The 2024 Freshman Opening Ceremony Held at Xili Campus Gymnasium

University Officials Seated on the Stage

The 2024 freshman opening ceremony was held at the Xili Campus Gymnasium on September 12. University Party Secretary Yang Xinbin, Deputy Party Secretary and President Xu Jianling, all members of the university’s Party Committee, as well as deans and secretaries of each school, were seated on the stage. The event was attended by department heads, vice deans, teacher representatives, class advisors, new student counselors, and over 2,300 freshman representatives. Live broadcasts were set up across all schools, allowing the entire 2024 freshman class to participate virtually. The ceremony was presided over by Vice President Dong Zhaojun.

Yang Xinbin Awarding Freshman Scholarships

The ceremony officially began at 2:30 PM with a solemn flag-raising ceremony. After announcing the winners of the freshman scholarships, Yang Xinbin presented awards to the scholarship recipients. A total of 56 undergraduate students and 202 diploma students were awarded scholarships.

Following the awards, Duan Xiaoyu, a representative of the new diploma students from the School of Artificial Intelligence, gave a speech. He urged his peers to quickly adapt to university life, become qualified college students, actively engage in practice, and cultivate strong skills. He also encouraged them to embrace the responsibility of contributing to the nation and strive to be outstanding youth of the new era. Li Yuhan, a representative of the new undergraduate students from the Future Technology Institute, who achieved an impressive score of 600 in the national college entrance exam, shared his pride in choosing Shenzhen Polytechnic University. He encouraged his fellow students to be passionate, eager learners, and creative thinkers. Alumnus Xu Shijie, a 2018 graduate from the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, reminisced about his student days and advised the new students to persist in their pursuits, assuring them that their efforts would eventually pay off. Teacher Sun Haiyan from the School of Food and Drug used the words "joy", "encounter", and "journey together" to express her current feelings. She encouraged the students to walk with truth, perseverance, love, and warmth, urging them to continually explore the unknown, face challenges bravely, and fully enjoy every moment of their youth.

President Xu Jianling’s Inspiring Speech: "Igniting the Spirit of Progress and Writing a New Chapter of Youth"

In his keynote address, President Xu Jianling warmly welcomed the new students on behalf of the university. He expressed his hope that in the days ahead, the university and its students would grow together, supporting and inspiring each other. Focusing on the theme of "progress", Xu highlighted Shenzhen’s spirit of innovation and pursuit of excellence, as well as the university’s tradition of staying true to its mission while forging ahead. He emphasized the significance of the university’s transition to Shenzhen Polytechnic University, a milestone approved by the Ministry of Education in June 2023, which marked the beginning of its development as a vocational undergraduate institution. Over the past year, the entire university community has worked tirelessly to advance its vocational undergraduate programs, achieving continuous breakthroughs. In 2024, undergraduate admissions continued to see strong results, with the highest entrance exam score for physics majors in Guangdong Province reaching 600, exceeding the specialized university cutoff by 68 points. The lowest score was 559, surpassing the cutoff by 27 points. Diploma admissions also remained at the forefront among similar institutions, with a significant increase in the overall undergraduate enrollment rate, reaching 95%. President Xu concluded his speech with the inspiring words, "The journey begins here, and now is the time to forge ahead". He urged the freshmen to maintain a determined and progressive attitude, set clear life goals, take diligent action, and persevere in their efforts. He encouraged them to seize the opportunity to chase their dreams and write an exciting new chapter in their lives at Shenzhen Polytechnic University.

Afterward, all the freshmen stood together and chanted the school motto, "Advancing with Integrity and Perseverance" three times, their voices resounding like thunder.

Waving the flag to wish for the continued prosperity of the nation and the bright future of SZPU

The ceremony concluded with the entire faculty and student body singingOde to the Motherland. Waving the Chinese national flag, everyone joined together to wish for the continued prosperity of the nation and the bright future of Shenzhen Polytechnic University.

Prior to the official start of the ceremony, a series of lively performances set the stage. Songs such asI Want Summer,Bud,A Friend Like You, andNever Forget the Original Intention captured the spirit and pride of the new generation. A heartwarming video titledSZPU, Where Dreams Begin showcased the memorable moments of the freshmen’s arrival on campus, encouraging them to embrace the challenges ahead and pursue their dreams with determination.

(Contributors: Huang Lulu, Student Affairs Office / Zhang Lei, Publicity Department / Yao Jiewen, School Media Center)

Ignite the Spirit of Progress and Write a New Chapter of Youth

— Speech at the 2024 Freshman Opening Ceremony

(September 12, 2024)

Xu Jianling, Deputy Party Secretary and President

Dear new students, parents, and teachers,

Good afternoon.

Today, we gather here to hold the grand opening ceremony for the 2024 freshman class, welcoming 9,273 new students to Shenzhen Polytechnic University. On behalf of all the faculty, staff, and students of the university, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest welcome to each and every one of you. I would also like to offer my sincere thanks and greetings to your parents and teachers, who have nurtured and guided you with great dedication.

