Recently, Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) unveiled a new statue of GTIIT mascot "GTIIT Ant", which is now located in front of the library of the South Campus. The statue, symbolizing the spirit of GTIIT, adds to the humanistic beauty for this international university of science and technology and opens a new chapter for GTIIT campus culture.

The statue was unveiled on April 11. Leaders and guests attending the ceremony included: Distinguished Professor Dan Shechtman of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 2011 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry; Peng Xuewen, Chairman of Guangzhou Rising Dragon Recreation Industrial Company; Prof. Gong Xingao, Chancellor of GTIIT, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. David Gershoni, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; Chen Xiang, Member of CPC Changzhou Standing Committee, Director General of the Organization Department of Changzhou city; Jiang Pengju, Vice Mayor of Changzhou Municipal Government; Wang Xuezhu, Vice Mayor of Shantou Municipal Government; Yigal Cohen, Pro-Vice Chancellor & Director General of GTIIT; Dr. Queena Yi, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT and President of GTIIT Education Foundation. Prof. Lin Danming, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT, presided over the ceremony.

The design of the mascot was inspired by Dr. Yuan Jingyu, Level I Inspector of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, and the statue was funded by Peng Xuewen. The "ant" image represents diligence, wisdom, innovation and collaboration, and “punching above your weight”, which is the advocates of GTIIT. Meanwhile, the pronunciation similarity between "Yi" （蚁） and "Yi" （以） in Chinese symbolizes the cultural communication as well as the close cooperation in education between China and Israel.

Chancellor Gong said, "Ants are able to carry much more than their weights. Collective efforts of individuals can create infinite possibilities." The "GTIIT Ant" is aimed to encourage every member of the university to strive for innovation, cooperation and endeavor. He pointed out the establishment of the statue represented the spirits of "Chutzpah" and "Dream it. Do it".

Wang Xuezhu stated that GTIIT as a Sino-Israeli cooperation model, undertook the important task of enhancing the innovation level and competitiveness of Guangdong Province, the development of both China and Israel, and the welfare of humanity. She hoped that GTIIT would integrate the innovative visions of the two countries to cultivate more outstanding talents with an international perspective and a spirit of innovation, thereby making significant contributions to the development of China.

Peng Xuewen highly recognized GTIIT's outstanding achievements. He hoped to deepen cooperation with GTIIT to promote technology transformation and contribute more to society.

Lin Danming said in the speech that GTIIT would strive to meet expectations and keep moving forward, by creating more spiritual wealth for teachers and students and establishing Sino-Israel Innovation Education Research Center. The university will continuously contribute its unique strength to cultivating innovative talents in China and stepping up Sino-foreign cooperation in science and engineering education.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs