On December 20th, the first GTIIT Alumni Conference was held at the south campus of Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT). As the university celebrates its tenth anniversary, alumni returned to GTIIT to reminisce about their campus years and discuss future developments.

Prof. Eli Aljadeff, Acting Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; Prof. Lin Danming, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; Dr. Queena Yi, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Development of GTIIT and President of GTIIT Education Foundation; GTIIT staff and student representatives attended the conference.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Eli Aljadeff emphasized that the reunion aimed to listen to the voices of alumni and unite their strength. "You are ambassadors, not only of GTIIT but also of innovation spirit. You are equipped with fundamental education and tools, which will be able to use for many years and perhaps for your entire life. We are very proud of your performances, and we expect you to distribute our legacy."

Prof. Lin Danming expressed in the welcome address that GTIIT has pursued to cultivate talents with global vision, innovation spirit, and a sense of social responsibility. Alumni are the most vivid embodiment of these ideals. He emphasized that GTIIT now stands in a critical period of high-quality development, urgently needing to gather the wisdom of alumni and deepen connections. He expressed hope that alumni would frequently return to campus, make more suggestions, and build a community of development.

The conference was chaired by Dr. Queena Yi, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Development of GTIIT and President of GTIIT Education Foundation.

GTIIT faculty members shared profound insights on innovation, education, and scientific research from diverse perspectives, offering students an enlightening "special lecture". Prof. Daniel Tan, Deputy Head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, delivered a speech titled "From 'Study Hard' to 'Study Smart'", encouraging students to transform their learning mindset and thinking patterns, dare to ask questions, accept failures, and explore interdisciplinary fields. Prof. Ka Yin Leung from the Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering used the resilience, collaboration, and focus of bacteria in frog farms as metaphors for scientific research and personal growth, inspiring students to aim high and integrate knowledge with action. Prof. Peng Xu, Dean of Research and professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering, emphasized that in the era of AI, education should focus more on creativity and execution, nurturing future leaders who are unafraid of failure and willing to take social responsibility.

Alumni representatives from different fields shared their growth journeys. Sun Baihong, a Cohort 2019 alumnus from MSE Program, recounted his path of scientific research driven by passion. Pan Yihui, a Cohort 2019 alumnus from BFE Program, shared how he applied his knowledge to the biomedical industry, continuously deepening his professional understanding through practical experience. As GTIIT's first cohort undergraduate student, Cen Zhinuo, a Cohort 2017 alumnus from CE Program, described how he proactively seized opportunities and fully utilized university resources to achieve the transition from campus to career and personal breakthroughs.

During the roundtable discussion, Dr. Michail Paraskevas from the Department of Chemistry, moderated the dialogue. Six alumni exchanged views on topics such as application for studying abroad, career planning, and their amazing gains at GTIIT, sharing life experiences and discussing their growth journeys.

"I have witnessed my friends' growth since graduation and noticed how the qualities and experiences instilled by our alma mater gradually manifest in each of us over time," said Chen Zhuonan, a Cohort 2017 alumna. She said the event allowed her to reunite with old classmates and see many familiar faces and smiles, filling her heart with emotion and nostalgia.

"The experiences shared by senior alumni have opened up new perspectives for me, and their encouragement fills me with excitement for my future," said Wang Yue, a Cohort 2025 student, who gained much from the insights of the alumni.

This event was not only a heartwarming reunion but also a bridge connecting alumni and the alma mater to advance together and foster new opportunities. Moving forward, the GTIIT community will continue to stand side by side, embracing a bright and purposeful future with the spirit of "Dream it. Do it".

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs