SHENZHEN MSU-BIT University (SMBU) officially opened the new academic year Sept. 13, welcoming students from around the globe during a ceremony that also marked the start of the 3rd “NAUKA 0+” Knowledge Science and Culture Festival. Stepan Kalmykov — vice president and a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and chairman of SMBU’s Board of Directors — addressed the incoming class via video. He highlighted the university’s rapid growth, noting new departments, laboratories, and research centers, and its global partnerships, which offer students valuable learning and career opportunities. “Remain steadfast in your goals, pursue your dreams, and face challenges with courage,” Kalmykov said. He also encouraged students to embrace cross-cultural exchanges to foster mutual understanding between China and Russia. Kalmykov reminded students that the university draws on the academic strength of Lomonosov Moscow State University, which is approaching its 270th anniversary, and assured them of robust support from SMBU’s distinguished faculty. During the ceremony, Professor Jia Xujie of the Russian Language Center provided practical advice on learning Russian. She encouraged students to cultivate an interest in the language through exploration and practice, discover personalized learning techniques, and make effective use of their time. “Life is precious — do not waste it! I believe that you can not only be the masters at online battle arenas of ‘Honor of Kings’ and ‘Game for Peace,’ but also the masters of your destiny,” Jia said. She also wished the students a fulfilling university experience, during which they can study two majors, understand three languages, and live a unique life over four years. New undergraduate student Xia Feiyue, who is majoring in biological sciences, shared her excitement about joining SMBU. She praised the university’s combination of Chinese-Russian educational resources and its faculty, saying, “Everything at SMBU inspires us to study for a brighter future and to strive for our dreams.” She also expressed her passion for biological sciences, highlighting its role in uncovering the natural world’s mysteries and benefiting society. Graduate student George Vorontsov, who is majoring in applied mathematics and information technology in the Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics, spoke on behalf of the new graduate students and international students. He stressed the importance of participating in campus activities, which he believes enhance students’ language skills, personal development, and ability to form meaningful friendships. “Cherish your time at university, manage it wisely, and fully use school resources to overcome challenges,” Vorontsov said. Deng Xu — deputy Party chief, vice president, and executive principal of the high school department of Shenzhen Experimental School — addressed the importance of the university’s influence on the school’s students. Deng urged students to think independently, explore new fields, and aim for excellence. “Wisdom comes from active learning, and courage comes from the pursuit of excellence,” he said. In his keynote speech, rector and deputy Party chief of SMBU Li Hezhang stressed the role of education in promoting international cooperation and building a global community. Li linked SMBU’s mission with China’s broader efforts to foster global collaboration, highlighting achievements from the Belt and Road Initiative and developments in China-Russia relations. Li outlined three key principles for students — adopting a global perspective, embracing cultural diversity, and pursuing personal growth with courage. He emphasized the importance of students becoming both ambassadors of their culture and contributors to global civilization. “You are the future of SMBU, the country, and the world,” Li said. “With ambitious aspirations, you can reach for the stars.” The event also marked the launch of the 3rd “NAUKA 0+” Science and Culture Festival, which was themed “Science Around Us” this year. More than 110 activities, including academic lectures, exhibitions, competitions, and performances, are planned throughout the festival. The festival’s inaugural lecture was delivered by Zhou Liwei, who is a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a professor at Beijing Institute of Technology, and a leading authority in electronic optics and optoelectronic imaging. As a gesture symbolizing his support for the next generation of students, Zhou donated personal notebooks from his student days to SMBU. | 