Rotorua students head to China for leadership summit

When Lukas Scowen returns from China he hopes to have a greater understanding of and respect for Chinese culture.

Lukas is one of 20 Kiwi students attending a two-week Youth Leadership Summit in China and one of two from Rotorua.

The summit sees students from China and New Zealand come together to learn about leadership and technology as well as each other's country, culture, customs and history.

Lukas, 15, said he was passionate about leadership, technology and business and that's why he applied for the summit.

Lucas Scowen is one of two Rotorua students selected for a leadership summit in China. Photo/Ben Fraser

"I know that it's going to be helpful there and also I think leadership is very important, and again the fact I can go back to China, I went in 2015 and I've been wanting to go back again," Lukas said.

The Western Heights High School student said he was excited to learn what China had to offer New Zealand. ​

"We're doing a bit of travelling but also workshops with Government. We'll meet with New Zealand and Chinese business, industry and government leaders and entrepreneurs."

Attendees have to finance the trip themselves, but Lukas received a grant from the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust.

The summit runs from July 9 to 21 and includes visits to Beijing, Qing Dao and Hangzhou.

Rotorua Lakes High School student Emma Jackson will also be attending the summit. She said she applied because she was interested in international relations and people, cultures and languages.

"Different cultures fascinate me, and I am eager to absorb as much information about them as I can," Emma said.

"Travelling is something I really look forward to doing as it will help fulfil the desire I have to explore the world, its people and its cultures."

Emma hopes to work in international relations in the future.

"This summit will be invaluable in terms of the global experience I will gain," she said.

"Events like this spark the desire I have within myself to learn, experience, and make a difference."