On May 4, 2019, the ceremony of awarding 2018 Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad & Commemorating 100th Anniversary of May Fourth Movement was held at the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Houston. Consul General Li Qiangmin delivered a speech at the ceremony and awarded the winners, and Deputy Consul General Wang Yu and Counselor Long Jie were present. More than 70 guests attended the ceremony, including awardees and their family members, as well as professors and the representatives from student associations and the media.

Consul General Li Qiangmin expressed his congratulations to the awardees and their families. He reviewed the history of Chinese students in US and introduced the development and current situation of Sino-U.S. relations. He said that Chinese government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad is one of the important measures taken in the new period, aiming to encourage the self-financed students to study hard and serve the country or return to China with outstanding achievements, which has fully manifested the care and support given by the government to the self-financed overseas students. Li pointed out, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China, and also marks the 100th Anniversary of May Fourth Movement, today is China's Youth Day. He said, on this special day, it is of special significance to cherish the memory of May Fourth Movement and to embrace and foster the spirit of the Movement. Young people are the future of the world and the Sino-U.S. relations. Li also put forward some expectations for the awardees that they love both the nation and the human people, continue to work hard to make better academic achievement, play the role as envoys between China and the United States, and make new contributions to World peace and prosperity.

The atmosphere was warm and the guests responded positively to consul general Li's speech. Dr. Wei Chengli spoke on behalf of the awardees. He expressed deep thanks for the care and attention from Chinese government and the wonderful organization work of the Chinese Consulate General, and shared his study experience in US. He regarded the award as recognition of his work and also the motivation and responsibility to serve the country and society in return. Professor Wang Fen spoke on behalf of the review exports of the Award. He introduced the evaluation process with the principle of openness, fairness and justice. He spoke highly of the excellent performance of the applicants, congratulated the winners and expressed his willingness to make new contributions to Sino-U.S. educational exchanges and cooperation. Dr. Li Boda, former President of the Rice Chinese Students and Scholars Association made a speech, compared the difference between studying in China and the United States, suggested to promote patriotism education, reiterated that he would aim high and down to earth, and work hard for the development of his motherland and the friendship between China and the United States. Professor Liang Han shared his feeling on the May Fourth Youth day that the spirit of the May Fourth Movement would be passed on from generation to generation. And he encouraged the young people not to forget their original aspirations, to forge ahead with perseverance, to be a responsible generation, play the role as envoys between China and the United States and make contributions to social development and human well-being.

At last, consul general Li qiangmin awarded the prizes to the awardees and took a group photo with the participants.

Reference: In 2018, Totally 500 students were awarded the Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad. Among them 24 were from southern U.S., which fully reflects the fruitful achievements of Chinese students and the high educational and research level.