Tributes paid to heroic Chinese student

In the eyes of An Jingkun, her son Jiang Antong was always ready to help others.

"On that day at the beach, he repeatedly warned that student not to swim too far out. He then went into the sea to rescue that classmate," An said at a memorial event held at the University of Wollongong in Australia on Oct 29. "His classmate survived, but Antong never returned".

Jiang arrived at the university to study a master of computer science in July 2023. Just 112 days later, on Oct 29 that year, the 28-year-old lost his life while attempting to rescue a fellow student caught in a rip current at Fairy Meadow Beach in Wollongong, New South Wales.

"He was not acting on impulse. He simply could not leave his classmate in danger," An said to the gathering at the memorial this week on the third anniversary of his death.

To honor Jiang's heroic deed, he was posthumously awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct, a national bravery honor, in September as part of the 2026 Australian Bravery Decorations.

"Antong represents the best of the human spirit. The human spirit which inspires us all," Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley and her husband wrote in Jiang's memorial book on Oct 21, when the governor presented the award to his parents.

Peng Zhikang, the fellow student who survived the beach incident, showed up unannounced at the memorial event.

"I feel like I did receive a second life," he told China Daily. "Whenever I encounter difficulty, I always remember that someone there is willing to help me, giving me the second chance."

Peng said that if Jiang were still here, he would want to thank him not only for trying to save him during the incident, but also for all the help and joyful moments they had shared.

He recalled how they used to go cycling and camping together, sing in a tent, celebrate birthdays and make dumplings.

"All these moments and experiences are always parts of me, and Antong is always with me," he said.

To honor Jiang's memory, the university has established a scholarship in his name, organized a football competition named after him, and placed a memorial stone beside a lilly pilly tree planted on campus.

An said these have given her son a permanent home in Wollongong, in the place he loved so deeply.

Helen Partridge, deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Wollongong, said Jiang is also remembered through many other ways, "in conversation among friends, in the connection our staff and student have maintained with his family, and in the stories shared by the students who never had the chance to meet him".

Wang Chunsheng, acting Chinese consul general in Sydney, said the continuing tributes to Jiang remind people that wherever they come from and whatever their cultural background, they "share the same respect for kindness, courage and the value of human life".

"It is these simple and genuine human connections that bring the people of China and Australia closer together, deepen our understanding of one another, and strengthen the friendship between our two peoples," Wang said.

"An excellent student and a passionate football enthusiast, remembered for his brave spirit. Forever cherished by his family, friends and the University of Wollongong community," the memorial stone reads.

Lai Chen contributed to this story.