On February 19, NJU Forum for Scholars Returned from Overseas was held at Xianlin. The forum was co-organized by the Western Returned Scholars Association (Overseas-educated Scholars Association of China), NJU and Jiangsu Returned Scholars Association. Ding Zhongli, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, President of the Western Returned Scholars Association and Academician of the CAS, Chen Xu, Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department of CPC Central Committee and Director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, Wang Jiayi, Member of the CPC Leadership Group and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, Hui Jianlin, Standing Member of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department of Jiangsu Province, and Tan Tieniu, Academician of the CAS and Secretary of the CPC NJU Committee, attended the forum. Wang Pijun, Secretary of the CPC Group and Secretary General of the Western Returned Scholars Association, presided over the opening ceremony. Yang Zhong, Executive Deputy Secretary of the CPC NJU Committee, presided over the main forum.

Ding Zhongli pointed out that the history of scholars pursuing their studies overseas over the past hundred years is intertwined with that of China's modernization. It is not only the history of “searching for my ideal China”, but also one of the unremitting efforts of the Chinese people to explore the path of China’s modernization. He hoped that the current generation of scholars, whether they are currently pursuing their studies overseas or have already returned, will carry on the great tradition, bear in mind the national priorities, be realistic and pragmatic, and aim to serve the motherland and the people. It is necessary to build self-confidence and self-reliance, let the world see the Chinese path to modernization, and promote the international community’s understanding and recognition of China's development, path, and proposals.

Chen Xu said that returned scholars are a valuable asset to the country, vital to the revitalization of the country through advancing science and technology, education and cultivation of talents, and promoting innovation-driven development. Universities are the base for these scholars to grow and showcase their abilities. She hoped that they will stick to their original aspiration, continue the glorious tradition of studying abroad to serve the motherland, and actively participate in the Chinese path to modernization.

Wang Jiayi declared that both China and the world are experiencing unprecedented changes. More than ever, the development of the country relies on education, knowledge, and talents. It is therefore imperative to promote the opening up of high-level education, identify and adapt to changes in the new international situation, enhance international cooperation in education, science and technology, and talent cultivation, and serve to build a community with a shared future for mankind through education.

Tan Tieniu expressed his heartfelt thanks to all sectors of society for their support. He remarked that the NJU community will take this forum as an opportunity to vigorously promote the glorious tradition of studying abroad and return to serve the motherland. NJU shall dedicate itself to becoming a place where returned scholars aspire, gather, and make achievements, strengthening the national strategic science and education.

Liu Limin, Vice President of the Western Returned Scholars Association, President of the Jiangsu Western Returned Scholars Association, Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, and President of the China Association for International Exchange of Education; Wang Xinran, Vice Dean of the School of Electronic Science and Engineering and Vice President of NJU Branch of the Western Returned Scholars Association; Wang Wen, Vice Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Western Returned Scholars Association and Executive Dean of the Chongyang Institute of Finance of Renmin University of China, delivered keynote speeches at the main forum.

The attending guests visited the Exhibition on the Achievements of Returned Scholars of NJU and watched the film titled Returned Scholars and Nanjing University.The forum had four sub panels on, respectively, the ethics of the teaching profession, self-reliance and self-improvement on science and technology, cultural confidence and self-improvement, and the telling of the Chinese stories. More than 40 guests shared their views.

Translator: Xiong Changjiang

Editors: Chen Xing, Shao Yihang