In September, Shenzhen is vibrant and full of life. You have journeyed here from all corners of the country, bringing the youthful energy of your generation to this city. After years of hard work and perseverance, the moment has come where your sweat and effort have been rewarded, and every challenge you've overcome reflects the light of your dreams. Receiving your admission letter from SZPU marked both a reward for your past efforts and the beginning of a brand-new journey. This is the first gift the university has given you—a ticket to an even brighter future. I hope you hold onto it with pride and stride forward confidently into the next chapter of your life.

"Like galloping horses and fluttering spears, youth is a time of poetry and passion". Just one month ago, the 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris concluded, with the Chinese sports delegation winning 91 medals—setting a record for the best performance in an overseas Olympics. The new generation of Chinese athletes worked tirelessly on the field, winning gold and silver, and garnered widespread admiration for their distinctive personalities off the field. They showcased the confident, optimistic, resilient, and patriotic spirit of Chinese youth to the world. Their outstanding achievements brought us moments of great pride and inspiration, further uniting the Chinese people in the spirit of progress!

Time belongs to those who strive, and history belongs to those who persevere. All beautiful ideals can only be achieved through hard work, overcoming obstacles, and pushing forward. The spirit of progress is a treasured quality passed down through Chinese civilization, and it is the inexhaustible source of strength driving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in this new era. Over the past century, our country and people have risen from the depths of suffering—once oppressed and impoverished, we have become a nation that is independent, prosperous, and strong. This remarkable journey was fueled by an indomitable spirit of perseverance and self-reliance—a theme that has run through the fabric of our nation's history and remains as relevant as ever today.

Progress: The Enduring Spirit of Shenzhen’s Special Economic Zone Over the Past 44 Years. For 44 years, Shenzhen’s Special Economic Zone has thrived on innovation and excellence. Known as the “City of Innovation”, “Capital of Entrepreneurship”, “China’s Silicon Valley”, the "Pioneer Demonstration Area", and “Core Engine of the Guangdong-HongKong-Macao Greater Bay Area”, Shenzhen has become synonymous with progress. Since the 1980s, Shenzhen has been a land of opportunity, where countless people have come to chase and fulfill their dreams, infusing the city with endless vitality. Over the past 44 years, Shenzhen has boldly explored uncharted territory and achieved remarkable progress, with its GDP increasing by over 10,000 times and achieving more than 1,000 national firsts. It has transformed from a small border town into a global metropolis with tremendous influence, showcasing a brilliance that has astonished the world. Today, Shenzhen continues to flourish with youthful vigor, playing a leading role in China’s modernization and advancing confidently into the future.

Progress: The Powerful Legacy of Shenzhen Polytechnic University Over the Past 31 Years. For 31 years, Shenzhen Polytechnic University has upheld a tradition of innovation while standing at the forefront of vocational education. As one of the first institutions in China to independently offer vocational education, we have always maintained our commitment to vocational education and stayed true to Shenzhen’s pioneering spirit. SZPU has taken on the critical mission of leading the way for high-quality vocational education development and has consistently ranked among the top vocational institutions in the country, often hailed as a "flagship" of China’s vocational education. Today, SZPU boasts numerous national-level honors, including being one of the first national model schools, a top-tier institution under the “Double High Plan”, and an exemplary university for innovation, entrepreneurship, and graduate employment. Our achievements include more than 100 national awards in teaching and curriculum development. Among our faculty, 49.16% hold doctoral degrees, and we are home to Nobel Prize teams, academicians, national teaching masters, and national technical experts. The university spans three campuses—Xili, OCT, and Shenshan—with a total area of over 4,000 mu and a collection of teaching and research equipment valued at RMB 1.93 billion. Our diverse array of student facilities and activities allow you to fully experience the charm of a first-class campus.

In June 2023, SZPU was officially approved by the Ministry of Education to offer vocational bachelor’s degrees, marking the beginning of a new era as Shenzhen Polytechnic University. This milestone made SZPU the first university in China to achieve this distinction under theUndergraduate Vocational School Establishment Standards (Trial Implementation), based on its foundation as a top-tier “Double High” institution. While this is a proud achievement, it also comes with significant responsibility. Over the past year, everyone at SZPU has worked diligently to advance our vocational bachelor’s programs, making continuous breakthroughs. In all four of China’s authoritative university rankings, SZPU is now ranked as the top vocational undergraduate institution. In 2024, our undergraduate admissions continued their upward trajectory. For physics majors in Guangdong Province, the highest admission score reached 600, exceeding the key university threshold by 68 points, with the lowest score at 559, surpassing the threshold by 27 points. This ranked SZPU 11th among all universities in Guangdong Province. For the first time, we expanded undergraduate admissions beyond Guangdong to include Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangxi. Our programs garnered significant attention from local students and parents, with all admission scores exceeding the key university cutoff in their respective provinces, including by 68 points in Hunan and 50 points in Guangxi. SZPU’s diploma program admissions also continued to lead among peer institutions, and our overall undergraduate acceptance rate increased to 95%. The path forward is filled with boundless potential. This journey of mutual growth between SZPU and every new student is a shared pursuit, one in which we will advance together, support one another, and achieve greatness side by side. I hope each of you will cherish your youth, maintain your spirit of progress, and realize your full potential here at SZPU. Together, we will create a brighter future for both yourselves and this university.

