Living in the village for one week, I feel like I’ve stepped into a living storybook - one filled with earnest faces, winding village paths, the scent of rice fields, and chirping birds. Our mission here is to use AI and mass media to help promote agricultural brands in rural villages, and in doing so, contribute to sustainable economic development. This first week has been all about learning, connecting, and exploring different possibilities.
Meeting the Team: A Fusion of Passion and Purpose
On our first meeting, we shared with each other our unique backgrounds, and more importantly, we discussed our passions for meaningful social change. We spent time sharing not just our names and roles, but our “whys.” Why did we come here? Why does this project matter to us? It was in those quiet conversations that I realised how powerful it is to be surrounded by young people who believe in the possibility of bridging tradition with technology.
A Visionary Local Leader: From Cattle to Camera
One of the most inspiring moments this week was our meeting with a local authority figure - an energetic, forward-thinking man who has become a quiet hero in his village. He advocates for organic farming, encouraging locals to adopt sustainable farming techniques: raising cattle alongside crops so that the cows’ faeces naturally fertilises the fields. It’s a beautifully closed loop and a testament to how traditional knowledge can harmonise with sustainability goals.
Furthermore, he has bravely ventured into the world of live-streaming, launching his own media team to help promote the village’s agricultural products. From bundles of freshly harvested wild herbs to homemade rice cakes, he collects agricultural products from locals, then tries to reach buyers online. Yet despite his innovation, he and his team face significant barriers: limited brand recognition, difficulty engaging a wide audience, a shortage of marketing materials like posters and short videos, and an underdeveloped live-streaming strategy.
Where We Come In: Youth Meets Village Wisdom
Seeing these challenges sparked countless ideas within our team. As young people fluent in digital culture and online trends, we knew we had something valuable to offer. But instead of rushing to impose, we’ve been focusing on co-creating - learning from the villagers first and then proposing ideas that might complement their efforts.
As we head into week two, I’m filled with excitement. There’s so much more to explore, more relationships to build, and more stories to engage with.