On  Monday 06 January, the year 2020 started on a high note with SPAA holding the Year end Meeting & New Year Celebration for its International Students. This event highlighted the peak of the year 2019 with reflections, lessons and hope for the coming year.

Mr. Zhang, the teacher in-charge of International Student Affairs welcomed everyone to this event and introduced all the faculty members present. After the introductions, Professor Zhao Shurong was given the platform to give a review of the year 2019 summarizing the review in 3 phrases; I come, I learn, I grow. She encouraged all students to be diligent in their work, show and be dedicated to their studies and grow also by remaining disciplined. 

To recognize the hard work and persistence of the 2018 International Students, an Award Ceremony for Excellent International Students of SPAA was held. The students were announced and certificates were given to them as recognition for their excellent Academic work with Mr Zheng Yutang, the Chairman of School Council, presiding over this segment of the event program. Mr. Yang Zhifan, the vice-chairman of School Council present appointment certificates for 2020 SPAA- Int'l Students Union Executives.

After the Award Ceremony, Associate Professor Li Bing, one of the Faculty Representatives present took the opportunity to give a message to the International Students. She encouraged the student to work hard, continue experiencing China and to work towards productivity. Professor Gao added to these remarks by encouraging the students to continue learning a lot, accept changes and be ambassadors of the One Belt, One Road initiative to strengthen ties between China and their home countries.

Janet (The outgoing President of the International Student’s Union, 2018) and Fatima (The incoming President International Student’s Union, 2019) on behalf of the students from the 2018 & 2019 groups shared their experiences of being an international student of SPAA. Both encouraged their fellow student to continue working hard, keep in touch with their supervisors and make themselves proud of the achievement they will attain after school. Above all, continue expanding their network while studying here in UESTC-SPAA. The incoming Student board was announced and Certificates of Appointment were awarded to them. 

A Lucky Draw was conducted and lucky winners were announced and they walked away with wonderful prizes. To close the program, on behalf of the school SPAA, Mr Zheng Yutao wished everyone present a Happy New Year and success in the coming year. The Faculty Representatives present went around the venue giving out gifts and New Year wishes to the students present. 

Apart from encouraging its students to do well in their studies, SPAA also encourages students to experience Chinese culture even in school. SPAA organized this event to give the SPAA international students the opportunity to experience Chinese culture by celebrating with them the Chinese New year. This is one of the most important holidays on the Chines calendar which is a time for family reunion and sharing hope for success in the coming year. To commemorate this event, a group photo was taken to mark the end of this event.