On November 2, Changzhou Vocational Institute of Industry Technology hosted the opening ceremony and “First Lesson of the Semester” for its 2026 cohort of international students studying in China. Wang Zhihua, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President, Yao Qingwen and Jiang Zhengyan, Vice Presidents, Ji Hua, Director of the Publicity Department, tgether with heads of relevant functional departments and teaching units attended the event. Yao Qingwen presided over the ceremony.
Before the ceremony commenced, students from the School of General Education and Physical Education presented Dragon Scales of Heaven and Earth, a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance of intangible cultural heritage. The wonderful showcase highlighted the unique charm of fine traditional Chinese culture and kicked off the ceremony and the “First Lesson of the Semester”.
On behalf of all faculty and students, Wang Zhihua extended a warm welcome to the 53 new international students coming from eight countries. He delivered the “First Lesson of the Semester” with the title Aspire for the World, Embrace the Promise of Youth. Against the backdrop of the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan and the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, he outlined four themes to guide the new students: taking openness as the foundation to jointly create a bright future for international cooperation; prioritizing learning to build a solid foundation for skilled growth; using exchanges as a bridge to act as young envoys for mutual learning between civilizations; and taking hard work as the writing brush to compose a splendid chapter of youth responsibility. He encouraged all international students to make the most of their study in China, improve their Chinese proficiency, master professional skills and gain a genuine understanding of China. He hoped they could translate the technologies and industrial experience gained in Changzhou into driving forces for industrial upgrading in their home countries, and strive to become observers who truly understand China and messengers connecting China and the rest of the world.
Jiang Zhengyan awarded scholarships to student representatives and encouraged them to aim high and study diligently. Ji Hua presented copies of This Is China to the representatives, hoping that students would learn about China through reading, develop affection for China, cultivate the craftsmanship spirit, and integrate their personal aspirations into the trend of the times. Leaders of participating departments jointly pinned the institute badge on new student representatives, helping them foster recognition of the institute and strengthen their sense of honor and belonging.
Gao Yang, the faculty representative, encouraged the students to break through language and cultural barriers, make full use of the institute’s high-quality teaching resources, explore boldly and dare to innovate, and continuously improve themselves through academic study and practical training. NAW HTOI (Zhang Guian), a freshman from Myanmar, spoke on behalf of all new students. He mentioned that Myanmar is facing a shortage of technical talents in new energy and intelligent manufacturing. He will cherish this study opportunity at Changzhou Vocational Institute of Industry Technology, learn Chinese well, improve his expertise, bring practical technologies and experience acquired in Changzhou back to his homeland, and serve as a bond for friendly exchanges between Chinese and Myanmar youth.
This opening ceremony and “First Lesson of the Semester” is not only a heartwarming welcome activity, but also a vivid lesson on national conditions and cultural integration. Moving forward, the institute will further build its international education brand “Study at Changzhou Polytechnic”. It will weave real industrial scenarios, Chinese culture and contemporary stories into the whole training process for international students, and cultivate a group of high-caliber technical and skilled international talents with global vision, who know China well and are friendly to China.
