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Journey begins! Class of 2028 unfold new chapter

Published on 2 September 2024

UIC held its opening ceremony for the class of 2028, marking a fresh chapter for their university life on 30 August 2024.

UIC President Prof Chen Zhi extended a warm welcome to over 2,000 new undergraduates. He expressed his hope that the students, nurtured in UIC's student-centred environment, supported by its professional, experienced international faculty, with its blending of Chinese culture with global perspectives and utilised resources from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, would grow into well-rounded individuals.

UIC President Prof Chen Zhi

Click the video for Prof Chen Zhi's full speech in Chinese and English

Drawing from his own past educational experiences, Prof Chen advised the students to develop "San Xin Er Yi" (三心二意), meaning "three mindsets and two intentions." "San Xin" refers to the spirit of ambition, curiosity, and empathy; "Er Yi" refers to the intention of sincerity and integrity, as well as the intention of emulating role models.

Looking ahead, he said: "As you prepare to embark on your next chapter, UIC will steadfastly strengthen its science and technology programmes, develop cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields, and enhance collaboration with our two parent universities, while embracing global partnerships on the path to becoming a premier liberal arts university in the world."

UIC Provost Prof Patrick Chau continued to inspire the students with three questions: Why am I here? Will university prepare me for life in a fast-changing world? How do you cultivate yourself intellectually?

UIC Provost Prof Patrick Chau

Based on the questions, he suggested they open their minds through reading, explore new opportunities, try new things to discover more possibilities and embrace diversity over the four years.

"We hope you find a sense of belonging here, make like-minded friends, immerse yourself in a variety of new learning experiences and activities, and strive to adapt to the new learning environment," he said, "and I hope you will find the answers to the questions that I raised earlier."

UIC Party Secretary of the College Party Committee, Vice President (Administration) Prof Mao Yaqing encouraged the students to cherish their precious time at university while carefully planning personal goals and development paths.

UIC Party Secretary of the College Party Committee, Vice President (Administration) Prof Mao Yaqing

"You are at a pivotal point in history, facing unique opportunities and challenges. UIC is here to support you all, helping each of you grow and thrive on this campus, creating your own distinctive journey."

This year, 32 first-year students were awarded scholarships, out of which 14 received full scholarships.

Enzo Dantez from Indonesia is a first-year student of the Faculty of Science and Technology. He shared his high hopes for his university life. "Let us all be determined to accomplish something notable, something unique, do our best for the welfare of the global community, and enhance the prestige of the university, through remarkable findings and creations."

Enzo Dantez, a first-year student of the Faculty of Science and Technology

Wang Yuqi, also a first-year student from the Faculty of Business and Management said: "University is a new beginning, a place where we can pursue our dreams and realize our self-worth. University is also a process of integrating into society." Taking plan to plan and grow to be well-rounded was his expectation.

Wang Yuqi, first-year student from the Faculty of Business and Management

The new students have had a packed week since they arrived at UIC: Joining the Mentor Caring Programme, meeting the deans and teachers, participating in the English Enhancement Programme…... More wonderful activities are waiting to be unlocked!