On 23 and 24 August, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) welcomed around 2,600 new undergraduate students to campus. Coming from across China and around the world, the Class of 2030 is ready to begin a new chapter and write their own university stories.
At the undergraduate inauguration ceremony on 31 August, BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi encouraged the new students to make the most of their university years. “Over the next four years, I hope you will do more than simply pass through this university: build bridges across cultures and find common ground amid difference,” he said.
BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi addresses the first-year students
In a world of accelerating technological change and growing cultural tensions, Prof Chen encouraged students to forge their own path: to innovate boldly while staying fully human; to embrace the world while remaining rooted in their own culture; and to build connections while maintaining independent judgment.
Provost Prof Patrick Chau urged students to develop the courage to question, the ability to think independently, and the capacity to connect knowledge with human values. "Lasting achievement grows from authenticity, from passion, persistence, active learning, and open collaboration," he said, and encouraged students to cultivate their own distinctive voice and deep judgment.
Provost Prof Patrick Chau at the ceremonies
Party Secretary of the University Party Committee and Vice President (Administration) Prof Mao Yaqing encouraged students to develop systematic thinking through dedicated study, learn to embrace differences through meaningful connections with peers, broaden their horizons through campus activities, and test their knowledge through real-world practice. “Education is not simply about filling a bucket, but about lighting a fire,” he said.
Party Secretary of the University Party Committee and Vice President (Administration) Prof Mao Yaqing at the ceremonies
For the new students, those connections have already begun.
Presentation of the 2026 Full Entrance Scholarships
Tessa Sarah Garmroud, a freshman from Russia who was born in Zhuhai, said she felt privileged to study at BNBU and in China. “This is the country of the future,” she said, adding that she looked forward to making new friends and supporting one another through their university journey.
Student representative Tessa Sarah Garmroud
Feng Zishang, a first-year student from Xinjiang, China, grew up immersed in both Chinese and Western cultural traditions. He hopes to stay rooted in Chinese culture while maintaining a global perspective and becoming a well-rounded individual. “A new journey has begun. Let us study diligently, stay grounded, and live up to the promise of our youth,” he said.
Student representative Feng Zishang
Their stories are only beginning. At BNBU, new connections are being made, new possibilities are opening up, and a new world awaits.
From MPRO
Photographer: Hanna He, Season Li
Editor: Cecilia Yu
