【130th Anniversary】Chai Liyuan: A Century of Perseverance and a Mission for National Strength

At Tianjin University’s 130th Anniversary High-Quality Development Summit, President Chai Liyuan delivered a keynote speech that reviewed the university’s 130-year journey and reaffirmed its mission to serve national rejuvenation through education and innovation. He recalled how the university, originating as Peiyang University, was founded amid a national crisis to “revive the country through education.” Over the decades, it has remained aligned with the nation’s destiny, from the early pursuit of modernization to periods of reconstruction, to reform and global engagement.

Chai emphasized that the university’s unwavering belief in “educating for the nation’s strength” has shaped its distinctive character and enduring vitality. Generations of Tianjin University faculty and students have embodied the spirit of “Seeking truth from facts,” advancing science, industry, and innovation while cultivating talent that has served China’s development. From producing the nation’s first soda plant and aircraft engine to driving new energy and digital technologies, Tianjin University has stood at the forefront of China’s modernization.

Looking to the future, Chai urged the university to continue leading in talent cultivation and research innovation, integrating science and education to address global and national challenges. He called for fostering creativity, practical ability, and moral integrity among students, advancing the transformation from knowledge-based education to capability-oriented education.

Chai concluded that as Tianjin University embarks on its next century, it must uphold its founding mission, carry forward its patriotic spirit, and contribute to building a world-class university that serves China’s modernization and the progress of humanity.

By: Qin Mian