This episode of the TRENDS Echoes Podcast series features Dr Mijichao Nuruddin from the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Dr. Nuruddin introduces himself and discusses his background in Arabic language studies, which he pursued in Malaysia. He has been teaching Arabic for three years and addresses the challenges of teaching Arabic to Chinese students, especially in the digital age where distractions are prevalent.

Dr. Nuruddin elaborates on the Arabic Department at his university, highlighting its establishment in 2010, the qualifications of the faculty, and the focus on international trade. He mentions the adjustments made to the curriculum and the success of graduates in trade-related jobs. He also talks about the importance of student exchange programs and international academic support from Arab universities, emphasizing the benefits of such experiences for both students and teachers.

Furthermore, Dr. Nuruddin discusses the motivations of students at his university to learn Arabic, mainly driven by economic opportunities and interactions with the Arab business community in Guangzhou. He touches upon the significance of cultural exchange and understanding between Chinese and Arab civilizations, highlighting the deep historical connections between the two.