Twenty years of dedicated endeavors have yielded fruitful rewards. On May 30, Wenzhou Medical University (WMU) held a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of its education for international students in China. Distinguished guests from home and abroad, faculty and student representatives from peer institutions, alumni as well as current teachers and students gathered together to exchange ideas on development and renew friendship. Du Jian, First-Class Research Fellow of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange, Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education; university leaders Jin Huanmin, Zhu Xuebo, Zhang Chengbin and Zheng Feizhong; and Charles, alumnus and former Deputy Ambassador of Ghana to China, attended the anniversary celebration and alumni forum.

Jin Huanmin, Secretary of the University Party Committee, delivered a speech. He reviewed the development of WMU’s international student education and put forward prospects for the future. "Over the past two decades, we have done more than just educational work. We have built bridges linking China and the world: a bridge for medical education cooperation, a bridge for mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, and a bridge for friendship between young people from all countries." He stated that WMU will continue to prioritize talent cultivation to foster high-caliber international medical professionals. The university will serve the national opening-up drive and build high-level international cooperation platforms. Leveraging its unique strengths, WMU will advance high-quality people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and build more competitive international student education as well as a more influential brand of Study at WMU.

Du Jian spoke highly of WMU’s achievements in international student education with three vivid metaphors: a "golden calling card", an "accelerator" and a "bond of friendship". He pointed out that WMU’s education for international students is not only a highlight of the university, but also an important force pooling global wisdom and supporting the development of Zhejiang Province. He hoped that WMU would strive to be a leader of the Study in Zhejiang brand, a pacesetter for China’s education going global, and a model showcase for cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries.

Charles traveled back to Wenzhou from Ghana specially for the celebration. A graduate of the 2007 Clinical Medicine program, he spoke fluent Chinese with deep emotion: "WMU has equipped me with the competence to thrive in the world and nurtured my original aspiration to give back to society." He also shared his favorite traditional Chinese philosophies — Plan thoroughly before taking action and Advance steadily and surely — and encouraged fellow alumni and current students to pursue excellence and win honor for their alma mater.

Vice President Zhu Xuebo presided over the ceremony.

The event was permeated with warmth. Alumni representatives presented souvenirs to the university. WMU extended sincere gratitude to its affiliated schools that offer undergraduate programs for international students and deliver core courses for overseas learners, as well as outstanding frontline teachers engaged in international student teaching and management.

International students put on wonderful performances, including Jingle Bells; Wenzhou, a Wonderful City; Gazing at the Moon; Start of Spring and Song of Calm Wind. The shows fully embodied the youthful charm of integrated Chinese and foreign cultures.

In the afternoon, the Alumni Homecoming Forum was held in the Youth Study Room of the university library. University leaders, alumni and students witnessed the inauguration of the Alumni Association of the School of International Education and the appointment of Alumni Ambassadors. Participants shared their growth experiences of studying in China and offered advice on the future development of the university and the school.

As a major part of the anniversary events, the final of the International Chinese Speech Contest for Medical Students was held concurrently. Hosted by the M9 International Cooperation Network of Medical Universities Co-built by National Ministries, Commissions and Provincial Governments and undertaken by WMU, the contest attracted 39 international student contestants from 22 universities across China. Centering on the theme Connecting China and the World with Language, Healing People with Medicine — My Growth and Commitment in Chinese Medical Education, they told their personal stories with China and medicine in fluent Chinese.

WMU launched degree programs for international students in 2006. Starting with merely 36 overseas students and one English-taught program, it has now grown into a renowned international education hub. Currently, the university has over 700 enrolled international students and six English-taught undergraduate programs, with a complete talent training system covering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. WMU has twice been awarded the title of National Advanced Collective for Education of International Students in China. More than 2,000 alumni trained here are now working across the globe, among whom are outstanding figures such as diplomatic envoys stationed in China, Forbes elites and scientists listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists.

Twenty years ago, a small seed was sown; today, it has grown into a towering tree. Over two decades of journey, a new glorious chapter is unfolding. Standing at a new starting point, WMU will adhere to the educational philosophy of people-oriented education, openness and integration, and mutual learning between civilizations. The university will forge ahead with a full-cycle medical education ecosystem featuring targeted talent selection, distinctive training, global services and brand building. It will further deepen reforms on international student education, expand high-level international educational cooperation, and cultivate more China-friendly international medical talents with superb medical skills and noble sentiments.