On September 5, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) held its Opening Ceremony 2025 at Runyang Stadium. More than 1,000 freshmen, full of aspirations and expectations, embarked on the next chapter of their lives.

The ceremony was attended by University Council Chairperson Hong JIANG and President Qikun XUE, along with other members of the University’s leadership team, department heads, and faculty members. Vice President and Provost Hongwei FANG presided over the event.

During the ceremony, Chairperson Hong JIANG and President Qikun XUE presented university emblems to student representatives.

This year marks a milestone as SUSTech enrolled more than 1,400 undergraduates for the first time. Among them are 44 international students from 17 countries, as well as new students from Hong Kong and Macao admitted through the Joint Entrance Examination for Chinese Universities and high-achieving students selected into elite programs such as the Turing Class and Fields Class.

In his address, President XUE encouraged students to embrace the responsibilities of their generation and contribute to building China into a leader in education, science, technology, and talent. He emphasized that each generation of young people must answer the “question of its time,” noting that for today’s youth, it is the question of national rejuvenation.

He expressed three hopes for the new students: to cultivate academic excellence by approaching every course, experiment, and paper with diligence; to broaden their horizons by questioning assumptions, pursuing innovation, and striving to define new paradigms; and to uphold strong values by engaging with society through service and responsibility.

He encouraged students to cherish their four years at SUSTech, to seek wisdom through study, truth through exploration, and growth through challenges, while deepening their understanding of the country through service and dedication.

Junhao LIN, Professor of the Department of Physics, spoke on behalf of the faculty. Reflecting on his own academic path, he urged students to be bold in their exploration and pursuit of truth. He expressed three hopes: to maintain curiosity, to face failure with resilience, and to master the ability to transform knowledge.

Bing LI, an alumnus from the Department of Chemistry, shared his insights with the new students. After completing his doctoral and postdoctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, he returned to China in 2023 to co-found and serve as CTO of Sinboda Biotech. He encouraged students to find and pursue their passions with determination and to follow through with action. He wished them success in discovering a lifelong calling, cherishing their time at SUSTech, and allowing their youth to shine in the pursuit of their dreams.

Twin sisters Kejing and Kefei HU, new students of Zhixin College and Zhicheng College, spoke on behalf of the freshmen. Admitted through different pathways, they embodied SUSTech’s diverse and dynamic selection system. They pledged not only to carry the torch of knowledge but also to take up the baton of their generation, aspiring to grow into strong contributors to the nation’s scientific and technological development.

International student representative Vearakbot Keo spoke of the long-standing friendship between China and his country, Cambodia. He expressed his privilege to be part of this ongoing cultural exchange and promised to step out of his comfort zone, embrace challenges, and help build bridges of understanding between the two nations. He also vowed to learn and grow alongside his peers to contribute to the University’s development.

Before the ceremony, faculty members and students enjoyed artistic performances and a welcome video, setting a joyful tone for the event.