Publisher: JNU Integrated Media Center 

Date: July 1, 2025

Editor: Su Qianyi

On the morning of June 30, Sihai College hosted a teacher-student symposium titled Celebrating the Return Together, Creating the Future with Youth to mark the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Dean Liu Jinshun, Vice Dean Peng Debin, faculty members, and more than 20 student representatives from Hong Kong attended the event, reflecting on the historic achievements, discussing development opportunities, and sharing aspirations for the future.

The symposium commenced with the national anthem. Participating students shared insights and reflections on the 28 years since Hong Kong's return, drawing from their personal experiences. They highlighted the growing convenience of transportation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and the expanding opportunities brought about by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. Students acknowledged that Hong Kong's achievements are inseparable from national support and collective societal efforts, pledging to make the most of available opportunities, improve themselves, and actively integrate into the country's development.

In his address, Liu Jinshun emphasized that the motherland provides a solid foundation for Hong Kong's stability and growth, offering a broad platform for young people to thrive. He put forward three expectations for the students: first, to uphold the spirit of patriotism and school pride, and courageously shoulder the mission entrusted by the times; second, to value their time, plan wisely, and contribute to national development through personal growth; and third, to acquire solid professional knowledge, adapt to the evolving needs of society, support the practice of One Country, Two Systems, and take an active part in the development of the Greater Bay Area.

During the event, teachers and students watched a short video titled Unforgettable 1997!  revisiting historic moments from Hong Kong's handover.

Several student representatives delivered speeches. Lu Jianian (2023, Economics) noted that infrastructure projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway exemplify the success of One Country, Two Systems. He expressed his commitment to studying hard and contributing to the development of Hong Kong and the nation. Tang Yashi (2023, Financial Management) shared how she has learned traditional crafts such as dot blue art and lacquer fan making through academy activities, vowing to help preserve and promote Chinese culture. Shi Degui (2023, Marketing) said integration in the Greater Bay Area has opened up internship and career opportunities for Hong Kong students, and he aims to strengthen collaboration with mainland peers. Yu Jialin (2024, Finance) spoke of the vastly improved cross-border transport, noting how subway Line 13 now offers a quick and affordable route to Shenzhen Bay Port. Chen Yiting (2024, Economics) conveyed her gratitude for the country's peaceful environment and abundant resources, extending her wishes for Hong Kong's continued prosperity.

The symposium served as a platform for dialogue between faculty and students, inspiring youth to seize opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.