On August 4th, Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) held the 2025 Opening Ceremony. The freshmen gathered on campus with dreams, infusing this campus of innovation with vibrant youthful energy. With the arrival of the Cohort 2025, the total number of GTIIT students has surpassed 2,000, marking a significant milestone in the university's history.

GTIIT board members, university leaders, staff representatives, as well as guests from the Shantou Municipal Government, Education Bureau, Science and Technology Bureau, Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau, Shantou University and media representatives attended the ceremony.

Prof. Eli Aljadeff, Acting Vice Chancellor of GTIIT stated in his speech that undergraduate education is one of the most important phases in students' life. This is the phase where they have an opportunity to choose what they will do in a very substantial part of their time. "Studying at GTIIT is challenging, and one factor that will help you to overcome this challenge is motivation. In this regard, it is important that you like what you do, and it is important that you know why you are here." He emphasized that GTIIT's professors, faculty, and administration team will provide students with the best education and fully support their academic journey.

Tu Feitong, a Mathematics with Computer Science Program student from Cohort 2023, shared her growth story at GTIIT as a student representative—from her first class presentation to embracing the stage for public speaking. She spoke about how she came to know herself, gained confidence, and discovered her passions. "Once you find your direction, GTIIT will give you the platform to shine. It will lift you, step by step, to bigger and brighter stages — until you are noticed by the world."

Liu Xiangjun, a Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Program student from Cohort 2025, spoke as a freshman representative. He expressed his excitement about GTIIT's environment that encourages free exploration and shared his aspirations for this new beginning. "Over the next four years at GTIIT, I am eager to cultivate creativity and intelligence in a rigorous academic atmosphere. It is even more important to respond to the real needs with our knowledge, skills and enthusiasm. The years ahead are to explore boldly, to try and fail bravely, to create deeply, and to inspire each other wholeheartedly."

A brand-new journey has begun. May the Cohort 2025 embrace GTIIT's spirit of "Dream it. Do it.", dare to dream, be brave in pursuing their dreams, and work diligently to realize them. May they gain solid knowledge and outstanding abilities at GTIIT, and climb the peaks of scientific research through hard work.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs