On September 2nd, the opening ceremony for the 2024 cohort of professional degree graduate students at the School of Economics and Management (SEM), Tongji University, was successfully held in the Lecture Hall on the first floor of the Yifu Building.

Mr. Jiang Zhongping, alumnus of EMBA Class 4, Trustee of Tongji University, and Chairman of Shanghai Dachi Information Industry Co., Ltd., delivered a speech as an alumni representative at the ceremony.

In his address, Alumnus Jiang Zhongping interpreted the meaning of the “Pioneering the Future” (“Kai Lai”) inscription on the National Pillars, fondly recalled his “joyful immersion” (“Kai Xin”) during his studies at Tongji SEM and illustrated the potential for “sudden enlightenment” (“Kai Qiao”) through learning at Tongji. He encouraged the new students to embrace Tongji’s spirit of serving the nation and society, to respect their esteemed teachers, forge friendships with worthy peers, and become new ambassadors for Tongji SEM.

Full Text of the Speech:

Respected faculty members, dear fellow students and juniors,

It is a great honor to participate in the school’s opening ceremony today as an alumni representative. Before coming to the auditorium, I made a special visit to the two National Pillars standing in the central lawn on either side of the statue of Chairman Mao. These pillars are inscribed with the phrases “Inheriting the Past” (“Ji Wang”) and “Pioneering the Future” (“Kai Lai”). The calligraphy, derived from the style of Wang Xizhi, is revered as the “Ornamental Pillars” of Tongji University, symbolizing the institution’s “Pillars of the Sky.”

Today, on this opening day, we are fortunate to encounter excellent teachers for learning and worthy friends for companionship—undoubtedly an excellent atmosphere and environment. I believe this is the perfect moment for us to experience and understand the profound meaning of “Pioneering the Future” inscribed on the National Pillars.

Several years ago, President Chen Jie mentioned these pillars on the CCTV program “Open Lecture.” He expressed his hope that Tongji students would inherit the university’s ethos of “Benefiting People, Benefiting Society, Benefiting the World” and bravely shoulder responsibilities. As a member of Tongji, I have always carried this sentiment in my heart.

Standing on this solemn podium to speak with you today fills me with both happiness and trepidation. I am merely an ordinary business owner, without remarkable achievements or lofty status, and I fear I may not live up to your expectations. However, recalling my time studying in EMBA Class 4 in 2004, the faculty always taught us that even small business owners should possess the vision of great entrepreneurs. This embodies the true spirit of Tongji and is the best interpretation of “Pioneering the Future” on the National Pillars.

Reflecting on my study period, I always felt immense joy. The opportunity to reunite with classmates from all corners of the country and world in the classroom for shared learning was an invaluable experience. Our cohort was wonderfully diverse — students from Shanghai, other provinces, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas; with varied professional backgrounds including state-owned enterprise executives, public institution leaders, and private entrepreneurs like me. I am sincerely grateful to Tongji SEM for the learning opportunity, which significantly enhanced my knowledge, experience, and way of thinking.

Having mentioned “Pioneering the Future” and “Joyful Immersion,” I would like to add another term: “Sudden Enlightenment” (“Kai Qiao”).

I recall a classmate who was then a leading cadre in a prefecture-level city government unit. During our overseas study module, he suddenly decided to resign. He told me that his studies at Tongji had brought him sudden clarity, helping him find his true direction. When we met again two years later, he had become a successful entrepreneur.

This classmate’s story illustrates that once you immerse yourself wholeheartedly in learning at Tongji SEM, you might experience a moment of sudden enlightenment—like a martial arts protagonist unblocking their meridians. Such stories unfold around us and have proven successful.

To the newly joined students, partners, and talented young individuals, I encourage you to study diligently at Tongji SEM, respect your excellent teachers, build friendships with worthy peers, and strive to elevate your personal horizons. When your perspective broadens, your vision will expand, and your path in life will become increasingly wide. We, the older generation of Tongji SEM, will become the “Inheriting the Past.” Only you, the new force, are the “Pioneers of the Future.”

Thank you.