On May 8, 2024, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Paris Elite Institute of Technology (SPEIT) held the inaugural ceremony for the series of events celebrating the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations at the Wenbo Building of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The event launched a "Seven Dimensions and One Core" series, starting from the century-old history of Chinese students studying in France. The series includes the publication of an oral history book "Siyuan Excellence," the creation of an original bilingual Chinese-French drama "Chi Guang," a photo exhibition on the Work-Study Movement in France, the establishment of a "Chi Guang" lecture group, the expansion of a "Grand Ideological and Political Education" cooperation base, interviews with outstanding Chinese students who studied in France titled "Excellence France," and organizing cross-country social practices focused on sustainable development.

Prominent attendees included Yang Zhenbin, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Hu Weiwei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and Vice President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Cai Leilei, granddaughter of Cai Yuanpei and President of the Cai Yuanpei Research Association at Peking University, Guo Ling, Party Secretary and Chairman of Shanghai Huangpu River Terminal Shoreline Construction and Management Co., Ltd., Zhu Jingjing, Party Secretary of the Vocal and Opera Department of Shanghai Conservatory of Music, opera singer Qiu Shuwei, Quan Yuanyuan, Director of the Exhibition and Education Department of the Work-Study Movement Memorial Hall, Zhang Kai, Director of the Archives and Cultural Heritage Management Center of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Wan Xiaoling, Party Secretary of the Archives and Cultural Heritage Management Center, Chen Huadong, President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press, Zhang Yin, Executive Dean of the Sino-French Joint Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wang Peicheng, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Office of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chen Cailian, Secretary of the CPC Committee of SPEIT, and Zhang Wenming, Chinese Dean of SPEIT. Nearly 100 representatives of faculty and student party members attended the event, which was hosted by Yao Xue, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of SPEIT.

In his speech at the inaugural ceremony, Secretary Yang Zhenbin noted that over the years, Shanghai Jiao Tong University has established close partnerships with numerous French universities, engaging in a variety of educational exchanges and scientific collaborations. SPEIT has become a model for Sino-French cooperative education. As the institute celebrates the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, the "Seven Dimensions and One Core" series of activities not only commemorates the century-old legacy of Chinese students studying in France but also looks forward to the future, aiming to write a new chapter in Sino-French friendship.

Chen Cailian introduced the activities, highlighting the historical significance of Chinese youths who studied in France a century ago and their contributions to Sino-French friendship. She emphasized that the "Seven Dimensions and One Core" series aims to foster patriotic sentiments and global competence among future engineers through various activities linked to the historical Work-Study Movement. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the series invites participation from all sectors to broaden its impact and inspire contemporary youth to take responsibility and continue striving for Sino-French friendship.

A short video showcased the profound exchanges between China and France over the past century and the rich content of the "Seven Dimensions and One Core" activities. Previously, SPEIT had launched the drama "Chi Guang," a photo exhibition, and cross-country social practices. Currently, the institute is conducting interviews with notable Chinese students who studied in France, and the event also initiated the "Chi Guang" lecture group, the publication of the "Siyuan Excellence" oral history book, and the expansion of the "Grand Ideological and Political Education" base.

Guests at the event jointly pushed a lever to officially launch the "Seven Dimensions and One Core" series (photo).

Cai Leilei reflected on the history of friendly exchanges between China and France, noting that her grandfather, Cai Yuanpei, studied in France from 1913 to 1916 and tirelessly promoted Sino-French cultural exchanges. Last March, China and France renewed the "Cai Yuanpei Doctoral Exchange Program," opening a new chapter in cultural exchange. She emphasized the need for further cultural, educational, and scientific exchanges to promote cultural progress in a diverse world.

The ceremony included the establishment of the "Chi Guang" lecture group and the appointment of its instructors. Wang Peicheng, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Office of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, presented the plaque to the lecture group, received by its leader, Yudian, a junior at SPEIT. Lyu Jiangying, Director of the Student Affairs Office at SPEIT, and Quan Yuanyuan were appointed as instructors. The lecture group, composed of student party members and activists, will develop and deliver high-quality lectures on the Work-Study Movement, telling the stories and honoring the spirit of the pioneers.

The ceremony included the establishment of the "Chi Guang" lecture group and the appointment of its instructors. Wang Peicheng, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Office of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, presented the plaque to the lecture group, received by its leader, Yudian, a junior at SPEIT. Lyu Jiangying, Director of the Student Affairs Office at SPEIT, and Quan Yuanyuan were appointed as instructors. The lecture group, composed of student party members and activists, will develop and deliver high-quality lectures on the Work-Study Movement, telling the stories and honoring the spirit of the pioneers.

Yu Dian, representing the students, spoke about the importance of historical awareness and the continuation of the spirit of past generations. She emphasized the need for today's youth to contribute to Sino-French friendship and world peace.

During the event, Zhang Kai, Zhang Wenming, and Chen Huadong signed the publication intent for the "Siyuan Excellence" oral history book. Throughout this year, SPEIT organized interviews with distinguished Chinese students who studied in France, and the content of these interviews will be compiled into the book.

The ceremony concluded with vocal performances by male and female students from the Vocal and Opera Department of Shanghai Conservatory of Music, accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa, singing classic French songs such as "When All is Asleep."

The event was guided by the Student Work Steering Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and hosted by SPEIT, with strong support from various units, including the Sino-French Joint Medical School, the Archives and Cultural Heritage Management Center, the Biography Center, the Work-Study Movement Memorial Hall, the Vocal and Opera Department of Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and Shanghai Huangpu River Terminal Shoreline Construction and Management Co., Ltd.

"As two nations with a spirit of independence, every encounter between China and France in history has generated immense energy, influencing the course of the world."

With sixty years of deep Sino-French friendship and twelve years of SPEIT's diligent efforts, this inaugural ceremony marks a summary and prospect of SPEIT's value-driven work, signifying a solid step forward in cultivating engineers with patriotic and global responsibilities. Looking ahead, SPEIT will continue to promote bilateral cooperation in education, research, and culture, contributing more to Sino-French friendship and world peace!