On the afternoon of December 13, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) held an International Communication Ceremony with the theme of "To understand, to communicate, to welcome".

This event aimed to help international students integrate into post-pandemic life, while promoting the understanding and recognition of China and SUSTech by international faculty and students, enhancing mutual understanding and communication between Chinese and foreign faculty and students at SUSTech.

Prof. JIN Li, Vice President for International of SUSTech sent his regards and well-wishes via video message to begin the ceremony. He expressed his gratitude that international students were able to return and to see the first-hand development of the campus over the past few years and advised them to take SUSTech's motto “virtue, truth, advance” to heart as their guiding words as they progress with their studies.

Prof. FANG Hongwei, Vice President and Provost of SUSTech, delivered a welcome speech. He extended a warm welcome to all the guests and expressed his hopes and expectations for the students and faculty. He also emphasized the university's commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all the community members at SUSTech.

Professor. FANG Hongwei, Vice President and Provost of SUSTech, giving a speech at the ceremony

ZHONG Jiajun, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, spoke about the evolution and development of Shenzhen and invited international friends to explore this magnificent, beautiful, innovative and diverse city.

ZHONG Jiajun, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, giving a speech at the ceremony

The ceremony also featured international faculty representative, Edward V. Campbell, who shared his teaching and life experiences at SUSTech; an international student representative, Nov Bunnareaksathya, who expressed his thankfulness for all the support he has received from SUSTech and gave advice on study and life at SUSTech to his peers; and a Chinese student representative, LIU Siqi, who shared her cross-cultural experience via interaction with international students at SUSTech.

International faculty representative, Edward V. Campbell

International student representative, Nov Bunnareaksathya

 Chinese student representative, LIU Siqi

More than 70 participated in the event including both international and Chinese faculty and students, representatives of offices and departments from across the university.

The event was organized by SUSTech Global, supported by the Office of Human Resources, Office of Students Affairs/Residential Colleges, Office of Teaching Affairs, Graduate School/Graduate Affairs Office, Office of the Provost, Center for Language Education, Office of Administration and Space Management, Preparatory Office of the Affiliated Hospital, and the Office of Health, Safety and Environment. Ms. TANG Juan and Ms. LI Dan, both from the Foreign Affairs Division, Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, and Mr. Chen Qi, Section Head of Higher Education Division, the Education Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality also attended to support this event.

By: SUSTech Global, Jie Liu

Photo: SUSTech Global, Haozhu Li