Beijing, 15 September 2025 – Dr. WANG Qiming, Secretary of the CPC Open University of China (OUC) Committee and OUC President, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring “First Lesson of the Semester: Running a Brilliant Life on the Journey to National Rejuvenation.” via livestream to all teachers and students across the university’s education system. The “First Lesson of the Semester” was simultaneously livestreamed on platforms including People’s Daily Online and China Media Group Mobile. As of the time of publication, the number of on-demand views has exceeded 2 million.
Just before the start of the new semester, the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was commemorated. President WANG opened his lecture by invoking the spirit of this great resistance, encouraging students to take General Secretary XI Jinping’s solemn declaration that “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is an unstoppable force” as their spiritual guide. He urged them to connect their personal growth with the development of a strong nation and national rejuvenation, and to enhance themselves through lifelong learning in order to forge a brilliant life.
President WANG described the Open University as a “home for pursuing ideals and lifelong learning.” He reviewed the university’s history and achievements, and clarified its new mission in accelerating the development of a ubiquitous and accessible lifelong education system. He stated that over the next five years, OUC will fully implement the “1234 Strategy” to provide students with higher quality and more diverse lifelong education services. He expressed his hope that students will walk side by side with the university to build their dreams together.
He emphasised that the Open University is a “home for self-development and capacity building.” The university empowers lifelong education through digitalisation to serve the development of a learning society. It boasts a lifelong education network supported by “four platforms and one underpinning system,” a wide range of disciplines, a 24/7 course marketplace, flexible and diverse assessment methods, a highly qualified teaching staff, and customised learning support services. At the same time, digital intelligence continues to inject new vitality into open education. He encouraged students to make up for their shortcomings, strengthen their skills, and enhance their overall competitiveness.
President WANG pointed out that the Open University is a “home for growth, talent development, and the pursuit of excellence.” He shared several stories of OUC students who have strived for self-improvement, illustrating how individuals from different starting points and with varying career goals can open new chapters in their lives through learning.
He noted that we are living in a new era full of opportunities, and that the times never fail those who remain steadfast in their efforts. He offered the following message to students: “Pursue your ideals with virtue as the foundation; hone your skills with competence as the priority; and fulfil your mission with action as the key.” He encouraged them to build character through virtue, reach far through learning, strive with courage and perseverance, dare to break through, and pursue their dreams.
The university’s education system actively organised viewings of the “First Lesson of the Semester.” Both teachers and students expressed that they were deeply inspired. The lecture not only deepened their understanding of lifelong learning but also motivated them to work together to write a patriotic chapter worthy of the OUC community on the journey to national rejuvenation.
By Academic Affairs Department