On April 13, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) hosted its 2024 Open Day, drawing over 12,000 students and parents to the campus to partake in a series of activities. Simultaneously, around 500,00 viewers tuned in to the live broadcast of the event online.

The open day featured speeches from esteemed University members, including Hong JIANG, University Council Chairperson, Qikun XUE, President of SUSTech, department heads, and college deans. Activities included interactive exchanges, department and college exhibitions, laboratory visits, campus tours, and art displays.

Members of the University’s leadership team, faculty, dignitaries, and visitors gathered at the Runyang Stadium for the main events, kicking off the open day by discussing SUSTech’s achievements in talent development and cultivation.

Chairperson Hong JIANG delivered a welcoming address, emphasizing the importance of the open day in providing insight into SUSTech’s innovation and growth.

She noted how SUSTech had surged forward in recent years, guided by its “3-3-5” strategy and promotion as a “Double First-Class” university. It has capitalized on a wealth of scientific and educational resources, nurturing exceptional talents, and fostering a high-caliber talent team. Through the establishment of cutting-edge scientific and technological innovation platforms, it has spearheaded groundbreaking advancements.

Over the past decade, SUSTech has dared to explore and innovate, mirroring the rapid pace synonymous with “Shenzhen speed”. Chairperson JIANG shared with the audience the allure of the University, showcasing its groundbreaking research, innovative talent development initiatives, and captivating campus environment. She encouraged visitors to explore the boundless opportunities that SUSTech offers.

In his address, President Qikun XUE elaborated on SUSTech’s growth trajectory, driven by major national strategic initiatives and its advantageous urban location. He discussed the University’s recent developments and future outlook, particularly focusing on its pursuit of excellence in first-class university construction and talent cultivation.

He underscored SUSTech’s commitment to both teaching and education in undergraduate programs, emphasizing innovative models such as the “academy + college” dual collaborative education approach and the “1+3 general education + professional education” talent training model.

Highlighting SUSTech’s talent development strategies, President XUE outlined the “Three Major Development Strategies” and “Five Major Action Plans” designed to achieve the University’s “three-step” medium- and long-term strategic goals.

He emphasized the establishment of collaborative education models between colleges and departments aimed at addressing significant scientific challenges, as well as fostering collaboration between disciplines and large scientific platforms. President XUE also stressed the integration of academia and industry to promote deep interaction between the University and society, along with the implementation of the “Academic Promotion Plan” to support undergraduates in independent scientific research.

He articulated SUSTech’s approach to talent cultivation, noting that through “knowledge”, they would cultivate scientists to address major scientific issues; through “innovation”, cultivate engineers capable of solving key technical problems; and through “entrepreneurship”, cultivate entrepreneurs proficient in mastering original technologies.

President XUE concluded by emphasizing the ethos of reform and innovation ingrained in the “Shenzhen gene”, and that SUSTech is determined to propel itself towards becoming a world-class research university. This goal will establish SUSTech as an institution that inspires students, instills confidence in parents, meets the needs of society, and earns the nation’s trust.

Efim Zelmanov, Chair Professor of the Department of Mathematics, Director of the Shenzhen International Center for Mathematics, and recipient of the Fields Medal, took to the stage to share his feelings on joining SUSTech and his vision for the future development of the mathematics discipline.

He reminisced about his invitation to SUSTech nearly four years ago to establish the Shenzhen International Center for Mathematics, highlighting his admiration for Shenzhen as a city brimming with ideals and energy. Professor Zelmanov expressed admiration for SUSTech’s remarkable growth as a young university, which presented him with the opportunity to realize his dream of establishing a world-class mathematical center.

Speaking of the mathematics discipline at SUSTech, he underscored its esteemed status within the University, noting its inclusion on the list of Double First-Class disciplines by the Ministry of Education. He passionately urged students to embrace the beauty and harmony of mathematics, emphasizing its important role in navigating this technological revolution, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence, where its foundations lie.

For the interactive exchange session, vice presidents and deans of the University, such as Hongwei FANG, Vice President and Provost, Li JIN, Vice President, Acting Dean of the Business School, Dongfeng GU, Acting Vice President, Shuhong YU, Dean of the College of Science, and Mingwei CHEN, Dean of the College of Engineering, engaged in discussions aimed at promoting high-quality undergraduate education.

Their focus was on showcasing the innovative practices in undergraduate education at SUSTech, supplemented by stories highlighting student growth and achievements. They emphasized the significance of disciplines such as science, engineering, medicine, and business, delving into the various talent training structures such as the college system, tutorial system, scientific research-led education, and international education tailored to student development.

Bo TANG, Assistant Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and Tutor at Shuli College, shared insights from his experience in mentoring students within the college’s tutorial system.

Additionally, Tingzhen DONG, an undergraduate student from the Department of CSE, provided a firsthand account of his journey at SUSTech. He outlined his plans to pursue postgraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and credited SUSTech for its pivotal role in his development. He highlighted the University’s strengths in major selection, college life, tutorial system, undergraduate scientific research, global perspective, campus atmosphere, and other facets, which have significantly contributed to his growth over the four years of his undergraduate studies.

Jianwei TAN, Director of the Office of Admission, addressed prospective students and parents regarding SUSTech’s admissions policy, answering questions related to admission applications that were of concern to candidates.

With an attendance surpassing 12,000 at the open day, participants had the chance to immerse themselves in campus life through a myriad of activities. Popular attractions included scenic campus tours, offering glimpses into the University’s beauty, while lectures delivered by faculty members attracted large audiences, providing valuable insights and knowledge.

Hong ZHENG, Chair Professor of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, delivered a popular science lecture on artificial intelligence and robotics, which was widely praised.

All the departments, centers, academies, student organizations, and societies set up booths and showcased their offerings in the exhibition area of Runyang Stadium. Faculty members and students alike provided professional insights and engaged guests with interactive displays, offering an in-depth look into various departments and majors.

At Banyan Square and the University’s name stone, faculty members and students from the Center for the Arts captivated audiences with their artistic performances, including painting and singing of melodies, infusing the event with a unique charm and ambiance.

Additionally, several renowned universities, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanjing University, Zhejiang University, University of Science and Technology of China, Tongji University, Sun Yat-sen University, South China University of Technology, Shenzhen University, and Shenzhen Technology University, among others, participated in the on-campus exhibition.

Prospective students’ parents seized the opportunity to converse with Chairperson Hong JIANG and President Qikun XUE, and engage in discussions with faculty members and staff to gain a deeper understanding of SUSTech’s academic offerings and facilities.

Guided tours included visits to various locations, including the multiple libraries and museum centers, the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center, the Advanced Low Dimensional Laboratory, the Artinx Society of SUSTech, the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Robotics Perception and Intelligence, the Public Analysis & Testing Center, and other laboratories, allowing everyone to experience the cutting-edge science and technology of the University up close.

SUSTech has continued its approach to blending in-person and virtual formats for the open day, which is consistent with previous years. For numerous prospective students and parents outside Shenzhen who could not attend the event in person, live streaming enabled them to engage in interactive exchanges through SUSTech’s various platforms.

The occasion showcased SUSTech’s philosophy, progress, and academic achievements, illustrating its enrollment policy, talent cultivation strategies, and high-level faculty, all of which garnered praise from attending students and parents alike.