Serbian shines as Fudan's star student

Four years ago, Filipovic enrolled in Fudan University to pursue his interest in international politics.

There, he wrote papers on China and on the Balkans, produced analytical reports for Chinese research institutes and enterprises, as well as translating Chinese documents for Serbian scholars.

Filipovic also attended several activities that helped enhance his knowledge of the governance system.

In 2017, during his first year at the university, he visited the conference venue for the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress and engaged in a role-playing simulation of the congress. That same year, he participated in the preparation efforts for the Youth Innovation Competition on Global Governance, an annual contest where students discuss subregional issues and carry out co-curricular learning. He took part in the school event again the following year.

In 2019, he volunteered at the 2nd Conference for the Union of School of Politics and International Relations held at the university. He also invited Darko Nadic, vice-dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Belgrade in Serbia, to Fudan University for the conference.

His contributions to the university eventually earned him the accolades of Outstanding Model Student of Fudan University, China Development Bank Distinguished International Student Scholarship and the Fudan University Boxue Scholarship.

Filipovic also assisted at the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Shanghai during the early stages of the pandemic in March and April.

During his stint there, he helped the Serbian government and enterprises purchase medical supplies from China, arranged for donations to be sent to Serbia and translated documents for meetings.

He says he has been moved by the kindness shown by the Chinese, noting that the consulate received thousands of boxes of personal protective equipment from Chinese communities.

"China has upheld the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. It has adopted an open and inclusive attitude to the world and has helped those in need," he says.

This September, Filipovic will pursue a master's degree in international relations at Fudan University and continue to foster closer ties between the two countries.

"I expect to be helping to introduce delicious fruit, meat and liquor from Serbia to China. I think this would be a great bilateral trade opportunity," he says.

"I believe countries should learn to cooperate with each other and move toward common prosperity, and this requires the effort of our generation."