Cao Qiyong Donates to Establish PKU Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center

Peking University, Dec. 7, 2010: On the afternoon of Dec. 5 at the donation ceremony held in Yingjie Overseas Exchange Centre, Cao Qiyong, Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Novel Co. Ltd, donated 20 million RMB to establish PKU Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center.

The Donation Ceremony

Prof. Min Weifang, Secretary of CPC Peking University Committee, gave a speech at the donation ceremony. He spoke highly of Mr. Cao Qiyong's patriotism and deep sense of social responsibility and extended his heartfelt thanks to Mr. Cao for his generous donation. PKU has produced a great many key figures in Sino-Japanese exchanges, and has unique advantage in Japan Studies and the cooperation and joint degree programs between Chinese and Japanese institutions of higher education. Prof. Min encouraged both Chinese and Japanese students at PKU to bear in mind the expectations of exchanges and cooperation among the youth by leaders of two countries as well as the support of Mr. Cao, and to become talents in diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges, to make due contributions to promoting cooperation between Japan and China.

Mr. Cao Qiyong, Prof. Min Weifang and Assistant President Deng Ya signed the donation agreement on behalf of Novel Co. Ltd, PKU and PKU Education foundation respectively. Prof. Min Weifang, on behalf of PKU, awarded a certificate to Mr. Cao for his outstanding contribution to education.

Cao Qiyong at his speech

Mr. Cao Qiyong delivered a speech at the donation ceremony. By reviewing his studying experience in Japan, he explained his understanding of Chinese and Japanese cultures and expressed his hope for Sino-Japanese youth exchange. In his view, the friendly relationship between Japan and China has a bearing on not only the stability and prosperity in the Asian-Pacific region but also the peace and development of the whole world. He sincerely hoped that the Chinese and Japanese students at PKU would deepen mutual trust and friendship to make contributions to the long-term peace and friendship between the two countries.

Group Picture

Li Huxing from PKU Japanese Department and Tokai Rina from PKU School of Economics, on behalf of Chinese and Japanese students respectively, shared their exchange experience between the two countries. Guests were impressed by the student associations they joined like Sino-Japanese Communication Association and Association for Overseas Japanese Students along with the activities they participated like Peking University and University of Tokyo JING Forum, PKU International Cultural Festival and Model UN Conference.

Mr. Cao Qiyong comes from Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. In his early years, he studied in Japan and got Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in University of Tokyo. Under the guidance of his father Cao Guangbiao, he played a key role in Novel Co. Ltd as the general manager of HK Dragon Airlines Ltd and Vice Chairman of Novel Co. Ltd and made great success in the business community. Cao's Family has given enormous support to the reform and opening up and used to be a pioneer in the entry of foreign capital into China at the early stage. Mr. Cao has been always supporting education and helping the youth. Growing up in China and studying in Japan, Mr. Cao has a special fondness for Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges and pays close attention to the development of Sino-Japanese relations.

The PKU Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center, donated by Mr. Cao Qiyong, is located in the 6th building of Zhongguanyuan Global Village. It will provide a platform for life and study among Chinese and Japanese students, and become an important place for exchanges among Sino-Japanese youth at PKU.

Translated by: Zhang Hao
Edited by: Chen Miaojuan
Source: PKU News(Chinese)