On August 3, Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) held its 2026 Opening Ceremony at the South Campus. Young dreams met the seeds of science as new students stepped onto campus with curiosity and a thirst for discovery, infusing this thriving university with fresh energy.

Leaders and guests attending the ceremony included: Prof. Mao Junfa, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chancellor of GTIIT; Mr. Peng Cong'en, Vice Mayor of Shantou Municipal Government; Ms. Lin Jian, Second-Level Inspector of Shantou Government Office; Mr. Huang Huiyang, GTIIT Board member and former Vice Director of Standing Committee of Shantou Municipal People's Congress; Mr. Rami Horesh, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director General of GTIIT; Prof. Gao Jian, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; as well as representatives from the Shantou Education Bureau, Science and Technology Bureau, Foreign Affairs Bureau, Finance Bureau, Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau, media representatives, and GTIIT faculty and staff. Prof. Eli Aljadeff, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT, delivered a video address to the new students. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Queena Yi, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT.

Prof. Mao Junfa, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chancellor of GTIIT welcomed the new students as a "newcomer" to GTIIT. He noted that with AI, mathematics, and robotics reshaping the world, the foundation of a strong nation in science and education lies in talent, and the root of talent lies in universities. He emphasized that GTIIT has introduced the "Chutzpah" spirit—cultivated over a century at the Technion—as a deep cross-cultural dialogue and a future-oriented integration of education. He applauded the students for their wise choice and offered four pieces of advice: let go of your Gaokao scores and learn to ask good questions; do not fear being in the minority and keep the courage to challenge; allow yourself to stumble but never give up; and align your personal aspirations with the needs of society, using technology for the greater good.

Prof. Eli Aljadeff, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT, said that undergraduate education was one of the most significant periods of personal and professional development, while motivation was the inner drive that keeps students moving forward to overcome academic challenges. He stressed that developing confidence, responsibility, and independence was an essential part of the university journey. He also pointed out that GTIIT's professors were both researchers and educators, who will maintain high academic standards while fully supporting students, which was the very essence of university education.

Step out of your comfort zone, master your time and accept your imperfect self—these were the three suggestions offered by Zhang Yuming, a student representative from Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Program of Cohort 2024. He encouraged them to develop the ability to think independently, the courage to face setbacks, and the kindness toward the world, exploring and striving forward at this new starting point in life.

Yang Yiran, a freshman representative from the Chemical Engineering Program, shared her story that brought her to GTIIT. A drill used in the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 lunar exploration missions ignited her passion for engineering, and it was this commitment to rigorous exploration that ultimately led her to GTIIT. She expressed her deep admiration for the university's inclusive academic atmosphere and its respect for curiosity. She encouraged her fellow freshmen to overcome challenges with perseverance, explore the unknown with courage, and grow together under the guidance of their professors.

This year, GTIIT has successfully concluded its 2026 undergraduate admissions, enrolling 700 new students from 15 provinces and municipalities across China. This admissions delivered gains in both scale and quality, with multiple key admission indicators hit record highs, building strong momentum for the university's future.

The Cohort 2026 is now in place, and their GTIIT story begins from this moment. Guided by the spirit of "Dream it. Do it.", may they cultivate excellence on this fertile ground of innovation, scale the heights of science, and embark on their international journey in science and technology with passion and purpose.