In a bid to equip students and staff with the necessary tools and knowledge for success in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, the Durban University of Technology Confucius Institute (DUT CI) recently hosted a groundbreaking workshop titled “Digital Skills for E-commerce Success.” The event took place in the DUT CI language lab, ML Sultan campus in Durban and brought together over 50 students and staff from DUT.
Mr Frank WU, Director of the DUT Confucius Institute, welcomed all the speakers and participants. He introduced the programme of Chinese+ E-commerce Skill Training initiated by DUT CI as well as the South African Youth Innovation Practice Centre based in China. As e-commerce continues to boom globally, exploring opportunities in one of the world’s largest markets is essential. He further shed light on the huge potential of the Chinese market and how South African entrepreneurs can tap into it. He encouraged students to open their visions and to prepare themselves for the exciting e-commerce opportunities in the Chinese-SA markets.
The workshop featured a line-up of esteemed speakers, each an expert in their respective fields, who shared their insights and experiences with the eager audience. Mr Calvin Yan, a respected figure in the e-commerce industry, made an engaging talk on “The Potential and Transformative Power of E-commerce Platforms.” He highlighted how e-commerce has revolutionised the way business is conducted and opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide. Through real-life examples and case studies, he showcased massive potential of e-commerce platforms and how they can be leveraged to achieve success in the digital marketplace.
Next up was Ms Iola Meyer, a Masters candidate whose research focuses on intercultural communication. She delivered an engaging presentation on the importance of understanding and navigating diverse cultural landscapes in the globalised world of e-commerce. With e-commerce crossing the international borders, effective communication across cultures has become crucial for business success.
Speaker, Mr Mashudu Muthivhi, a digital marketing strategist, took to the stage to share his expertise on “Mastering Digital Marketing Strategies.” He explored digital marketing, emphasising the significance of data-driven approaches and the latest trends in online advertising. Students gained valuable insights into how to create compelling marketing campaigns to reach their target audience effectively.
DUT student entrepreneur, Ms Nompilo Mkhulisi’s session focused on the fundamentals of content creation, including storytelling, visual aesthetics, and tailoring content to suit specific e-commerce platforms.
“In the digital world, creating content is essential. It helps one stand out, reach more people and build trust. Content also drives traffic, boosts your visibility. Most importantly, it allows you to connect emotionally with your customers, leading to stronger relationships and business growth,” she added.
The workshop concluded with a vibrant Question & Answer session where students enthusiastically engaged with the speakers, seeking clarifications and further advice on their respective fields of interest.
Encouraged by the success of the workshop, the DUT CI has announced its plans to host another e-commerce-focused workshop soon. This upcoming event promises to be even more exciting as it will feature e-commerce experts, some of whom will be in South Africa for the BRICS summit. Details of this event will be shared with students and staff in due course.
Overall, the “Digital Skills for E-commerce Success” workshop organised by the DUT Confucius Institute offered students and staff at DUT a valuable opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain essential knowledge in the rapidly growing field of e-commerce. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the institute’s commitment is to empower students with the latest and most advanced skills.
Pictured: Participants at the Digital Skills for E-commerce Success workshop.
Nompilo Mkhulisi
