Peking University, April 11, 2018: The Peking University French Alumni Association launched the opening ceremony of its celebration events in honor of Peking University’s 120th anniversary on March 26. More than 120 alumni and guests from Peking University, Chinese and French political and business circles and non-governmental organizations attended the ceremony.
The opening ceremony
The guests at the ceremony were led by Xu Zhihong, the honorary president of the Peking University Alumni Office, and Li Wensheng, director of the PKU Alumni Office. Other speakers included French Senator Chen Wenxiong , ENS Paris Principal Yves Laszlo and distinguished Chinese and French entrepreneurs.
Xu Zhihong delivering his speech
In his speech, Xu Zhihong expressed his hope that Peking University alumni in France have inherited the spirit of Peking University, remember the purpose of the Peking University Alumni Association and become bridge-builders between China and France. With the visit of the president of France this year, China and France will promote strategic cooperation. He also said that he hoped that Peking University alumni in France can make contributions to the friendship between the two countries.
Vincent Laflèche’s speech
Vincent Laflèche, the host of the ceremony, recollected the cooperation between Peking University and ENS Paris. He said that both institutions have demonstrated their research capacity and provided students and scholars with a multicultural environment for study and research. He explained that cooperation between institutions is significant both on the level of scientific research and on the level of cultural communication.
Yang Jin’s speech
Yang Jin’s speech focused on his aspirations for the alumni of Peking University. He noted that alumni play an important role in generating ideas and advancing knowledge. He said that he looked forward to the contributions of PKU alumni to the advancement of communication between China and France and the broader international community.
Chen Wenxiong's speech
Chen Wenxiong welcomed alumni from various walks of life and different countries. He stated that he would do his best to support the communication between China and France and introduced some current projects underway in the 13th arrondissement of Paris undertaken with the sponsorship of French government. The projects include championing the French language in Asian countries, brain gain programs and inviting more talented, young Chinese to study in France. He expressed hope that he can serve as a bridge between Chinese and French cultures along with the alumni of Peking University.
Wang Ao introducing the anniversary activities
Wang Ao, the president of Peking University’s French Alumni Association, introduced the activities in celebration of Peking University’s 120th anniversary taking place in France. He also signed a cooperation contract with three new collaborators: Mines ParisTech, Radio LCF, and Leboucq. The 120th-anniversary activities in France include a Four Seasons Party, a series of lectures on “PKU spirits” and “PKUers in France,” a seminar on Chinese and French management culture, a wine tasting tour, and other events.
During the final part of the ceremony, Wang Bin, a Chinese pianist now living in France, performed piano compositions by Chinese and French musicians as her tribute to the university’s anniversary.
