Sherif was certified by founders space.Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Story
By Wang Zihan
Sherif N.Lehita, an ambitious international student from Egypt, is currently pursuing his master's degree in business management at Zhejiang University of Technology. His academic background, rooted in computer science, has equipped him with a unique perspective through which he envisions the dynamic relationship between digital technology and marketing.
Now, with plans to establish his own Social Media Marketing Agency (SMMA), Sherif is on the verge of leaving his mark on the Hangzhou business landscape.
"I believe that knowledge holds ultimate power; it enables people to gain wealth and thus is a capability even more important than money," said Sherif. To him, digital technology and marketing are intricately intertwined, fostering a seamless synergy between the cyber world and his strategic promotion. "Digital technology serves as a platform for presenting marketing contents," he added.
Sherif has shown his potential by winning the first prize at the "Captain's Acceleration Camp" and the Innovation & Career Summit in Founders Space, a global venture builder and innovation hub. He participated in the competition with a like-minded team. They work together harmoniously with each one having some designated roles and responsibilities. In the end, their collective efforts paid off as they saw victory and secured the prize. This achievement underscores his ability to merge theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences, laying a strong foundation for his upcoming entrepreneurial venture.
Furthermore, he was invited by Hangzhou International Talent Entrepreneurship and Innovation Park (HITEIP) as a social media specialist speaker at the Dragon Boat Festival this year, to share his valuable marketing experience. He also participated in filming one of the promotional videos for the Asian Games directed by Voice of Hangzhou (FM89) as a Gen Z City Experience Officer.
Although he has been staying in Hangzhou for just one year, Sherif attributes much of his progress to the city's nurturing environment. Opting for Hangzhou as the launchpad for his agency, he names the access to industry experts, the robust infrastructure, and the city's picturesque scenery as some of the key reasons for his choice.
Although his business has been promising, Sherif is clear about the challenges ahead. Building connections with like-minded peers demands time and efforts. In addition, effective teamwork requires constant coordination and communication, which is given priorities as he prepares for the next phase of his business.
Living in a foreign place poses no hardship for Sherif, given his unique self-branding skills and his impressive adaptability, he transcends cultural boundaries and combines his Egyptian heritage with local customs. Moreover, Sherif has a strong business acumen that enables him to infuse a business-oriented mindset into every aspect of his life.
Drawing from his experiences, Sherif would readily give advice to fellow international students who aspire to embark on entrepreneurship. He emphasizes on setting clear goals, cultivating patience, and surrounding oneself with an environment aligned with aspirations. Sherif's philosophy of studying history to understand the present and working at the present to predict the future encapsulates his pragmatic approach.
As Sherif marches on the road of his business venture, his story embodies the conjunction between technology and marketing, and his preparations reflect the spirit of innovation and determination, echoing Hangzhou's ethos as a nurturing hub for emerging businesses.