On December 25, the 10th International Youth Scholars Forum of Southeast University opened in Nanjing, bringing together over 220 outstanding young scholars from 

overseas in person, while hundreds of other young scholars participated online upon invitation. Attendees at the opening ceremony included Sun Youhong,  Academician of 

the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of Southeast University; Liu Jiaping, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Professor of 

Southeast University; Liu Pan, Executive Vice Secretary of the CPC SEU Committee; Huang Donglin, Deputy Director of the Organization Department of the CPC Nanjing 

Municipal Committee; as well as principal leaders and faculty representatives from schools and departments of Southeast University. The live broadcast received nearly 

10,000 views online.

During the opening ceremony, Sun Youhong, on behalf of Southeast University, extended a sincere welcome and expressed gratitude to the attending guests and young 

talent. He reflected on the glorious history and remarkable achievements by Southeast University over its 123 years of development. He emphasized that Southeast 

University has always aimed to build a world-class university with Chinese characteristics, and has deeply implemented the “Talent-Driven University” strategy, treating talent 

development as its top priority. The university is committed to providing “high-level platforms” for career advancement, ensuring that the academic ambitions of talents 

resonate with national strategies. He also highlighted the creation of a “full-cycle talent development system” to empower individuals throughout their growth, as well as 

fostering an “ideal living and working environment” where talents can focus on their work and enjoy life. He sincerely invited young talents to choose Southeast University, 

integrate into the university, and together contribute to the realization of high-level technological self-reliance and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the vibrant 

ancient city of Nanjing.

Huang Donglin introduced to the young scholars the cultural heritage, scientific and educational resources, economic vitality, and urban charm of Nanjing. He mentioned that 

to support talent development, the city has introduced a series of warm-hearted policies covering housing, employment, and entrepreneurship. Looking towards the 15th 

Five-Year Plan and the new stage of development, Nanjing will continue to deepen reforms in talent development systems and mechanisms, helping talents settle down with 

confidence, innovate boldly, and fully showcase their abilities. He encouraged the young talents present to join hands with Nanjing and, together, compose a bright future and 

achieve extraordinary success in the new journey of building Chinese-style modernization.

Liu Pan delivered a report titled “Partnering with First-Class Southeast University for an Outstanding Future.” In his presentation, he highlighted the university's achievements 

during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, focusing on the construction of first-class disciplines, a first-class faculty team, first-class talent cultivation, first-class scientific 

research, and a first-class system of cultural inheritance and innovation. He also provided a comprehensive and in-depth interpretation of the university's talent policies.

During the forum's invited keynote speech session, Liu Jiaping shared his “growth formula” under the theme “Building Dreams at Southeast University, Creating the Future 

Together.” He emphasized that the path to success should be rooted in patriotism, guided by research interests, supported by scientific methods, sustained by perseverance, 

and powered by teamwork and collaboration. This “growth formula,” which integrates decades of his own research practice, provided profound insights and inspiration for the 

young scholars in attendance.

Southeast University’s Chief Professor Yao Honghong shared her growth journey, from starting to establishing a solid foundation, and from accumulation to breakthroughs. 

She encouraged young talents to plant their dreams and cultivate them diligently on the fertile soil of Southeast University. Young Chief Professor Pan Cunhua, drawing on 

his personal experiences over the past four years, shared his sincere and profound reflections on three key questions: “Why return to China?”, “Why choose Southeast 

University?”, and “What factors should be considered when returning to China?”.

Since its inception, the Southeast University International Youth Scholars Forum has been successfully held ten times, becoming an important platform for the university to 

attract talent globally. The forum, aligned with national strategic needs, brings together outstanding young scholars from around the world in an international setting. It 

inspires excellent overseas scholars to contribute to their home country, encouraging them to return, join Southeast University, and collectively write a new chapter in building 

a world-class university with Chinese characteristics.

Source: Talent Work Office, SEU

Tranlsted by:  Melody Zhang

Proofread by: Gao Min

Edited by: Li Xinchang