Progress Means Setting Clear Life Goals. Without roots, a tree cannot grow; without ambition, a person cannot stand firm. University is a transitional period, where you begin moving from the classroom to society. Unlike the single-track focus on further education during your foundational years, you now face an open field of unknowns and endless possibilities. Everyone has more freedom and more choices in life. Beyond completing your coursework, you must learn to take charge of your own future and plan your life accordingly. First, find what you are truly passionate about, for it is passion that fuels the strength to give your all. Take your senior, Gu Huijing from the School of Automotive Engineering, for example. She planted the seed of her love for automotive technology at a young age. After middle school, she chose to study automotive repair in vocational school, and in 2021, she won first place in the Guangdong Province Auto Mechatronics and Maintenance Skills Competition—becoming the first female in the province to win first prize in this event. She also earned an award at the national level, breaking gender and professional stereotypes, earning her the title of "the cool and capable auto repair girl". Your senior undergraduates from the 2023 class have set themselves the goal of being exemplary vocational students. They study diligently and practice hard, so much so that by the end of their first year, they are already capable of producing simple products. The goals of young people must align with the spirit of the times and the fate of the people. Today’s youth are growing up and striving at a time that coincides with the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Only by integrating personal aspirations with the goals of the country and the people can you realize your true value and elevate your life to greater heights. Setting life goals is often not a one-time achievement. It requires continuous reflection, adjustment, and refinement. You may experience confusion and hesitation along the way, but I encourage you to seek advice from your mentors, communicate with friends and family, and light the lamp of your ideals on the road ahead.

Progress Requires Diligent Action. The simplest truths are the most profound, and practical action is key. The core of progress lies in taking concrete steps. At the Paris Olympics, 17-year-old Quan Hongchan won two gold medals in women’s individual and synchronized 10-meter platform diving, becoming China’s youngest triple gold medalist in Olympic history. While the audience marveled at her "splash-free" dives, Quan humbly said, "I’m not a genius; the secret to becoming a champion is just one word: practice." Behind every brilliant moment is countless days and nights of hard work. Vocational education emphasizes skill mastery, focusing on long-term, repeated practice to achieve breakthroughs down to the finest details. SZPU students have always excelled in competitions. In 2023, we won 15 first prizes and 12 second and third prizes in the National Vocational College Skills Competition, ranking at the top. In the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition, we achieved our best result yet with four golds, two silvers, and two bronzes, making SZPU the top vocational institution in the country for gold medals and total medals. In the Huawei ICT Global Finals, we secured six grand prizes, again ranking first among vocational institutions. These achievements are built on uncountable hours of effort and persistence. Every winter and summer break, nearly a thousand students stay on campus, training hard in preparation for competitions, waiting for the moment to showcase their talents. I hope you will carry forward the diligent spirit of SZPU, quietly honing your skills and working hard in your chosen fields. Step by step, you will pave the way to success through your talents, contributing to the nation with your skills.

Progress Requires Unwavering Perseverance.The road to chasing your dreams will not always be smooth. You will inevitably face difficulties and obstacles along the way. "Adversity reveals strength; trials shape success." Within hardship lies opportunity, and the more complex the challenge, the more it tests one’s courage and sharpens one’s mind. First, you must maintain the tenacity to persevere over time. Tan Tianyu, a 2022 graduate in Automotive Application and Maintenance Technology, came from the mountainous region of Zhaotong, Yunnan. Guided by the belief to "love what you do, and specialize in it," he joined the BYD Special Class during his time at SZPU and later secured a job as a structural engineer at BYD. In his first two years, Tan filed 11 patent applications, nine of which have already been approved and put to use, earning him four company-level patent awards. Through steady, long-term research, he was able to change the course of his life. Second, you must develop a resilient, never-give-up attitude. Liu Chunwei, a 2009 graduate in Medical Electronics, is now the co-founder of Shenzhen OP Data Information Technology Co., Ltd. He is hailed as an SZPU role model, but his path to success was not easy. Liu faced unemployment and failed entrepreneurial ventures along the way. However, he never compromised or gave up on his dreams. Driven by his desire for a better future, he pressed on and eventually reached the vast "sky of stars" in his career. "If you walk every day, you needn’t fear the miles; if you do tasks every moment, you needn’t fear the challenges". Time rewards effort, and dreams reward persistence. I hope you draw strength from these stories of your seniors and nurture your own dreams with patience and dedication.

The Journey Begins Now, and the Time for Progress Is Here. Dear students, today marks the start of your journey at SZPU. I sincerely wish you all the best as you embark on this new chapter of life. May you soar with your dreams and write a brilliant chapter of your youth! Thank you!