On September 27, the 2020 inauguration ceremony of Shenzhen Technology University was held. Prof. Zhang Jihong, secretary of the Party committee of SZTU, Prof. Ruan Shuangchen, president of SZTU, Prof. Zhang Yanhong, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and secretary of Committee for Discipline Inspection, Prof. Xu Gang, vice president of SZTU, dean of each college, department heads, faculty representatives, business leaders and most importantly, all the new students attended the ceremony.

Dear students, dear colleagues,                

nihao; hello;

First, I’m glad that we met as scheduled in this beautiful campus. Today, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the new students! Welcome to Shenzhen Technology University! Your arrival makes this university full of vigor and vitality.

I am addressing you today after being isolated the last 14 days after my arrival in 12. Sept. in Guangzhou and I didn´t become crazy, because I was intended to give this welcoming address.

2020 is an extraordinary and challenging year. This still existing Corona crisis presents us all with a task of historic proportions. These are restrictions such as have never been seen before in the Federal Republic of Germany. Universities, schools and kindergartens are working with some restrictions like online-teaching, wearing masks, part-time lock downs, social contacts reduced to a minimum; those who can, work in the home office. A lot of major events have been cancelled, and border crossings sometimes are closed.

The past six months have been marked by great challenges and completely new life situations for all of us. We have faced up to the tasks, both professionally and privately, and tried to cope with the uncertainties as best we could. We have taken care to influence the situation in a positive sense - as far as possible - through our actions.

I am firmly convinced that we all gave our best as members of this wonderful university and I think we made purposeful and level-headed decisions and thus mastered the challenges in the team very well. Even though the crisis has not yet been overcome, I am sure that we will continue to coordinate, plan and execute the coming semester in the best possible way for all members of the SZTU.

Please allow me to reemphasize the SZTU’s sparkling characteristics: the Germany-inspired concept of Applied Sciences. I come from Regensburg, compared to Shenzhen a small, but more than two thousand years old city, located in the middle of the Federal state Bavaria and am very intimate with this “applied” model of learning as I have spent my entire academic career – which is now almost 35 years – at the University of Applied Sciences in Regensburg. Thus, I have seen first-hand, and feel very proud of, this model of educational philosophy. Why am I so proud? After seeing generations and generations of students graduating from our University, finding jobs quickly and, thereafter, successfully advancing their careers, I can say that this model offers an incomparable future-looking, hands-on and industry-oriented education to build the next generation of leaders.

Dear students, be always prepared to make a good use of upcoming opportunities: as an applied sciences university, we are characterized by enormous overseas exchange programs and compulsory internships in companies.

You will have many opportunities to go abroad during your study. Up to now, before the Corona crises stopped this, students of SZTU already had 14 trips to Germany, Switzerland and even the USA to join the Summer-/Springtime-/Winterschools. Also, you will also face many chances for interns in companies, especially the opening of SZTU overseas liaison offices in Germany will boost future company-university cooperation in the future.

Please understand beforehand that the education of future engineers and business men has to include the practice in enterprises.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, especially, around five to six months lasting internships arranged are very important for gaining subjects to the later Bachelor and Master thesis.

Please bear me to reemphasize that a good command of major-related expertise, German and English language will make you stand out when applying for those overseas exchange programs and interns, and those valuable experience gained from these can enhance your employability and offer you an incomparable capability to become the next generation of leaders.

But you must think that in every new situation there are some obstacles you must overcome and believe me, don’t be afraid to face challenges, learn to be strong and confident. As long as you don’t give in when you are frustrated, success must belong to you!

Later on in your life you will be very proud to say, I was within the first groups of graduates at the famous SZTU. And especially within a new type of university of applied science.

Last but not least, my dear students, before I come to the end, I like to underline the following thoughts: I know to study in a university means a little freedom, not to be under permanent control by the parents and of course to have fun as well and will celebrate parties or other great things. I hope you will grant this.

But on the other side I request you to study engaged and participate within the university community and take care of the others and respect the others. And please protect the environment too. Throw your waste in the garbage can and try to separate glass, metal, plastic, paper and others.

I would like to end my welcoming address with a small quote:

"To stay positive does not mean that things will always work out. Rather, it's knowing that you'll be okay no matter how things turn out." 

I wish us all to stay healthy and positive!  

Thank you. Xie,xie.