On August 3, Prof. Mao Junfa, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chancellor of Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), gave the inaugural lecture for the 2026 cohort under the theme "Dream it. Do it.". Amid today's booming tech revolution, he led freshmen in a thoughtful conversation about young people's mission and personal growth.

Starting from accelerated breakthroughs in the technological revolution and industrial transformation, he encouraged new students to ponder profound questions behind them, and identify young people's due responsibilities and aspirations amid global shifts.

"This summer belongs to hard-core technology and science-engineering disciplines." Momentous advances unfolded across the tech sector: Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote address at the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance; the historic milestone of two mathematicians of Chinese-nationality winning the Fields Medal for the first time; the successful Third CCF Chip Conference in Wuxi; plus the upcoming World Robot Conference. Science and engineering are taking center stage, sending out powerful signals.

As China's sole Sino-foreign university dedicated purely to science and engineering, GTIIT has stayed true to its core positioning. Self-reliance and strength in science and technology form a strategic backbone for national development. In line with its founding vision, GTIIT builds its academic programs around environment, energy and health — critical hard-tech areas where the country needs talent most.

Drawing from his own career shift from physics to electronic engineering, Chancellor Mao stressed how vital solid math and physics fundamentals are. He walked through GTIIT's teaching philosophy: strong grounding in math and physics, inquiry-led learning, built-in innovation, and research-centered training. He also shared impressive graduate outcomes for further study and employment. He laid out GTIIT's "playbook for success": physical wellness, mental grit, and sound problem-solving approaches. Drawing on his own experience, he encouraged new students to boldly explore the unknown in the laboratory and to excel at collaborating and innovating within teams.

"Great causes thrive on youthful dreams." Citing Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Chancellor Mao noted that, as stated in the address, young Chinese in the new era should unswervingly follow the Party and its guidance, set lofty goals and shoulder responsibilities of the times, integrate personal aspirations into the cause of the Party and the country, and carry the baton of history forward on the new journey. He shared his take on what is meant by "responsibility": think big, plan big, achieve big.

He also shared insights from decades of teaching and research: "Solid grounding in mathematics and physics plus humanistic depth determine your long-term growth potential"; "Spirit matters more than capability"; and "Details make or break success". These plain-spoken yet profound words struck a deep chord among the freshmen.

Wu Zixuan, a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, said the lecture was highly inspiring. "Your starting point does not define success or failure; your process shapes outcomes. I plan to take steady steps and aim for top academic standing in my major." Wang Wangmei, a freshman in Materials Science and Engineering, said the session gave her a fuller picture of the university's educational model and career paths for her discipline, filling her with greater confidence. "I will stay focused on my studies and learn from outstanding senior students."

Toward the close of the lecture, under Chancellor Mao's lead, all freshmen read aloud in Changsha, the classic poem by Mao Zedong. The stirring lines resonated across time, blending perfectly with the vibrant energy of freshmen, as they opened a new chapter in life.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs