On October 30th, Suzhou Vocational University held the opening ceremony of the 2019 international students. George Wyne Adams, CEO of Merseta (South Africa), Dr. Lu Zhilei, director of CCIEEC (South Africa), Yang Jun, director of Human Resources Department of Hengtong Group Co., Ltd., Niu Xuelin, secretary of the CPC SVU Committee, Cao Yumin, president of SVU, and the leaders from related university departments, teacher representatives and all 2019 international students attended the ceremony, which was hosted by Zhang Jun, director of the Foreign Affairs Office.

The ceremony started with the majestic national anthem of the People's Republic of China. BALOYI GODFREY PAKI, on behalf of new students, mentioned in his speech that it’s a good experience studying in such a beautiful and creative country like China. He thanked the school for providing high-quality teaching resources and environment, and called on students to abide by Chinese laws and regulations and all rules and regulations of the school, and fully devote themselves to engage in study and internship programs. Mrs. Zhang Yuxue from the School of Electronic Information Engineering, on behalf of all teachers, delivered sincere hopes to the students. She said if the students choose diligence and struggle, they also choose hope and harvest; if they choose discipline and restraint, they choose reason and freedom; if they choose striving and surpassing, they choose success and brilliance. Mr. Zhang’s wonderful speech won the warm applause of all the students and guests present.

As a close cooperative enterprise unit of the university, Hengtong Group Co., Ltd. provides internship for the students from Merseta, which allows students to participate in the complete product production process, deepen their module skills training and improve their professional and employability skills. Cao Yumin and Yang Jun signed an internship cooperation agreement, Niu Xuelin and Yang Jun jointly unveiled the “Suzhou Vocational University International Student Internship Base” plate.

It’s the third time that George Wyne Adams has visited the university. He thanked the university for the arrangements of the internship program, expressed his envy that the students had the opportunity to study in China. He motivated the students to work hard and strive to learn professional knowledge and skills. In addition, they must follow the laws and rules and what they say and do represent their country. He looked forward to their contributions to the economic and social development of South Africa.

Cao Yumin delivered a warm speech and expressed warm welcome to the 65 new international students. He encouraged the students to cherish the opportunity to study in China, make full use of the favorable conditions and environment of the university, learn the language, learn the culture, learn the skills and improve their professional ability. At the same time, he encouraged all new students to absorb the wisdom of multiculturalism, enrich their knowledge and experience, and become messengers of international cultures. Finally, he wished all students full and happy every day.

After the opening ceremony, the leaders from the South Africa Vocational Delegation cordially communicated with the students, knowing their feedbacks and hearing their voices. Following that, the foreign guests visited the university’s intelligent manufacturing and sharing innovation service platform, Bozhong automatic control teaching production line, automobile application technology training center, digital design and manufacturing technology training center, Wu Culture Park.