He is one of the international students featured in the first season of "Stay in Shanghai" — Eduardo Mena, a young man from Costa Rica. As a student at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, he harbored a deep dream: to stay in Shanghai and become a "foreign conductor." Today, that dream has become reality. He not only conducts on stage but has also successfully founded two orchestras, transforming from a practice-room student into a pioneer of cultural entrepreneurship.

“Beyond the music and artistic environment that I love in Shanghai, I also find living here incredibly convenient. When my parents visited me recently, they were deeply impressed by the city's sense of safety and order!” said Eduardo Mena to the reporter. The young conductor from Costa Rica had just concluded a lecture at his alma mater, the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. During his talk, he openly expressed his affection for Shanghai and shared his entrepreneurial journey in the city with current students. One international student from Malaysia remarked that she felt profoundly inspired and motivated by Eduardo’s story, expressing her own hope to realize her musical dreams in Shanghai.

From arriving in Shanghai as a music student to launching his career here with an entrepreneurship visa, and now to becoming deeply woven into the city's cultural fabric, Eduardo Mena's journey in Shanghai serves as a vivid testament to how the city is leveraging its soft power to build a global hub for talent.

In 2017, Eduardo earned his bachelor’s degree in conducting in Costa Rica. Inspired by his undergraduate professor, he began to consider pursuing advanced music studies in Shanghai. By 2019, his aspiration became reality when he was admitted to a master’s program at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, finally arriving in Shanghai to chase his dream of conducting.

During his two-year master's program at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Eduardo found much more than academic growth on this Eastern soil—he discovered profound personal connections and inspiration. “I truly love everything about this city: the beautiful bends of Suzhou Creek, the warm and friendly people of Shanghai, its diverse and vibrant arts scene...” he says. This deep affection fueled his dream, as graduation approached, to stay in Shanghai. He aspired to transition from international student to entrepreneur—to become a “foreign conductor” planting the seeds of cultural fusion in this fertile ground.

With Shanghai's "Entrepreneurship Visa" for foreign talent, Eduardo gained the opportunity to launch his music venture in the city. This policy, designed for global innovators, opened his first door to starting a business in China. "I received so much support throughout the process! For instance, my long Latin American name initially caused issues with opening a bank account, but with help from the municipal foreign friendship association, the problem was resolved and I successfully obtained the visa," Eduardo shared with a smile.

The true value of this policy lies in the clear message it sends to the world: Shanghai welcomes young global talent to contribute their creativity and expertise to the city's vitality.

Beyond the policy support from the city, grassroots community organizations in Shanghai have also become key "partners" on Eduardo’s entrepreneurial journey. "Last year, I collaborated with a local cultural center and held a performance there. I was truly impressed by how willing people in Shanghai’s communities are to offer help," he recalled.

Eduardo's orchestra has achieved self-sustainability in Shanghai's performance market without relying on external funding. "Theaters need fresh content, musicians need new stages—this precise match between supply and demand has created a unique window for entrepreneurship," he explained. He has since founded two ensembles: the Shanghai M Symphony Orchestra and the Shanghai M Choir. Under his baton and direction, they have successfully planned and performed several large-scale concerts, such as the 2025 "Eastern Soundscapes: National Day Symphony Concert."

Eastern Soundscapes: National Day Symphony Concert

"Shanghai's true strength lies in its multicultural soil," he observed. "It provides both nourishment and a market for global entrepreneurs. Here, international and local artists converge, sparking a unique creative ecosystem."

This vibrant growth is a direct testament to Shanghai's strategy of building itself into the "Entertainment Capital of Asia." It also clearly demonstrates that cultural inclusivity is, in itself, a powerful form of market competitiveness.

From institutional innovation to market maturity, and from everyday convenience to cultural belonging, Shanghai has built for international entrepreneurs not just a platform to survive, but an ecosystem in which to thrive. Eduardo enthused, "I encourage young entrepreneurs worldwide to come to Shanghai to broaden their horizons—even to settle here." He has observed that beyond the vibrant growth in music and arts, a multitude of new entrepreneurial opportunities—such as in the pet economy, digital economy, and other emerging sectors—are flourishing here. The city’s capacity for innovation is truly astounding.

From the highlands of Costa Rica to the riverbanks of Shanghai, Eduardo Mena’s journey is a testament to the city’s promise — Shanghai not only welcomes the world, but walks alongside every dream-chaser. Here, the ecosystem for business is nurtured by a supportive policy environment, a vibrant and expansive market, and a rich quality of life. Together, they compose a compelling "Call from the East" within the global landscape of cultural innovation.

In Shanghai, the future is within reach, and dreams are turning into reality. The stories of "Staying in Shanghai" are still being written. May more outstanding young people from around the world realize their dreams and build beautiful lives here.

Source: Shanghai Conservatory of Music