On the afternoon of Oct. 30th, the 2018 ceremony of the Zhejiang government West lake friendship award was held in the Great Hall of the People in Zhejiang. Prof. Philip Krein, Executive Dean of ZJUI, attended the ceremony on behalf of the awarded experts.
Yuan Jiajun, Governor of Zhejiang province, welcomed all the experts before the ceremony and delivered a speech that expressed warm congratulations to all the awarded experts while appreciating their long-term contributions to Zhejiang's economic and social development. In his speech, he pointed out that currently Zhejiang province, guided under the"88 Strategy", is thoroughly implementing Xi Jinping' s thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to develop Zhejiang by reforming, innovating, opening up and introducing talents while sparing no effort to promote the construction of "Two High Levels". Governor Yuan pointed out that actively introducing foreign talents is an essential part of China' s policy of Reform and Opening Up. At present, Zhejiang is working to become an optimal ecological province of talents and trying to build a livable and appropriate business environment for the talents. He wished that the experts could continue contributing to the development of Zhejiang.
On the awarding ceremony, Vice Governor Wang Wenxu awarded certificates and medals to Prof. Krein, after which Prof. Krein delivered a keynote speech on behalf of the awarded experts. In the speech, he first expressed his gratitude to the Zhejiang government for this honor and then talked about his feelings based on his working experience. Prof. Krein indicated that by building the bridge between Zhejiang university and UIUC, the achievements of the two universities regarding education has been gradually revealed. Since the establishment of ZJU-UIUC Institute, it has trained for Zhejiang province a batch of outstanding undergraduates, who provide technological support for regional development. According to Prof. Krein, the institute would further boost Zhejiang' s innovation and entrepreneurship development strategy, providing technical and personnel support for the modernization of Zhejiang province.
West Lake Friendship Award is the highest award established by Zhejiang government in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by foreign experts in terms of the economic and social developments and personnel training of Zhejiang Province. It has been established since 1997 and the awarding ceremony is held every two year. 50 experts were awarded this year.
Translator: Chenhuan Jiang
