In February 2024, to deepen the exchange between our sister Sino-Foreign cooperative educational institutions, QMES successively held online symposiums with the Pittsburgh Institute at Sichuan University (SCUPI) and the DUT-RU International School of Information Science & Engineering at Dalian University of Technology (DUT-RU ISE), under the theme “Joining Hands with the World, Setting Sail for Dreams”. This series of exchanges aimed to enhance the theoretical literacy and comprehensive abilities of student union backbones through communication between college student unions. Representatives from the QMES student union including Ma Zhiheng, Wang Yiruo, Shi Lingzi, Yong Siyu, Yang Liu, Yan Xianying, and Tian Yuhao participated in the symposium series, which was chaired by Ma Zhihe, the executive chairman of the QMES Student Union.

Firstly, Ma Zhiheng, on behalf of the QMES Student Union, extended a warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude to the students from SCUPI and DUT-RU ISE for their participation in the event. He articulated that the online symposium was designed to foster enhanced communication and collaboration among the student unions of sister Sino-Foreign cooperative educational institutions, elevate the political acumen and professional competencies of student union backbones, and effectively cater to the diverse needs of the students while actively contributing to the advancement of each college.

In addition, Ma Zhiheng provided an overview of the QMES Student Union from the perspectives of organisational structure, reform effectiveness, internal development, publicity matrix, student services, quality activities, work achievements, and work plans. Following this, Zhong Zhentian, the President of the SCUPI Student Union, and Gong Zhaoyan, the President of the DUT-RU ISE Student Union, shared their respective experiences in areas such as cultural and sports activities, student innovation forums, team building, and personal growth within the college student unions. The SCUPI Student Union also highlighted specific cases of “doing practical things for fellow students”.

Subsequently, each attending representative delivered a brief self-introduction and engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as “strengthening the ideological leadership role of student unions”, “enhancing the rationality of organisational structure and work responsibilities”, “maintaining close communication with students”, “supporting the establishment of a solid disciplinary foundation and facilitating growth and success”, and “the role of student union organisations in the development of the college”. The participating representatives shared their perspectives, offering new insights for the future development of student union initiatives.

In conclusion, Ma Zhiheng emphasized that the student union staff should, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, remain true to their original aspiration and persist in wholeheartedly serving their fellow students. He suggested that by combining the distinctive advantages of the collaborative management system and educational model, they should focus on exploring new initiatives and pathways for student union work. Ma Zhiheng also recommended that all student unions continue to enhance their exchange and learning efforts, making positive contributions to the establishment of upright and integrity student union organizations.

After the meeting, Ma Zhiheng, drawing upon the work experience and successful practices of sister college student unions, led a comprehensive review and learning session with all members of the college’s student union. Subsequently, adjustments were made to the direction of work for the upcoming semester.

The successful hosting of this series of symposiums facilitated communication and cooperation between each college, enhanced the friendship among student union members, and provided strong support for the development of college student unions.

Text: Li Zhiyuheng, Yong Siyu, Xu Yang

Photo: Li Zhiyuheng, Yong Siyu

Edit: Cheng Yin