From August 19 to 21, the Guangdong Provincial Finals of the China International College Students' Innovation Competition 2024 took place at Lingnan Normal University. Following intense competition, the Shenzhen University (SZU) team proudly secured14 gold medals and 9 silver medals! This impressive achievement placed SZUsecond in the province for gold medals, boasting an outstanding gold medal rate of61%. Notably, the undergraduate group in higher education achieved a perfect100%gold medal rate, whilethe undergraduate team in the Youth Red Dream Journey tied for first place in the province for gold medals. Among the standout projects, theRNA Biopesticides for Rice Disease Treatment—Safeguarding Food Security project earned third place in the championship round, highlighting SZU students' innovative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset. Moreover, SZU was honored with theInstitutional Group Awardby the Provincial Department of Education.
Since the start of competition registration, various departments and colleges at SZU have shown enthusiastic support for project submissions. Thanks to the collective effort of the university community, over 20,000 participants submitted a remarkable 6,348 projects, with every college represented. Throughout the competition preparation, SZU upheld rigorous standards and ensured high-quality execution at every stage. The University provided one-on-one mentoring and conducted comprehensive hands-on training that mirrored the entire competition process, aligning with the standards of the national finals to ensure the best possible outcomes for the projects. SZU aims to leverage this event to boost learning, teaching, and innovation, integrating professional education with entrepreneurship and innovation education while driving reforms in its innovation and entrepreneurship programs.
Congratulations to all the winning teams! We look forward to SZU's continued dedication and active preparation for the upcoming stages of the competition. We wish them the best of luck in the national finals!
Outstanding Project Showcase
Project Title: RNA Biopesticides for Rice Disease Treatment—Safeguarding Food Security
Conducted by: College of Life Sciences and Oceanography
Team Members: Chen Yutong, Li Duoqi, Chen Yan'an, Xiao Yao, Huang Duanduan, Zhang Zhenzi, Chen Minwei, Huang Jiayi, Yang Yang, Chen Ruoyu, Mai Jiantao, Bai Yongsheng, Wang Fei, Wang Mingliang, and Chen Chuming
Advisors: Mo Beixin, Chen Weizhao, Huang Kaishan, and Wang Jinxu
Project Overview:
This project introduces an innovative approach to combat rice diseases using cutting-edge RNA interference technology. The team's RNA biopesticide leverages gene silencing techniques to precisely target harmful pathogens. By applying just a minimal amount of RNA molecules, this biopesticide can effectively suppress or eliminate these threats. Compared to conventional pesticides, this cutting-edge technology is more efficient and environmentally friendly, and requires lower pesticide doses, earning it the reputation as the "third revolution in pesticide history."
The team has successfully implemented RNA biopesticide technology in regions such as Huizhou and Shanwei, offering a scientific solution to local rice disease and pest control challenges. Their efforts have significantly boosted both rice yield and quality in these areas.
Looking to the future, the team remains dedicated to solving issues such as declining rice yields, reduced quality, and pesticide residues. With a strong emphasis on technological innovation, they aim to protect food security and ensure that China remains self-sufficient in its food supply.
Project Title: The Most Beautiful Harmony—A Pioneer in Sharing China's Stories with the World Through Music
Conducted by: College of International Exchange
Team Members: Shin Moonsub (South Korea), Zhang Zhiying, Zhou Linxuan, Chen Ziyi, Sun Yang, Chin Huang (Thailand), Hou Xiaoyu, Qiao Yunjie, Han Jiayao, Ding Ziyu, Lyu Tianyi, Cao Huimeng, Gao Shengkai, Sheikh Mohid Ahmed (Pakistan), and Pan Miaoyan
Advisors: Wang Jianlei, Chen Mo, Zhang Wenwen, and Huang Kaishan
Project Overview:
The Most Beautiful Harmony is the only international student choir project officially endorsed by China's Ministry of Education. Initiated by Dr. Shin Moonsub in 2016, this project has brought together over 300 international students from more than 50 countries. Using music as a bridge, the project promotes cultural exchange and showcases Chinese stories to the world. Original songs such as "Letter from Spring," "When the Ice Is Shining," "Road of Our Dreams," "Sails on the South China Sea," and "The Road to Peace" express a deep affection for China and embody the spirit of the era. The choir has participated in nearly 100 major performances both in China and abroad, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, the Study in China Forum held by the Ministry of Education, the China International Education Exhibition Tour, and the "Foreign Cultural Trade" Talents Selection Competition for the International Youth. Leading media outlets such as People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, China Media Group, and xuexi.cn have published more than 150 reports on the choir. Notably, the choir has been interviewed five times by People's Daily and its overseas editions, and several of their original music videos have been shared by United Nations representatives. These international students, who have a strong bond with China, are dedicated to singing about the country, sharing their experiences, and expressing their feelings. Through their music, they tell China's stories, promote peace and friendship, and strive to lead in global cultural exchange.
