On 27^th September, Runyang Gymnasium at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) was brimming with excitement for a special edition of the SUSTech Lecture Series. Professor Jin Yinan from the International College of Defence Studies, National Defence University of the People’s Liberation Army, came to SUSTech to share his wisdom and positive energy to enlighten the audience.

His lecture, entitled “A Century of Changes – From the Sick Man of East Asia to National Rejuvenation,” was attended by over 1300 students and faculty members, senior leaders and officials from other Shenzhen-based universities. SUSTech University Council Vice Chairperson Li Fengliang presided over the lecture.

Professor Jin Yinan said that the founding of the People’s Republic of China has helped the people move forward, and the reform and opening up that has taken place in the previous decades has changed the course for hundreds of millions of people. He went on to talk about the rise of China in many different aspects, and the role of Shenzhen in the Greater Bay Area, focusing on its innovative vitality. Professor Jin Yinan spoke about his expectations for SUSTech, encouraging the students to become professional innovative scientific and technological talents that will contribute to China for generations to come.

In the three-and-a-half-hour lecture, Professor Jin Yinan reviewed the changes of modern China in the past century with a large number of precious historical photos and data. He said, “Without suffering, there will be no perseverance and no accumulation of experience. It is with the support of the people, that the Chinese nation has been led from misery to glory.”

Jin Yinan interpreted the achievements of economic, military and diplomatic achievements after the founding of the People’s Republic of China with data. He said that the construction of the Greater Bay Area and the State Council’s recent Statement have brought significant opportunities to Shenzhen. He encouraged SUSTech to seize great opportunities and to excel in science and technology, and to contribute to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

After the speech, Council Vice Chairman Li Fengliang summarized that China is currently undergoing rapid development and SUSTech is a vital part of that with its mission of reform and innovation of higher education in China. The creation of a talent pipeline that generates the future leaders of the new era is vital for China’s pioneering spirit. Li Fengliang hoped that everyone in attendance would find themselves invigorated by Professor Jin Yinan’s speech, and remain unbowed in their efforts to contribute to the rejuvenation of China.

Professor Jin Yinan’s wonderful speech was warmly received by all attendees. He then took many questions from students.

This is just one event as part of SUSTech’s activities for the 70th anniversary of the founding of The People’s Republic of China. Several other activities will take place in the lead-up to the National Day holiday, with the view to inspire the entire SUSTech community.

Professor Jin Yinan is now a professor of the College of Defence Studies, the National Defence University of People’s Liberation Army. He is also a Ph.D. supervisor, national model teacher, excellent teacher of PLA, and “Outstanding Professor” of the National Defence University three years running. He is also host of the “Yinan Military Forum” program on the China National Radio, and an invited editor of China Military Science. He has written many monographs, including Misery and Glory.