Shanghai University of Finance and Economics holds opening ceremony for freshmen

Shanghai University of Finance and Economics held its opening ceremony on Sunday for incoming freshmen, drawing tens of thousands of students, parents, faculty members and alumni both online and in person.

The ceremony began with a historical drama performed by student volunteers alongside pupils from the university's affiliated schools, depicting the university's evolution in tandem with the nation's development.

University President Liu Yuanchun outlined the institution's response to artificial intelligence's impact on industry and education.

"AI has evolved from a tool into a paradigm shift that restructures economic fundamentals, creating uncertainty among many young people," he said. "Yet technological advancement has never impeded progress; rather, it has consistently driven employment transformation and social prosperity."

Liu called on students to ground themselves in core values by cultivating great virtue and strengthening their capacity to serve the times.

"Develop professional excellence while remaining true to your aspirations, striving to become pioneers who serve the nation through financial and economic expertise," he said.

Yao Lan, a professor at the university, offered counsel on navigating university life.

"University provides no standard answers. You must determine what is worth pursuing while remaining open to course corrections," she said. "Your path can be flexible, but every step must be deliberate. Question actively, think deeply, and build knowledge systematically."

Following the ceremony, the university's Party Secretary Huang Xiangfeng delivered the inaugural ideological and political course. Through scenario performances, faculty-student dialogues and artistic presentations, the session examined three themes of establishing aspirations, cultivating talent and assuming responsibility.

Huang encouraged students to integrate their personal development with national advancement and rejuvenation, striving to become dreamers, contributors and builders of the new era.