On the morning of September 27th, the opening ceremony for the Class of 2025 of the International Education College (Guangzhou-Dublin International College of Life Sciences and Technology) was grandly held at Dingying Auditorium. Vice President Chen Letian attended and delivered a speech. The ceremony was attended by the college's Party and administrative leadership, all faculty members, representative class advisors, and the entire Class of 2025.
Vice President Chen Letian extended a warm welcome to the new students of the Class of 2025 and outlined the university's profile in international education, its achievements, and its societal impact. He encouraged all freshmen to hold ideals and beliefs as their guiding star, to set serving the nation and society as their life goals, and to strive to be dream-chasers of the era, advancing in step with the times and the motherland.
In his address, Dean Feng Lixin emphasized the college's mission of "Being Rooted Locally, Having a Global Vision, and Empowering Students." He stated the commitment to enlightening students with genuine knowledge and insight, aiming to empower them to grow into innovative interdisciplinary talents with both a national spirit and a global perspective amidst the rapidly changing times, thereby building a broad mindset befitting future global citizens.
Ms. Lv Muwen from the College of Food Science, speaking as a representative class advisor, described university as a stage for exploring the world, acquiring knowledge, and self-improvement. She hopes students will step out of their comfort zones on the International (Dublin) College platform, strive to utilize its resources fully, and learn from international academic leaders and outstanding peers worldwide.
Mr. Ajay Menon, a representative international faculty member from University College Dublin, introduced academic development directions and growth pathways. He shared practical advice for achieving academic success, hoping every student would uphold integrity, dare to think critically, collaborate sincerely, and consider how to contribute to the well-being of human society.
Ye Mohan, a freshman from the Class of 2025 majoring in Food Quality and Safety, spoke as the new student representative. She shared her understanding of the SCAU spirit – Cultivating Morality as the Foundation, Pursuing Extensive Knowledge and Broad Vision, Embracing Practicality and Dedication, and Fostering Innovation and Integration. She called on all freshmen to strive to be builders of bridges for Sino-foreign friendship, writing the youth chapter of the new era for SCAU students.
Tang Shujie, a student from the Class of 2024 majoring in Horticulture, served as the senior student representative. Drawing from her personal experiences, she introduced the college's internationalized, high-level educational platform and encouraged the new students to cherish their university years, bravely pursue their dreams, and write their own brilliant chapters on this fertile ground.
The ceremony concluded successfully with the thematic video University Heartfelt Words, Dreams Set Sail. In the video, new student representatives expressed their expectations and aspirations for university life, while alumni representatives sent their blessings and encouragement to the Class of 2025. Zeng Xiwen (Class of 2025, Accounting), stated, "I hope to explore the mysteries of the financial and accounting world at university and grow into an accounting professional with both a global vision and solid expertise." Da Shurao (Class of 2025, Biological Sciences), expressed, "I hope all students can take root, grow, and live up to their youth on this fertile land of South China Agricultural University." Peng Siyuan (Class of 2025, Food Quality and Safety), shared, "I look forward to exploring the boundaries of knowledge in the expansive Chinese and foreign classrooms, and I anticipate honing my abilities and reaping growth through practical experience."
The college remains committed to its mission of cultivating high-quality, interdisciplinary talents with a national spirit and global perspective. It looks forward to the Class of 2025 striving with unwavering dedication, standing bravely at the forefront, and shaping their own splendid lives within this international talent cultivation environment!
