As part of Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)’s 2019 Convocation, University Chairperson Guo Yurong brought a unique start to the 2201 freshmen (including graduate students and international students) by hosting “the first class” immediately after the opening ceremony.

The theme of the first class this year was “Striving for the prosperity of motherland”. She introduced the recent progress of SUSTech, splitting the class into three sections called “Innovative mission for our future leaders”, “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Shenzhen”, and “Innovation at SUSTech.” The class sought to introduce the course of the rise of China and the trend of future scientific and technological development, the course and achievements of Shenzhen’s reform and opening up, and the opportunities and challenges in the process of establishing SUSTech.

She encouraged the Class of 2023 to integrate their ideas with the development of China as part of the journey to build a world-class research university in SUSTech that supports the strategic development of Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area. Chairperson Guo Yurong heartened the resolve of the students for their upcoming academic pursuits, reminding them that they should persist in the face of adversity and achieve their own development.

Freshmen Du Yucheng from Zhicheng College said: “Today’s Convocation and the first lesson given to us by Secretary Guo Yurong inspired me. We are at SUSTech, an advanced university that encourages innovation. We are not only writing our own futures, but the future of SUSTech and China.”

Zhiren College freshmen Cheng Jiayi said: “The first lesson given to us by Chairperson Guo makes us realize that reform and innovation are realized in China. The key to the dream of revival is also the cornerstone of Shenzhen’s city of miracle. It is the innovation that has made us different. We hope that we will become the most innovative SUSTech people, China has dreams, and youth has no regrets!”

New graduate student Zhang Xiao said that this year Shenzhen ushered in a new stage of development with the Greater Bay Area and the State Council Statement on Shenzhen. “I am convinced that we came to Shenzhen and SUSTech at the right time. We hope to inherit this kind of innovative spirit and earn the title of ‘SUSTech-er’ to build the Greater Bay Area, and realize our youth dreams in the motherland!”