The “Chasing Dreams in China • Advanced Seminar of Overseas Chinese Media of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese” was held at Xiamen University from July 30th to August 3rd. The seminar was hosted by All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC), jointly organized by the Department of Information of ACFROC and Xiamen University, and co-organized by Fujian Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Xiamen Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the Overseas Education College (OEC) of Xiamen University. More than 40 Chinese media practitioners from 23 countries and regions around the world participated in the seminar.
Professor Tao Tao, Dean of the Overseas Education College/International College, presided over the opening ceremony on the morning of July 30. Han Jiahuai, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice President of Xiamen University, delivered a speech on behalf of XMU. Following that, Zuo Zhiqiang, Director of the Department of Information and Communications of ACFROC gave a pep talk.
During the seminar, Zuo Zhiqiang, Director of the Department of Information and Communications of ACFROC, Professor Yu Qingchu, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, Associate Professor Cao Lixin from the School of Journalism and Communication, Associate Professor Guo Jianhua from OEC, and Professor Li Minghuan from the School of Public Affairs gave lectures on topics such as information communications of Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese in a new era, new media development and integration in a global perspective, news gathering and editing, development of overseas Chinese language education, the “Belt and Road” spirit and the narrative of China’s stories by overseas Chinese media.
In order to acquire hands-on instruction and conduct field survey, from the afternoon of August 1st to the morning of August 3rd, the participants of the seminar went on to visit Xiamen Satellite TV, the Finance & Media Center, the Cross-border E-commerce Industrial Park, the Overseas Chinese Subtropical Plant Introduction Garden, Yundang Academy, Jimei Ao Garden, and Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall, etc.
At the closing ceremony of the seminar on the afternoon of August 3, Qiu Weijie, Vice President of Xiamen University delivered a concluding speech. He pointed out that Xiamen University, founded by patriotic overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee, has been closely associated with overseas Chinese all the time based on its unique developing history and geographical advantage of being located in the hometown of overseas Chinese. The holding of this seminar provided valuable experience for Xiamen University to further exploit its advantage of being a university closely associated with overseas Chinese, promote the study about overseas Chinese, and engaged well in overseas Chinese affairs. Qiu expressed his expectations to the participants. Firstly, keep abreast of the times and be an innovator in media integration and a witness of the new era. Secondly, safeguard the unity and prosperity of China resolutely. Thirdly, strengthen cultural self-confidence and promote mutual exchanges between Chinese and foreign civilizations.
Qi Quansheng, Vice Chairman of ACFROC, delivered a speech on behalf of ACFROC. He appreciated Xiamen University for the meticulous preparation of the seminar and fully affirmed the success of the seminar and the learning outcomes. Furthermore, He put forward six expectations to all participants. One is to serve as bridges and ties in promoting Sino-foreign cooperation and exchanges. The second is to tell China’s stories well and spread China’s voice. The third is to promote China’s excellent culture. The fourth is to uphold national justice. The fifth is to serve overseas Chinese, promote the development of overseas Chinese communities, actively reflect the mainstream voice of overseas Chinese, protect the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese, and present a good image as a Chinese. The last is to promote the integration and development of media, improve comprehensive communication capabilities, strengthen collaboration with Chinese and foreign media, and boost competitiveness and influence.
Xu Bingyi, President of Malaysia’s “Home and Abroad” Magazine, Wu Zhi’ou, President of Xinlong Media Group in the United States, Wang Lili, Chairman of Chinese Pioneer Media Group in New Zealand, and Wang Junlin, Chairman of Xinhua International in South Korea, talked about their learning experiences as participant representatives. They all noted that they have benefited tremendously through group learning in those days. Not only did they have a deeper understanding of the lecture topics, but they also felt the great responsibility of overseas Chinese media. They all stated that they will develop cohesion force, tell China’s stories better, promote Sino-foreign cooperation and exchanges, and unite Chinese from home and abroad to make contributions to the prosperity and unification of the Chinese nation.
Guo Qihua, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Communications of ACFROC, Pan Shaoluan, Secretary and Chairman of CPC committee of Xiamen Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Wu Wuhuang, Member of CPC committee and Secretary-General of Fujian Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Long Jianyi, Deputy Director of the United Front Work Department of CPC XMU Committee, and Professor Tao, Dean of the Overseas Education College attended the closing ceremony and presented the Certificate of Study to every participant.
All participants in the seminar are determined to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, exert overseas Chinese media’s role as bridges, and strive to promote exchanges between China and foreign countries. Moreover, they will act as communicators of Chinese culture in the new era and contribute their wisdom and efforts to the implementation of the “Belt and Road” Initiative and the realization of the Chinese dream of the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation as well as building a community of shared future for mankind.
