Huawei Launches 10th Seeds for the Future in Sri Lanka, Strengthening Digital Talent Development and Bilateral Cooperation

Huawei officially launched the 10th Seeds for the Future, its longest running flagship global corporate social responsibility program, at the Huawei Sri Lanka Office. The initiative, aimed at nurturing the next generation of ICT leaders, was inaugurated in the presence of His Excellency Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, who attended as Chief Guest, and Hon. Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, as Guest of Honour.

Also, in attendance were senior representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, distinguished academics from the Sri Lankan universities, and the selected students along with their families.

Partnering with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, this year’s program has selected six promising Sri Lankan students for the study tour to China for a nine-day training on cutting-edge ICT technologies, including 5G, digital power, AI applications, and cloud computing. The program will also include leadership training, discussions on global ICT trends, and cultural exchange experiences.

Marking the milestone, Huawei Sri Lanka CEO, Mr. Zhang Jinze said reflected on the program’s impact over the last decade and said, “This year, we celebrate not just a milestone, we celebrate a decade full of partnership with the Sri Lankan Government and Ministry of Education. Over the past ten years, Seeds for the Future has provided a platform for young Sri Lankan talents to gain global knowledge, foster innovation, and contribute to shaping Sri Lanka’s digital future. Huawei has proudly partnered with Sri Lanka for over 25 years, working alongside the government, universities, and industry to develop the digital infrastructure and skilled workforce required to meet Sri Lanka’s ambitious Digital Economy Strategy to position Sri Lanka as a thriving tech and startup hub on the global stage,”

His Excellency Ambassador Qi Zhenhong delivered remarks about the broader bilateral benefits of the program. He said, “Since its introduction in Sri Lanka in 2016, Seeds for the Future has empowered Sri Lankan students, playing a vital role in strengthening China-Sri Lanka cooperation and friendship. Huawei’s commitment to ‘In Sri Lanka, For Sri Lanka’ has supported the country’s progress in technology, economic development, and talent cultivation. The Chinese Government also continues to support Sri Lanka’s educational ambitions, having funded nearly 4,000 Sri Lankan students to study in China,”

Hon. Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, highlighting the significance of public-private partnerships, remarked, “Seeds for the Future is a model example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can directly empower the next generation of leaders. Beyond just technical training, this program offers our students exposure to the latest technological advancements, fosters cultural exchange, and builds the confidence needed to succeed in a globalized world. I encourage all students to embrace this opportunity wholeheartedly and return as ambassadors of knowledge, ready to link Sri Lanka with the global community,”

Since its global debut in Thailand in 2008, Seeds for the Future has expanded to 140 countries and regions, benefiting over 15,000 students worldwide. Introduced in Sri Lanka in 2016, the program continues to play a crucial role in Huawei’s efforts to develop ICT talent and drive the digital transformation of Sri Lanka.