Driverless Cars, Drones, and Discovery: Prep School's Odyssey through China
The Prep School organised an educational-cum-recreational international tour to China from 8–16 June 2026. The touring delegation comprised thirty-one E2 and M1 students, led and supervised by Ms. Sarah Liu, Head of Chinese Language, PS, Mr. Muhammad Tariq Jamil, Deputy Headmaster, PS, and Mr. Muhammad Rauf, Controller of Examinations, PS.
During the nine-day visit, the delegation explored two major Chinese cities: Shanghai and Hangzhou. As part of the educational itinerary, the students visited Zhejiang University, which is China's third-largest university and ranked 47th globally. They also visited the Handicraft Museum, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Robot Town, the Knife and Sword Museum, the Pony.ai factory, Jin Mao Tower, Yuyuan Old Street, Yuyuan Garden, Zecheng Aviation Centre, Shanghai Disneyland, and the Huangpu River.
At Zhejiang University, the students toured the campus and were given a comprehensive presentation on the University's scholarships programme.
At the Handicraft Museum, our students observed young children engaged in painting, pottery, carpentry, and various other fun activities. Our students also took part in an umbrella-painting activity.
It was a dream experience when, at the Pony.ai factory, the students were treated to a ride in driverless robotic cars on the public roads of Shanghai.
At the Zecheng Aviation Centre, our students had the opportunity to experience drone flight simulation in a computer laboratory, where they learned the take-off, navigation, flight, and landing of virtual drones. Later, they practised two activities with actual drones: navigating obstacles and competing in drone matches.
The tour offered our students a unique blend of academic learning, cultural exploration, and recreation. The visit was a memorable and enriching experience that broadened the students' academic and cultural horizons.