"First class" for the university students of Jiangsu province takes place at Nanjing University of Science and Technology on Sept 17. [Photo/JSJYT]

As the new semester has begun, the "first class" for university students in Jiangsu province was held at the Zhongshan Campus of Nanjing University of Science and Technology (NJUST) on Sept 17.

The event, themed "Youth Walking with the Motherland", aimed to inspire students across the province to pursue ambitious goals and strive for excellence.

The class featured eight distinguished speakers, including academicians, professors, and alumni representatives from various sectors, who shared their stories of perseverance and dedication to national progress.

Highlights included Zhao Yafu, a recipient of the July 1 Medal (the Communist Party of China's highest honor) and a specially appointed professor at Jiangsu University, who urged students to shoulder their responsibilities on the new journey of national development.

Wang Zeshan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a laureate of the National Science and Technology Award, recounted researchers' dedication to national defense.

Chen Xinyu, a team leader of a National Natural Science Foundation of China project and a doctoral student from the 2023 cohort at Southeast University, shared his journey of proactively embracing AI in scientific research.

The event also featured performances, including a recital by students from Nanjing Normal University's Aesthetic Education Center, highlighting the mission of youth for the nation.