On June 12th, the 2022-2023 "Friends of Tsinghua – Veolia Scholarship" Award Ceremony took place in Meeting Room 209 of the School of Environment (SOE), Tsinghua University. More than 30 people attended the event, including Huang Xiaojun, General Representative of Veolia China, Jiang Yinghua, Vice President of Veolia Government Affairs and Public Relations for China, Liu Yao, Senior Manager of Veolia Government Affairs and Public Relations, Liu Shuming, SOE Dean, Xi Jinying, Vice Chairman of SOE School Council, and the scholarship recipients. Xi Jinying chaired the ceremony.

Speech by Liu Shuming

In his speech, Liu Shuming first congratulated the scholarship-winning students. He said that the scholarship is not just a material reward and support, but also a responsibility and commitment. He encouraged the students to further their involvement in grassroots work and scientific research, and to enhance their professional skills in practice. He emphasized the importance of the spirit of innovation and leadership, and urged students to improve professional competence and ability through study and research, and be someone capable of and willing to contribute to the national cause. On behalf of SOE, he sincerely thanked Veolia for its support of SOE's educational endeavors and expressed hope for further collaboration between both parties.

Speech by Huang Xiaojun

Huang Xiaojun, on behalf of Veolia, congratulated the scholarship-winning students. He provided an overview of Veolia's recent developments and acknowledged the successful collaboration between the two parties over the years. He said, "Top-tier schools and top-tier enterprises are both key players in innovation," and expressed his pleasure in contributing to environmental education. He emphasized that on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the collaboration, Veolia will further strengthen its cooperation with SOE, contributing to addressing climate change and building a beautiful China.

Awarding the scholarship-winning students

Xi Jinying announced the list of students who received the Friends of Tsinghua –Veolia Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year and extended congratulations to the awardees. Altogether, four students received the comprehensive excellence award, and twenty-nine students received individual excellence awards for their outstanding work in areas such as sports, arts, volunteer work, social work, and technological innovation.

Speeches by Chen Longtao (left) and Yang Yihan (right)

Chen Longtao, an undergraduate student of the 2022 cohort, and Yang Yihan, a doctoral student of the 2019 cohort, delivered speeches as representatives of the scholarship-winning students. They shared their academic and research experiences from the past year, and expressed their gratitude to Veolia. Chen Longtao said that he will carry his gratitude forward by contributing to building a beautiful China, achieving sustainable development goals, and advancing global environmental governance. Yang Yihan expressed her commitment to strengthen theoretical and practical learning. She aims to put the ideal that "green waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" into practice and bear the school motto "love our environment and enhance our careers" in mind and steadfastly dedicating herself to environmental endeavors.

The "Friends of Tsinghua - Veolia Scholarship" was established in 2008 with funding from Veolia. It aims to encourage and support students from SOE to strive for excellence and innovation. Over the years, hundreds of outstanding students have been awarded this scholarship.

Group photo