Source: International, People’s Daily Online, 2013-07-08
Written by: Ma Xiaolong
Translated by: Chen Zhiyong
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

Sydney, July 8 (People’s Daily Online) – To celebrate the 90th anniversary of its foundation, Sun Yat-sen University held a concert of Chen Xiaoqi’s musical pieces at the University of New South Wales on July 6. Chen Xiaoqi is a SYSU alumnus and this is part of a series of overseas alumni events. The concert attracted an audience of a thousand, most of whom were SYSU alumni in Australia, and many were in their eighties and even nineties.

In his opening speech, Li Huaxin, Consul General of Chinese Consulate General in Sydney, said that from its foundation by Dr. Sun Yat-sen in 1924, SYSU has cultivated a multitude of talents and has had great scholars and professors like Lu Xun, Guo Moruo, Feng Youlan and Zhao Yuanren. Since the reform and opening up, SYSU has gained glorious achievements in the course of building a world-class university.

Sun Yat-sen University celebrated its 90th anniversary by holding a concert, bringing together SYSU alumni in Australia, the Chinese community and friends. He encouraged overseas SYSU alumni, saying, “Stay attached to your alma mater and country, take care of your family, carry on your study and research, support the development of China-Australia relations and contribute to the Chinese Dream of prosperity, rejuvenation and happiness.”

The concert was a great success. SYSU students, alumni and students of Chen Xiaoqi offered a feast of music and dance. Famous songs written by Chen Xiaoqi including “Don’t Wanna Tell”, "How Are You, Elder Brother?” and “Daughter’s Wine”, aroused fond memories. When Chen Xiaoqi and other actors sang “Same Old Waves” together, the atmosphere reached a climax.

Apart from the concert itself, Li Ping, Vice President of Sun Yat-sen University, together with Fang Shizhuang, President of SYSU Alumni Association in Australia, presided over the opening ceremony of Sun Yat-sen University Overseas Study Tour Base in Australia.

When he was interviewed by People’s Daily Online after the concert, Chen Xiaoqi said this event meant a lot to him, because he was moved by the strong bonds among SYSU alumni. He said that this show might not be the largest one but the audience was the most learned. As a graduate of the Department of Chinese at SYSU, he reminded himself constantly that he must live up to the expectations of SYSU. Chen Xiaoqi said, “Many say ‘Youth is great’. I hope these songs may remind them of the old days in the Alma Mater so that they can say proudly ‘The Alma Mater is great.’”