• Huawei has announced that applications are now open for its 2024 Seeds for the Future programme.
• This year’s iteration will see selected students head to China for the first time since before the pandemic.
• Huawei is looking for university students majoring in subjects such as computer science, electronic science, information technology, software, and engineering.

Huawei has announced that Seeds for the Future, the company’s globally-recognised CSR programme is now open for 2024 applications in South Africa.

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. This year’s iteration is especially significant as 15 South African students will be chosen and welcomed to China, which will be the first time the programme has done so since the pandemic.

“We are excited to once again be hosting outstanding tertiary students studying ICT-related subjects back in China this year. 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,” noted Charles Cheng (pictured below), Huawei South Africa’s deputy CEO.

“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. 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,” he added.

Having launched in South Africa in 2016, in partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), 114 South African students have gained new ICT knowledge as a result of being a part of the programme.

In terms of this year’s iteration, applications must be submitted by 31st July 2024.

Huawei adds that it is specifically looking for top-performing university students majoring in subjects such as computer science, electronic science, information technology, software, and engineering. Applicants also need to demonstrate an interest in ICT, cross-cultural exchange, and entrepreneurship, along with a passion for telecommunications and technology trends.

As for the application process, Huawei says students need to take note of the following:

• “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.”