At the inauguration ceremony for the Hetao Institute of Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Studies (Shenzhen), a group of youthful faces stood out prominently—over fifty secondary school students from the Shing Tong Youth Programme at Shenzhen Middle School. As specially invited guests, they gathered to witness this significant milestone in advancing fundamental academic disciplines.
One of the founding purposes of the Hetao Institute of Mathematics is to identify and systematically nurture outstanding students with potential in fundamental disciplines. This event not only marks the official inauguration of the Institute's physical premises but also symbolises the comprehensive launch of a new platform for cultivating talent in foundational academic fields. During the ceremony, Shenzhen Middle School students, driven by their passion for mathematics and boundless aspirations for future learning, attentively received the on-site guidance and earnest exhortations from the internationally renowned mathematician, Academician Shing-Tung Yau. They also witnessed the establishment of the "Foundational Disciplines Alliance," jointly initiated by multiple academicians and experts.
During the interactive session, several eminent scientists including Academician Shing-Tung Yau and Academician David Lu engaged in in-depth face-to-face discussions with the students. They patiently addressed the pupils' queries, shared insights from their research careers and personal reflections, and encouraged the younger generation to boldly explore scientific frontiers while maintaining a lifelong curiosity and pursuit of knowledge. The warm encouragement from the academicians provided a powerful source of inspiration for these students, who are currently in the prime of their intellectual development.
This event not only afforded outstanding young talents a rare opportunity for direct dialogue with scientific luminaries but also demonstrated the Hetao School of Mathematics' resolute commitment and forward-looking strategy in cultivating talent for fundamental disciplines. The participation of these young scholars vividly embodies the educational ethos of "early identification and focused nurturing" championed by Academician Shing-Tung Yau, sowing seeds of hope for the future of China's fundamental sciences.