The Opening Ceremony on Quanzhou Campus

The Opening Ceremony on Xiamen Campus

In September, Huaqiao University (HQU) welcomed over 9,500 new students from around the world. This year, both the number of all the newly-enrolled, and that of students from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities, reach a record high.

The 2024 HQU Opening Ceremony for Freshmen was held on September 2 on both Quanzhou and Xiamen campuses. Leaders of the university in attendance included Xu Xipeng, Wu Jianping, Wang Xiuyong, Wang Lixia, Lin Hongyu, He Chunzheng, Huang Hui and Gou Jin, and Zeng Zhixing, assistant to the president. The ceremony was presided over by Vice President Wang Xiuyong.

The ceremony included commendations for the 2023-2024 academic year and the presentation of The Outstanding Students Awards. An estimated 15,910 students received scholarships, with 2,653 students recognized for university-level or higher titles, 4,372 excelling in national and provincial competitions, and ten students and six teams awarded the “HQU Outstanding Students Awards for 2024” and Chengzhi Medals.

University Leaders Presenting Awards to the Recipients

HQU President Wu Jianping delivered the first lecture to the freshmen themed on “Upholding Harmony in Diversity and Building a Bight Future”, expressing the university’s expectations for the new HQUers.

In his address, Wu stressed that “harmony” and “harmony in diversity” are fundamental to Chinese philosophy and national values. He illustrated how this concept, deeply rooted in Chinese culture, has shaped China’s path to modernization, citing historical examples like Zhang Qian’s missions to the Western regions, Zheng He’s seven voyages and the Belt and Road Initiative. He also referenced milestones, such as the coexistence of three major religious and the nine schools of thought, the “Two Combinations” of Marxism adaptation, the “One Country, Two Systems” policy and the resolution on deepening reforms.

“ ‘Harmony in diversity’ is more than an ideological foundation for the unity of the Chinese nation; it also underpins efforts to build a global community with a shared future,” remarked Wu, “As an HQUer in this new era, it is crucial to delve into the deeper meaning of harmony in diversity and turn it into action.”

Wu, drawing on President Xi Jinping’s remarks on the concept, shared his insights by taking outstanding HQU alumni and students as examples.

Harmony in diversity is key to interpersonal relationship, as it emphasizes interacting with others with kindness and seeking common ground while respecting differences. Only those with benevolence and understanding can accept others, respect individual differences, learn from other’s strengths, address their own shortcomings, and unite for mutual success Wu encouraged the freshmen to embrace inclusiveness and empathy, balance unity and diversity, seek common ground while respecting differences, and pursue their dreams together while building friendships at HQU .

Harmony in diversity is key to gaining knowledge as it involves learning from others and breaking new ground. Today, thinking across perspectives and disciplines is essential. Wu urged the freshmen to stay curious and eager to learn, balancing well-rounded development and personal growth. He encouraged them to expand their perspectives and unlock their innovative potential by actively participating in various activities at HQU.

Harmony in diversity is key to inter-civilization exchanges, as it honors the unique beauty of each culture and embraces global diversity. Civilizations flourish through exchanges and mutual learning. Wu urged freshmen to stay open-minded, balance tradition with learning from others, explore diversity, discover passions, build confidence, and grow into leaders who promote cultural exchanges and contribute to a shared future.

“Variety is the spice of life.” As the students are about to embark on a new journey, Wu encouraged them to embrace harmony in diversity, make the most of their time on campus and create a better future with openness and inclusiveness.

Distinguished Professors Di Zhenxing from School of Mathematical Sciences and He Lili from College of Music and Dance are both Fujian Minjiang Scholars. They addressed the ceremony on behalf of all the faculty members. Professor Di presented students with three key words: independence, goal and EQ (emotional quotient). He encouraged them to be self-reliant, set clear goals to stay motivated, and enhance their EQ and adapt to campus life and achieve future success. Professor He urged students to build strong moral character, stay adaptable to changing times and acquire broad knowledge. By doing so, they would honor their youth, achieve their dreams through hard work, and become key contributors to societal advancement and intercultural exchanges.

Hu Rongyi, a class of 2000 alumnus from College of Information Science & Engineering, and founder of Sino-Euro Trucking (China) Logistics Services Co., LTD., spoke at the ceremony as a representative of HQU alumni. Drawing on his HQU experience and entrepreneurial journey, Mr. Hu offered the freshmen several key insights: First, develop the habit of deep thinking to quickly grasp and solve problems. Second, learn two foreign languages to capitalize on unprecedented global opportunities. Third, engage actively in extracurricular activities to enhance innovation and teamwork skills. Fourth, build expertise and excel in certain areas or venture into new fields.

Addressing on behalf of senior students were Li Aoqi, a Macao student in his senior year from School of Political Science and Public Administration, recipient of Special Scholarship for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese students of Ministry of Education and winner of the grand prize in the Fujian Provincial Challenge Cup competition, and Pang Yi’ao, a third-year postgraduate student from College of Mechanical Engineering and Automation and member of Graduate Student Association leadership. They shared their joy in engaging with teachers and fellows, and encouraged students to be “adapters” who proactively blend in, “practitioners” who continuously strive for progress, and “risk-takers” who are unafraid of failure. They urged students to explore the unknown with an innovative spirit, fulfill their responsibilities with dedication, and work hard to become proactive contributors to national rejuvenation in this new era.

In their speech as freshman representatives, Li Suyuan from School of Economics and Finance and Qin Yuchen, a Cambodian student from College of Computer Science and Technology, said, “At HQU, the promising land, let’s strive together to blend Chinese wisdom with foreign expertise and write a new chapter in this era”. They shared their excitement for the up-coming life and study at HQU, expressing their hope to learn from peers, grow together and strive to become the best versions of themselves.

Since its founding over 60 years ago, HQU, directly under the United Front Work Department (UFWD) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has remained dedicated to its mission of serving overseas Chinese. By integrating Chinese wisdom with foreign expertise, and unifying moral character with professional excellence, HQU has cultivated over 260,000 talents in all walks of life, among whom more than 60,000 have settled in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and abroad, strengthening their ties with China.

Moments at the Opening Ceremony

(Editor: Wei Linying)