To mark the 130th anniversary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), the Development Forum of the School of Foreign Languages (SFL), themed "We Are Committed to a Strong China: What Foreign Languages Can Contribute", was convened at the Yang Yongman Building on the Minhang Campus. The forum focused on exploring new pathways for the development of foreign language disciplines and forging a new chapter in talent cultivation and serving national strategies. Distinguished guests in attendance included Ms. Yang Yongman, Honorary President of the Hong Kong Zhoushan Association and Member of the School Board of SJTU; Mr. Zheng Tianhui, an alumna of SJTU; Professor Liu Weidong, Member of the Standing Committee and Vice President of SJTU; Professor Zheng Shutang, Founding Dean of SFL; Mr. Mao Fuping, an alumnus of the Class of 14141, SFL; Mr. Yang Jianjun, Director of the Office of Bidding and Government Procurement, SJTU; Professor Shang Biwu, Dean of SFL; Professor Zhu Yifan, Secretary of the SFL Party Committee; other members of the SFL leadership team; as well as faculty and student representatives.

On behalf of the university, Vice President Liu Weidong delivered an opening address, expressing sincere gratitude and respect to Ms. Yang Yongman, Mr. Zheng Tianhui, Mr. Mao Fuping, and all friends from various sectors who have cared for and supported the university’s development. He noted that, building on the profound heritage of SJTU’s foreign language education, and with the strong support of society and the deep care of alumni, SFL has achieved remarkable progress in all undertakings, making pivotal contributions to the university’s "Double First-Class" initiative. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the SFL, guided by the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important reply letter, will achieve new breakthroughs in deepening the integration of industry, academia, and research, and scale new heights in serving the nation, society, and the university’s development.

The forum was chaired by Professor Zhu Yifan, Secretary of the SFL Party Committee.

In his speech, Professor Zheng Shutang reviewed the founding history and original aspirations of SFL, offering heartfelt encouragement to all faculty and students. He emphasized that foreign language education must uphold the fundamental task of fostering virtue and nurturing talent, inherit the spirit of rigorous scholarship, maintain integrity while pursuing innovation amid changing times, and cultivate foreign language professionals with both professional competence and a strong sense of mission for the nation.

Dean Shang Biwu presented a comprehensive overview of the SFL’s achievements and future plans, outlining strategic layouts in disciplinary development, research empowerment, teaching and education, and serving the nation. The SFL will seize development opportunities, actively explore emerging fields, and strive to build a world-class School of Foreign Languages with SJTU’s paradigm, Chinese characteristics, and global excellence.

Professor Peng Qinglong, Director of the Academy for International and Regional Studies, reported on its progress. Aligning with major national strategic needs, the academy has established the Research Center for Sustainable Development of the Global South and will continue to deepen interdisciplinary research and high-end think tank development.

Professor Ding Hongwei shared innovative achievements in language and health research, showcasing cutting-edge explorations and practical breakthroughs in this interdisciplinary field.

From frontier research to youthful voices, SFL has consistently adhered to fostering virtue and nurturing talent, serving national needs through teaching and research, and conveying China’s voice with the language of youth. During the forum, students displayed their vitality and talent through multilingual recitations.

At the event, student representatives expressed sincere gratitude to Ms. Yang Yongman and Mr. Zheng Tianhui for their long-term support for SFL’s development and presented them with commemorative gifts.

The forum concluded successfully with a multilingual rendition of the SJTU University Anthem performed jointly by SFL faculty and students.