The opening ceremony of the first International University Marine “Carbon Quest” Activity Week and the award ceremony of the CIMC Raffles Cup Challenge were held at the Yantai Research Institute of Harbin Engineering University (HEU) on 17 June. Academician ZHANG Huanqiao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor TANG Jie from Beijing University of Technology, and CHEN Hailong, Assistant to the President of HEU, attended the event. SUN Shuzheng, Vice Dean of the Yantai Research Institute, presided over the ceremony.
In his address on behalf of the university, CHEN Hailong outlined the institution’s distinctive educational strengths in the “SMON” fields, as well as the practical achievements of the Yantai Research Institute in serving regional marine development. He confirmed that the university will continue to deepen international talent cultivation and interdisciplinary innovation in the marine sector, supporting national development through scientific and educational endeavours.
FENG Jun, Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Natural Resources, shared progress in marine carbon sink initiatives within global climate governance from a global marine governance perspective, and encouraged young people from all countries to collaborate in addressing the global challenge of climate change.
LU Fashen, Second-level Inspector of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shandong Provincial People’s Government, introduced the province’s achievements in the marine carbon sink industry by drawing on Shandong’s abundant marine resources and practices in advancing the “dual carbon” goals. He noted that efforts will continue to expand international blue partnership cooperation channels through foreign affairs platforms.
PAN Shiyou, Deputy Director of the Yantai Standing Committee of the People’s Congress, highlighted Yantai’s geographical advantages in the marine industry and promoted the city as a fertile ground for marine scientific innovation and talent development.
Professor TANG Jie delivered remarks on the interdisciplinary development of materials, energy and blue carbon, encouraging young students to remain committed to exploration, develop cross-disciplinary integration capabilities, and bear in mind their responsibility for global development.
Professor Somkid, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering atKing Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, extended his congratulations via a pre-recorded video, expressing the earnest expectation of overseas universities to deepen international joint research and youth exchanges in the field of marine low-carbon development.
International student representative Kölmel Quinten Mühl shared insights based on his overseas study experience, speaking about the younger generation’s ideals and aspirations to participate in marine carbon sink research and practise the concept of green development.
During the flag presentation ceremony, ZHANG Yanghong, Party Secretary of the Yantai Research Institute, presented the camp flag to representatives of Chinese and international students.
The event also featured a series of activities including the “CIMC Raffles Cup” Challenge and special academic lectures. A special presentation on Yantai’s talent policies was held on site, extending a sincere invitation to Chinese and international young people to settle in Yantai and engage deeply in the marine industry.
Looking ahead, the Yantai Research Institute will continue to leverage the university’s international resource advantages and build on its “SMON” educational heritage. It will regularly host international youth exchange activities in the marine field, continuously deepen practical cooperation with domestic and overseas universities, research institutes and leading marine enterprises, and nurture compound marine talents with both international perspectives and innovative capabilities. These efforts will contribute Harbin Engineering University’s strength to advancing global marine ecological protection and helping achieve the “dual carbon” goals.
