On the afternoon of 18th March, Fan Xiaoli, Dean of QMES, delivered a lecture titled “Cultivating a Sense of Patriotism and Expanding International Horizons” to the young students of QMES. The session was attended by Cheng Yin, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice Dean of QMES, Huang Quanzhang, Party Committee Organizer and Counsellor, Liu Jia and Ge Qu, Full-time Counsellors, Yang Fenping, Head of Student Affairs, and over 80 students, who participated in the learning and exchange session.

Focusing on the current international landscape, Fan Xiaoli analysed the changes and challenges in the global order within the context of globalisation. She also provided an in-depth interpretation of the goals and tasks of higher education in the new era, as well as the unique features and objectives of NPU and QMES in talent development. She emphasised that, in the face of a complex and ever-changing international environment, students need to cultivate both a strong sense of national pride and global vision. Through international collaborative programmes, QMES offers students a broad platform for development. Fan encouraged students to align their personal development closely with the nation’s destiny and to strive to become highly competitive, innovative, versatile, and internationally-minded talents. In conclusion, Fan Xiaoli urged students to: firstly, strengthen their ideals and beliefs, with a commitment to the nation and the world; secondly, stay informed on cutting-edge technologies and embrace lifelong learning; thirdly, ground themselves in China while broadening their global perspectives; and fourthly, actively engage in practical experiences and focus on holistic development.

In the classroom, students engaged in a lively discussion. Wang Tong, a first-year undergraduate student from the 2023 class, expressed that Fan Xiaoli’s lecture made her realise the importance of broadening one’s international perspective, which helps in absorbing global wisdom. She also noted that NPU’s “Chief Engineer Education Culture” encourages the pursuit of excellence and innovation. As a young scholar, she is determined to actively participate in international exchanges and carry forward the “Chief Engineer” spirit, contributing to societal development. Li Wenxuan, a first-year undergraduate from the 2024 class, remarked that the lecture provided him with a deeper understanding of the school's intentions and educational advantages in promoting Chinese-foreign cooperative education. As a youth in the new era, he believes that only by aligning personal aspirations with national development can one truly realise the value of life.

This ideological and political education class not only inspired students’ sense of patriotism and mission but also further clarified their development goals, strengthening their motivation to strive forward. It is believed that the students will rise with even greater determination and spirit, taking the lead in the journey of the new era and writing a youth chapter that lives up to the times.

Text: Yang Fenping

Photo: Sun Minghong and Wang Tongshu

Editor: Chen Xinyan

Translator: Shen Xinyi

Reviewer: Cheng Yin