On September 12, the opening ceremony of the University of Science and Technology of China in 2025 was held in the comprehensive gymnasium of the school's middle campus. School leaders Shu Gequn, Chang Jin, Jiang Yi, Liu Lianxin, Liu Liu, Wu Feng, Wang Yuming, Shen Chenglong, academician representatives Shi Yunyu, Xie Yi, Zhao Zhengguo, Ye Xiangdong, Yu Hanqing, alumni representative, director of Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and chief scientist Zhou Bowen, heads of relevant colleges and relevant departments of relevant colleges and agencies attended the opening ceremony, and 2025 undergraduate and graduate students attended the opening ceremony. Zhou Congzhao, deputy secretary of the school party committee, presided over the opening ceremony.
At 9 o'clock, the school song "Eternal East Wind" sounded, and the school flag passed above the freshman phalanx. Then, everyone stood up and sang the national anthem.
President Chang Jin delivered a speech entitled "Inheriting the Excellent Traditions of Kang University and Writing the Youth of the Times", welcoming the new students on behalf of the teachers, students and staff of the school. He said that the University of Science and Technology of China has a deep relationship with Kang University, and the establishment and development of the school is also inseparable from the guidance of the spirit of Kang University. Over the past 60 years, the school has undergone changes and its original intention has not changed, forming a spiritual pillar of the University of Science and Technology of China with the spirit of resisting the university, the spirit of "two bombs and one satellite" and the spirit of scientists as the source, inspiring generations of science and technology adults to work hard, strive for strength in adversity, serve the country through science and education, and pursue excellence. I hope that the students will have their family and country in mind, have lofty ambitions, be studious, take root in the truth, be born to the sun, be optimistic and positive, and become "three good students" who are "in good health, good in life, and good at studying". He emphasized: "As the president, I will work with all the faculty and staff of the university to ensure everyone's study and life during their studies at HKUST, and be a good 'orderly' for the students. ”
Zhou Bowen, alumnus of the class of 9106, director and chief scientist of Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, spoke as an alumni representative. He shared his insights on choice, originality and mission, and hoped that the younger students would find, feel, and shape their life goals on the HKUST campus in the future, in the communication with the masters, and in the failures and successes of experiments. Truly integrate personal ideals into this magnificent era. "When you do this, you're not only becoming the best version of yourself, but you're also creating a great future together." Zhou Bowen said.
Zhao Jin, a teacher representative and professor of the School of Physics, talked about his study and research experience at HKUST in a relaxed and interesting language. She said that life is a long marathon, don't give up on yourself easily, and hope that students must maintain self-confidence, bravely seek help when encountering problems, take the initiative to seek cooperation and exchanges, and maintain an open mind on the road of scientific research, "This will make you grow faster and bring you many unexpected opportunities." Zhao Jin said, "Finally, I also wish everyone the same good luck as me!" ”
Luan Yuxuan, a representative of senior students and a 2024 doctoral student in the School of Physics, shared his experience studying at HKUST. After graduating from his bachelor's degree, Luan Yuxuan chose to go to Haiyuan, Ningxia to teach, go deep into the grassroots, and enter the classroom, he felt that the meaning of learning is not only to improve oneself, but also to give back to the society and warm others with what he has learned. He said to the new students who have just entered the university campus, hoping that everyone can bravely try, not be afraid of trial and error, and continue to expand their boundaries in classrooms, laboratories, clubs, and competitions.
Qu Peixin, a 2025 undergraduate student of the School of Computer Science and Technology, spoke as a representative of undergraduate freshmen. By participating in the freshman speech competition, he carefully learned about the glorious deeds of the older generation of scientists. He said that these older generation scientists of the University of Science and Technology of China have interpreted the true meaning of the school motto of "red college goes hand in hand, and blends theory and reality" with their life's hard work, and looking forward to their study and life at the University of Science and Technology, he will deeply study the history of the university, understand the spiritual world of the older generation of scientists, and internalize the belief in serving the country through science and education and pursuing the truth in their hearts and externalizes them in their actions.
Wu Zijing, a 2025 master's student in the School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, spoke as a representative of the new graduate students. He said that from undergraduate to graduate, what has changed is identity, what has not changed is the original intention, and what has increased is knowledge and responsibility. He said that scientific research has never been a solitary self-appreciation in an ivory tower, but a great cause that resonates with the fate of the country.
