As we ring in 2024, we find ourselves navigating a world that remains shrouded in global uncertainty despite the receding pandemic. In these challenging times, Westlake University, now five years old, reaffirms its global vision with renewed vigor.

Over the past five years, our journey has been one of extraordinary growth and challenges. From a nascent institution, we have developed into a beacon of innovative scientific discovery and higher education reform. Our unwavering dedication to education and research empowers us to address the pressing challenges of the 21st century. This steadfast commitment is a testament to our resilience and readiness to fulfill our global responsibility.

Reflecting on the year 2023, we have much to celebrate. During the past year, 90 exceptional domestic undergraduates and its first cohort of international undergraduates, along with 380 motivated doctoral students, chose to embark on their journey of higher education and research exploration on the beautiful Westlake campus. These students were joined by 46 outstanding new faculty members from around the world. Westlake welcomed all, signaling our global commitment.

Last summer, we were thrilled to host 41 international students in our inaugural Westlake Pre-college Program. This initiative broadens our educational reach and strengthens our commitment to nurturing the next generation of global leaders. Also and furthering deepening our international collaboration, we have established partnerships with over 40 esteemed global institutions, underscoring our role as a hub of international academic exchange and cooperation.

2023 also witnessed the launch of our fourth and newest school: the School of Medicine. This major decision to expand our mission is a consensus among all members of the Westlake community following a thorough discussion. Our exciting new mission to train world-class physician-scientists and pioneer medical breakthroughs is greatly facilitated by our full-fledged affiliation with Hangzhou People's First Hospital, one of the oldest, premier hospitals in Zhejiang Province.

Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is steadfast. As recognized at the 2023 World University Presidents Forum and on numerous other occasions, the strength of Westlake lies in its ability to bring together diverse voices and minds from all corners of the world. We have already nurtured an environment where every member feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.

As we look to the future, we are inspired by our recent academic achievements on both national and international stages. These include the 2023 Future Science Prize award to Professor Jijie Chai and the selection of four Westlake scholars as New Cornerstone Investigators, which underscore the caliber of our research innovation. With 215 independent laboratories conducting cutting-edge research, Westlake continues to push the envelope of human knowledge and explore the frontiers of transformative technology. Since 2020, we have made over 30 major scientific breakthroughs. At Westlake, we don't just dream of the future; we create it.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for being an invaluable member of the Westlake community. It is your dedication, creativity, passion, and perseverance that have made us better year after year.

Looking forward to the next five years, we are enthusiastic and determined. Westlake University is adamant to be of the society, by the society, and for the society. Magic will surely happen where like-minded enthusiasts strive towards a single, shared vision. Together, we embrace the future with confidence, and we are ready to give the world more pleasant surprises in the next leg of our voyage.

With warmest wishes for a prosperous new year!