September 20, a series of events for overseas returnees in Guangdong to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the theme “Gathering Wisdom of Overseas Returnees, Serving the Nation, and Contributing to High-Quality Development” kicked off at Zhengjia Plaza in Guangzhou. The initiative aims to implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and General Secretary Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter marking the 110th anniversary of the Western Returned Scholars Association. Key figures in attendance included officials from the United Front Work Department of the Provincial Party Committee, Gao Song—President of the Guangdong Western Returned Scholars Association, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and President of Sun Yat-sen University.
Guided by the United Front Work Department of the Provincial Party Committee and sponsored by the Guangdong Western Returned Scholars Association, the event received strong support from the Youth Branch of the Guangdong Western Returned Scholars Association, the Guangzhou Young Entrepreneurs Association, and various prefectural-level city branches of the Scholars Association, as well as representative enterprises founded by overseas returnees.
During the event, officials from the United Front Work Department emphasized that overseas returnees should strengthen their political, ideological, and practical alignment with the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, led by Xi Jinping. They urged returnees to contribute actively to the nation’s comprehensive reforms, focusing on the priorities outlined at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 13th Provincial Party Committee. Officials called for returnees to leverage their expertise and take on responsibilities, contributing to a new chapter of serving the country from Guangdong. The Guangdong Western Returned Scholars Association was also encouraged to create an influential brand for overseas returnees and highlight the region’s high-quality developmental achievements, such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative and ecological projects like the “Hundreds, Thousands, and Ten Thousands Project” and green development in Guangdong.
The day’s activities featured two main components: a themed dialogue and a themed performance, drawing over 400 overseas returnees. Industry leaders and experts, especially high-level talents among the returnees, engaged in discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, the low-altitude economy, rural revitalization, and sustainable development. These dialogues provided personal insights on the intersection of market economy, technological innovation, green development, and social culture, underscoring the significance of studying abroad to serve the country. The conversations resonated strongly with the audience.
The themed performance segment showcased the stage play Return of Stars to the Sea: Ode to Patriotism organized by the Guangdong Western Returned Scholars Association, along with song and dance performances selected by various city-level associations. The performances celebrated the patriotism of pioneer students who studied abroad and dedicated themselves to the nation and family, while also reflecting the energetic and industrious spirit of Guangdong’s returnees in the new era.
Many returnees expressed their commitment to carrying forward the tradition of studying abroad and serving the country. They pledged to actively engage in innovation, entrepreneurship, and development, contributing their wisdom and efforts toward helping Guangdong lead in China’s journey to modernization.
