not successful if applicants do not hear back by the end of August 2024
• Only applications received before the deadline will be considered.

Huawei Seeds for the Future, class of 2023

“We are excited to once again be hosting outstanding tertiary students studying ICT-related subjects back in China this year,” says Charles Cheng, Huawei South Africa’s deputy CEO. “This is a unique opportunity for students to explore China‘s digital landscape, and participate in short-term training, global competitions and ongoing alumni activities centered around digital technology that form the Seeds for the Future programme.”

“The course is an important platform for students to experience industry innovation, get a sense of Chinese culture and history, and even cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit,” he added. “Importantly for Huawei, the programme embraces diversity and inclusivity as its core values and we as Huawei South Africa are committed to a participation rate of 50% for female students in South Africa.”

“This year's lineup is shaping up to be our most exciting yet," says Cheng. “From 19 to 23 August, we will be inviting 15 of our selected top students to the Huawei campus in Johannesburg for a week of pre-training. Then, in September, these 15 students will travel to Shenzhen, China for formal Seeds for the Future training and compete in the Tech4Good regional semi-finals. During the training, they will have the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, AI and cloud computing.”

The 2024 Seeds for the Future programme will once again incorporate Huawei’s Tech4Good competition. Huawei notes the Tech4Good programme is designed to help students learn about the latest trends in digitalisation and explore how digital technologies can address common social issues.

During the 2024 Seeds for the Future course, participants will conduct group projects where they will practically explore and develop innovative solutions that are both technically and commercially viable to address sustainable development issues. The winners of the regional semi-finals competition will then go on to join other regional champions in the Tech4Good Global Final in China in 2025.

“At Huawei South Africa, we have long been committed to developing ICT talent through our various programmes like Seeds for the Future. We are excited to witness this year’s student’s rise to the challenge and take on all this experience has to offer,” concludes Cheng.