Under the warm, golden glow of the afternoon sun, on December 1, Chairperson of the University Council Hu Kaibo stepped into the midst of students, visiting the English Corner at Haiyuan Square and the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. There, he engaged in face-to-face exchanges with young undergraduates and representatives of innovative and entrepreneurial youth, sharing a dialogue on “Youth and Growth”.

Beneath the red maple trees at the English Corner, Hu Kaibo sat with students on benches, engaging in heartfelt conversations about life. They chatted about daily life, academic pursuits, personal reflections, and even exchanged WeChat contacts. He warmly inquired about the students’ studies and career plans, patiently listening to their concerns regarding postgraduate entrance exams and employment. Drawing on the current employment landscape and his own experiences, he offered guidance and clarity. Hu expressed full affirmation of the students’ motivated and uplifting spirit. He encouraged them to cherish their university years, solidify their professional foundations, actively engage in practical experiences, and equip themselves with strong skills to meet future challenges, thereby contributing to society while realizing their personal value.

Later, Hu Kaibo visited the Innovation and Entrepreneurship College, where he interacted with the He Shaoyun Lithium Battery Team and the Gong Xin Water Jet Team. During the exchange, Hu praised the He Shaoyun Team for their work on ceramic-metal welding technology, overcoming traditional technical challenges, and developing environmentally friendly and efficient welding solutions. He noted that innovative and entrepreneurial youth are the pioneering force on campus, and their courage to explore and tackle difficulties epitomizes the beauty of youth. Similarly, he commended the Gong Xin Water Jet Team for their innovative practice in developing a new oscillating pneumatic pump to address inefficiencies, high energy consumption, and heavy pollution in coastal sand mining. He encouraged the team to deepen their technological innovations, leverage the construction of Loudi Materials Valley and regional industrial advantages, accelerate the implementation of research outcomes, and let the brilliance of youthful wisdom shine in serving local economic and social development.

The young students expressed their determination to transform the university’s care into driving force for progress. They pledged to pursue excellence in their studies and research, seek knowledge and hone their skills through practical innovation, and contribute their youthful energy to the high-quality development of the university and the realization of Hunan’s developmental visions.

(Text by Zhu Yanlin, Publicity Department; Photos by Hu Jianyi, Tang Yuxing)