On the morning of September 2, a grand opening ceremony for the cohort of 2025 freshmen of the Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI), Xiamen University was held. Attendees included Wang Yi, Chair of the ICI Council; Qin Jian, Dean of the ICI; Jiang Shun, Director of the Security Office of Xiamen University Zhangzhou Campus; Philip Lambert, Associate Dean (UK) of the ICI; other members of ICI leadership team; faculty members from both the Chinese and UK sides; and all undergraduate freshmen of the cohort of 2025. The ceremony was presided over by He Dongmei, Deputy Chair of the ICI Council.
Qin Jian, on behalf of the ICI, extended a warm welcome and sincere congratulations to the cohort of 2025 freshmen. He introduced Xiamen University as an institution with a profound history and heritage. He highlighted that the ICI, established in collaboration with the University for the Creative Arts in the UK, is Xiamen University's first Sino-foreign cooperative education institution in the field of design. In his address, he expressed three hopes for the new students: first, to cultivate critical thinking, voice diverse opinions, learn to identify new problems, and propose creative solutions; second, to broaden their cognitive boundaries by actively learning and applying new technologies such as artificial intelligence; and third, to master communication and collaboration skills and become cooperative partners who can complement each other's strengths.
In his address at the ceremony, Philip Lambert noted that amidst the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, contemporary higher education is undergoing transformation. He emphasized that for students majored in art and design, it is particularly crucial to nurture creativity, critical thinking, innovative spirit, and curiosity. He expressed his anticipation for the students' four-year journey ahead and wished them fruitful academic achievements.
Francesc Marti Perez, representing the ICI faculty, encouraged the freshmen to realize their potential as artists and designers in the future world. He advised them not to be discouraged when facing difficulties, but to communicate proactively and savor the remarkable four-year university experience.
Zhang Kehan, the undergraduate student representative from the cohort of 2023, urged the freshmen to keep an open mind, actively participate in campus activities, and persistently strive to surpass themselves. She encouraged everyone to develop corresponding plans based on their coursework, bravely embrace challenges, and explore the university life that belongs to themselves.
Wang Jiaqi, the freshman representative of the cohort of 2025, shared her joy of first experience on campus. She suggested that students should be guided by the Spirit of Tan Kah Kee, seize learning opportunities, and courageously face challenges. She concluded by wishing everyone a fulfilling and rewarding university journey.
The freshman opening ceremony concluded successfully amid the rousing strains of the university anthem.
