Author: Lin Weiyu, Lin Zeman

Publisher: Sihai College  

Date: December 23, 2024

On the afternoon of November 14, 2024, the opening ceremony for the 2024 Elite Sailing Plan at Sihai College took place in Room 316 of the Intellectual Property Building on the Panyu Campus. The event was attended by Sun Yu, Deputy Secretary of the School Party Committee, and Ning Feng, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Liaison Department of the Central Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong, who both delivered inspiring speeches. Other notable attendees included Pan Qiliang, Executive Director of the Panyu Campus Management Committee; Zhang Gaoxiang, Secretary of the School Youth League Committee; Liu Jinshun, Secretary of the Panyu Campus Party Committee and Dean of Sihai College; Yi Hui, Vice Dean of Sihai College; Peng Debang; and over 150 students, mentors, and faculty members involved in the Elite Sailing Plan.

(At the ceremony)

 Highlights of the Ceremony

In his speech, Sun Yu commended the educational achievements of Sihai College over the past decade. He emphasized the academy's commitment to following General Secretary Xi Jinping's directives by innovating student cultivation models for those from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. He noted the systematic implementation of the Elite Sailing Plan, which has successfully produced numerous outstanding talents with strong moral and academic foundations. Sun urged students to take advantage of various high-quality platforms for personal development, to uphold their cultural heritage, and to actively engage in their studies and community responsibilities.

Ning Feng highlighted Sihai College's role as a reform pilot zone for nurturing students from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas. He recognized the academy's efforts in fostering patriotism among students and its contribution to the coordinated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He offered three key hopes for the academy's community: to embrace responsibility, enhance communication and integration, and maintain integrity while promoting innovation.

 Flag Presentation and Mentorship

During the flag-giving ceremony, Sun Yu presented the Elite Sail class flag to four student representatives. The Elite Sailing Plan has effectively advanced innovative talent cultivation models, supported by various departments across the school. The ceremony also featured the appointment of on-campus growth mentors who will guide students in their learning and development. Pan Qiliang and Zhang Gaoxiang presented appointment letters to the mentors of Qihang Airlines, while Ning Feng and Liu Jinshun presented letters to the elite class mentors.

 Student Perspectives

Student representative Lv Xingling from Hong Kong shared her experiences, reflecting on how the Elite Sailing Plan has empowered her and her peers through various camps focused on ideals, political education, and cultural studies. She encouraged fellow students to pursue excellence with unwavering determination.

Additionally, student representatives Wu Jiayu and Chen Minghui, also from Hong Kong, led their peers in reciting the class oath, reinforcing their commitment to the values of loyalty, faithfulness, devotion, and respect. The ceremony concluded with a pairing ceremony for the four groups, symbolizing their unity and shared goals.

This year, Sihai College has also welcomed 28 peer mentors from senior students to support and guide the elite sailing class students, further enhancing the educational experience.

 Attendees

The event was also attended by Wang Yong, Deputy Director of the Office of the Leading Group for the Cultivation of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Chinese Students; Wang Xuefei, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Panyu Campus; Jiang Mei, Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Panyu Campus; Wang Boguang, Deputy Director of the Finance Office; Wu Weiqiong; and Li Zibo, Director of the Security Office. 

(At the opening ceremony)

The opening ceremony marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to cultivate a new generation of leaders among students from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas, fostering a spirit of innovation and patriotism.