The School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SEM) held the opening ceremony and orientation for the Class of 2028 undergraduate students on the afternoon of August 15, 2024. The event was attended by BAI Chong-En, dean of the school; HE Ping, deputy dean; LIU Qing, deputy secretary of the SEM's Party Committee; ZHANG Chen, assistant dean; MA Hong, undergraduate program coordinator; WANG Chun, deputy head of the Department of Management Science and Engineering; and undergraduate class directors ZHAO Dongqing, CHEN Rong, and MAO Xiaojie. Additionally, faculty responsible for teaching and student affairs, along with more than 200 undergraduate students, were present. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Dean HE Ping.

In his opening address, Dean BAI Chong-En explored the question, "How should our educational philosophy be reflected in the era of artificial intelligence (AI)?" He discussed the opportunities and challenges that digital technologies, particularly AI, present for education from three perspectives: the shaping of values, the cultivating of skills and the imparting of knowledge. BAI expressed his hope that in today's rapidly changing world, students would deeply understand the distinctions between humans and machines, cultivate sound values, and develop unique strengths and capabilities. He encouraged students to think independently throughout their undergraduate years, engage in meaningful exchanges and discussions, and ultimately form well-considered conclusions.

BAI emphasized that AI has become a defining characteristic of our era, profoundly affecting various aspects of society. In this context, the shaping of values is increasingly important. He explained the operating principles of large AI models and highlighted the significance of the data used to train these models, noting it often reflects the values of its sources. BAI encouraged students to understand the basic principles of AI, and grasp how AI tools such as large models function and understand how far they can go. As they deepen their learning, they will gain greater clarity on their own values. He stressed that students should be able to make independent value judgments and be better equipped to influence society, guiding it toward choices that align with broader societal values.

BAI Chong-En delivers his speech.

Dean BAI Chong-En emphasized the importance of developing key abilities in the AI era, setting forth four requirements for incoming students: first, to improve their willingness and ability to learn; second, to enhance their innovation and critical thinking skills; third, to boost their interpersonal and teamwork skills; and fourth, to increase their self-awareness and adaptability. He encouraged students to cultivate continuous learning habits, innovative thinking, emotional intelligence, strong interpersonal skills, and the adaptability to navigate an ever-changing environment and its challenges. BAI revisited his "frog in the well" analogy from previous speeches, urging students to be aware of their limitations, engage with others, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, understand their social position, leverage their advantages, and realize their value.

Following his remarks, Dean BAI Chong-En presented the freshman undergraduate representatives of the Class of 2028 with the book ZHU Rongji On the Record on behalf of the school.

Dean BAI Chong-En presents copies of ZHU Rongji On the Record to freshmen students.

Professor MA Hong, an economics faculty member, addressed the students on behalf of the faculty. Speaking from an economic perspective, he urged students to become not only useful but also valuable individuals during their university years. MA explained the relationship and differences between instrumental rationality and value rationality through an economics lens, advising students to choose courses that encourage critical thinking, spark creativity, and prepare them for long-term goals. He emphasized the importance of identifying and staying true to one's values, noting that when values conflict with instrumental rationality, students should have the courage to stand by their principles.

Faculty representative MA Hong speaks at the ceremony.

CHEN Zijia, president of the Tsinghua SEM Student Union, represented the senior students at the ceremony. Reflecting on his three years at the university, he encouraged the new students to step outside their comfort zones, carve out their own paths, pursue courses that genuinely interest them, engage in extracurricular activities or social work, and learn from a diverse range of people. He emphasized the importance of self-discovery through exploration rather than conforming to being another "excellent follower" in the crowd. CHEN described Tsinghua as a vast new landscape for exploration and urged his peers to maintain a sense of curiosity, understand themselves better, and persevere in their journey.

Senior representative CHEN Zijia speak at the ceremony.

Representing the incoming class, LIU Junfeng (Class of 2028) spoke at the ceremony, vividly recounting his first encounter with Tsinghua during a summer camp that sparked his dream of attending the university. He described the camp as an enriching and passionate experience, where he felt the collective strength and spirit of relentless self-improvement that defines Tsinghua. Reflecting on his choice of major, LIU expressed a deeper understanding of the responsibilities it carries in serving the country and society. He said that as a future SEM alumnus, he must not only acquire a strong theoretical foundation and sharp market insights but also embrace a sense of mission and responsibility.

Freshman representative LIU Junfeng speak at the ceremony.

The orientation session began after the speeches. Deputy Dean HE Ping introduced the school's undergraduate education philosophy and curriculum. Drawing on Steve Jobs' advice to "connect the dots" and "follow your heart and intuition," and quoting from ZHU Guangqian's "Twelve Letters to the Youth," HE encouraged students to do good deeds without worrying about future outcomes, explore their innermost desires, and have the courage to pursue their true passions. HE emphasized that Tsinghua SEM offers as a rich curriculum and supportive academic environment, where students can nurture their curiosity, develop critical thinking, and engage in independent thought. Quoting Albert Einstein, HE urged students to cultivate well-rounded personalities and become harmoniously developed individuals. HE wished them a fulfilling and meaningful university experience as they explore their paths in life.

HE Ping introduces the undergraduate cultivation philosophy and program.

Assistant Dean ZHANG Chen provided an overview of the school's general education program and its core principles. ZHANG emphasized the essence of general education is teaching students how and why to learn, with the goal of fostering mature and well-rounded individuals. The school's programs are built around five core competency modules: Understanding Civilization; Exploring Society; Debating and Leading; Scientific Thinking; and Aesthetics and Creativity. Each module has specific learning objectives aimed at holistic development. ZHANG Chen encouraged students to embrace the goal of personal growth, take on challenging general education courses, engage deeply in learning, and tackle challenges with independence and determination.

ZHANG Chen introduces Tsinghua SEM's general education.

LIU Qing, deputy secretary of the SEM Party Committee, outlined the expectations for freshmen during their orientation. He noted four key areas: complying with laws and regulations, adhering to the student code of conduct, excelling academically, and maintaining discipline. LIU shared examples to highlight the consequences of breaking university rules, stressing the importance of academic integrity, daily safety, and vigilance against telecommunications fraud. He urged the students to uphold high ethical standards and enjoy a positive university experience.

LIU Qing delivers his undergraduate orientation.

The orientation concluded with additional instructions. KONG Yichun, head of the Party Committee Student Working Group, SUN Wei, director of the International Office, and GU Yingjie, director of the Career Development Center, each spoke about the school's student affairs and activities, opportunities for international exchange, and career guidance services.

Tsinghua SEM's opening ceremony and orientation for the Class of 2028