On April 20, Fujian Normal University (FNU) hosted a themed event commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and the 30th World Book and Copyright Day at the Academic Auditorium of its Qishan Campus. The event was organized by FNU in collaboration with the Fujian Federation of Trade Unions. Over 450 participants attended, including distinguished guests such as Fang Yuexing, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Chairperson of the Fujian Federation of Trade Unions; Guo Lixin, Director of the Union of Education, Science, Culture, Health, and Sports (ESCHS); Lin Zhanxi, Chief Scientist of the China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology and Professor at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University; Lan Zhen, National Model Teacher and Party Committee Secretary of Zhangzhou Experimental Primary School; Zheng Jiajian, President of FNU; Chen Xiaohong, Deputy Party Secretary of FNU and Chairperson of the Trade Union; as well as representatives of model workers, master craftsmen, faculty, students, and trade union leaders from Fuzhou-based institutions.
Opening Speeches
In her speech, Chen Xiaohong emphasized the dual significance of the event: celebrating the centennial history of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and promoting the theme of the 30th World Book and Copyright Day—“Reading: A Bridge to the Future.” She highlighted FNU’s commitment to implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and President Xi’s directives on fostering a culture of nationwide reading. Chen also underscored the university’s dedication to advancing the "Scholarly Campus" initiative, cultivating a rich literary atmosphere, and inspiring faculty and staff to contribute to China’s national rejuvenation and the building of a strong nation.
President Zheng Jiajian, speaking both as a trade union member and a representative of FNU, congratulated the All-China Federation of Trade Unions on its centennial anniversary and welcomed attendees. He shared insights from President Xi Jinping’s speeches during the recent 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), along with reflections from his participation in the joint group meeting. In a dialogue with young readers, Zheng likened the process of reading to mountain climbing, emphasizing the importance of intellectual pursuits. He encouraged young faculty members to evolve from "knowledge transmitters" to "beacons of enlightenment"—mentors who inspire through reading and embody the philosophy of "passing the torch of knowledge from generation to generation."
Key Highlights
Professor Lin Zhanxi shared his innovative practice of “replacing wood with grass” to address the conflict between fungi cultivation and forest conservation. He illustrated how labor can create thriving livelihoods, emphasizing the transformative power of practical innovation. Lan Zhen showcased her rural education initiatives, highlighting her efforts to "transmit wisdom and nurture future pillars" through intellectual empowerment. Both educators exemplified the spirit of model workers and craftsmanship, ensuring the revolutionary legacy of the labor movement remains relevant in modern times.
Event Theme and Program
The event, themed "Centennial Labor Movement • Reading Legacy," unfolded across four chapters:
Prologue: A Century-Long Labor Movement, A Century-Long Torch Relay
A Century in Retrospect: Labor’s Imprint, Voices in the Pages
Contemporary: Young Readers in Dialogue with the Era
Vision: Reading Empowers a New Era
Through a blend of artistic performances and intellectual dialogues, the program explored the contemporary resonance between reading culture and the spirit of labor. Leaders presented selected books, including Xi Jinping and University Students and History of the Chinese Labor Movement, to model workers and youth representatives as a tribute to their contributions.
Performances
Faculty and students from the School of Communication, College of Music, and Affiliated Primary School of FNU delivered captivating performances, including:
Eternal Crimson: A Century of Labor Movement
Ode to Future Labor
I Love You, China
Navigating the Future
China in the Fragrance of Books
These performances celebrated the enduring legacy of the labor movement while inspiring participants to embrace the power of reading and intellectual growth.
Translated by Sihan Zhang / Reviewed by Bin Lin