On March 20, 2022, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) held its first web gala. The event was streamed online due to the current outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Shenzhen. At the same time, epidemic prevention and control measures were strictly adhered to on the location site of the streaming.

Fengliang LI, University Council Chairperson, Ling ZHANG, University Council Vice-Chairperson of SUSTech and Chairman of the Trade Union, and other members of the University’s leadership team attended the live broadcast as faculty members, students, and family viewed the activities online.

The event was hosted by the Office of Students Affairs and the Youth League Committee, and co-organized by various departments within the University.

At the gala, students from different regions and backgrounds came together to showcase their talents and displayed their passion in their respective performances. The activities included singing, dancing, recitals, and theatre.

The faculty members praised the students for their performances in this challenging period. They hope the students will cherish the time spent with their families, concentrate on their academic studies, and remain ambitious in their future goals. They added that SUSTech will always be a home for the students and look forward to seeing them on campus again soon.

The live event attracted more than 3,500 viewers online and its videos received more than 50,000 likes.

Lintong WEI, student advisor of Shuren College, said that this online gala reconnected faculty members and students who are currently separated due to the recent outbreak. “We are waiting for you to return home to SUSTech,” he added.

Zining CHEN, an undergraduate student of the Department of Mathematics at Zhicheng College, said that many students have not returned to the University due to the current outbreak. “I am delighted to participate in this activity. I hope my performance can bring joy to everyone, and I look forward to seeing everyone on campus again soon.”

Xiaomeng SONG, an undergraduate student from the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering at Shuli, said that the performances at the gala enriched everyone’s life and provided an online platform for members of SUSTech to come together that are currently stuck in different parts of the country. “The warm messages from the faculty members deeply moved me, and I look forward to returning to SUSTech to see you all.”