On the evening of November 8^th, the 20^th Anniversary Gala of International College(IC), Xiamen University(XMU) was brilliantly staged at the Auditorium of Building 3 on the Zhangzhou Campus. Leaders and faculty of IC, along with alumni from home and abroad and current students, watched the performance together.  

The gala, themed "Two Decades of Cultivating Talents, Studying Abroad Forging New Chapters" was divided into three chapters: " Original Aspiration · Embark on Journey," " Forging Ahead · Unceasing Melody," and " Aspire Far・Continue Brilliance." Through meticulously choreographed performances, it artistically integrated IC's twenty-year journey of dedication and its future vision, offering both faculty and students an extraordinary audio-visual spectacle.

Amidst the melodious string ensemble of Serenade in G Major, the gala gracefully commenced. The lively and agile melody, like a moving overture to twenty years of history, transported all faculty and students into an artistic realm interwoven with elegance and joy.

Chapter One: Original Aspiration · Embark on Journey

The original rap song "International College 2025" weaves campus memories and future aspirations into poetry through the rhythm of youth. With genuine emotion and dynamic expression, it reflects on the footprints along the path of international education while delivering a powerful declaration of the upward spirit of the new generation.

The three-and-a-half-line verse "Twenty Years of Excellence, Bridging the World" employs witty and concise language to narrate, from campus life and teacher-student bonds to academic growth, the college's two-decade commitment to international education and fostering virtue through education.

The clear and melodious notes of the guqin piece "Three Variations on the Plum Blossom" infused the gala with an air of timeless elegance. The harmony of the guqin music and the spirit of the plum blossom intertwined, reflecting the college's unwavering dedication and resilience throughout its twenty-year journey, symbolizing the students' persevering spirit and their noble pursuit of self-fulfillment.

The song and dance performance "Try Everything" interpreted the philosophy of growth—"dare to try, undaunted by failure"—through its passionate singing and vibrant dance. It embodied the confident, dynamic, and globally engaged youthful spirit of international students.

In the special segment "Alumni Blessings," alumni from around the world extended their heartfelt congratulations to the college on its 20^th anniversary through video messages. Ruan Xiaowei, a 2023 graduate from the Business Accounting program, spoke as the alumni representative. He shared youthful memories of growing alongside the college and expressed profound gratitude and warm wishes for his alma mater.

Chapter Two: Forging Ahead · Unceasing Melody

The dance performance "like Jennie" erupted with youthful confidence and bold expression through precisely synchronized moves and powerful choreography, showcasing the vibrant and dynamic spirit of IC students.

The Japanese-style song and dance performance sweet & sweet holiday captivated the entire audience with its fresh, sweet charm, vividly showcasing the college's educational commitment to multicultural integration.

The small chorus performance "Defying Youth" interpreted the confusion and introspection on the path of youth with its soulful harmonies. The warm yet resolute singing voice transformed into an inspiring force, encouraging every student to move forward courageously.

The dance "Manjusaka" portrayed the Eastern romanticism of the Manjusaka (flower of the other shore) through its fluid choreography and highly expressive performance, showcasing a unique artistic beauty.

The magic act "Miraculous Hands" presented a visual spectacle where fantasy collides with reality through its ever-changing and unpredictable performance, allowing us to witness miracles time and again while experiencing the allure of magic.

In the special segment "Greetings from Overseas Institutions," leaders from international partner universities extended warm congratulations and best wishes for the International College's 20^th anniversary. These leaders included Bashir Makhoul, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canada West (Canada), Jane Falkingham, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton (UK), Ms. Lee-ann Norris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Macquarie University (Australia), Robin Banerjee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex (UK), and Simon Bradbury, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University (UK). They expressed their anticipation for further deepening international collaboration and cultivating more global talents together.

During the exciting prize draw segment, four alumni—Ruan Xiaowei, Ni Huihong, Meng Ruizhi, and Yu Bin—as the prize draw host conducted the draw for the attendees. As the large screen scrolled and cheers erupted, various prizes were unveiled one by one.

Chapter Three  Aspire Far・Continue Brilliance

The vocal duet "Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots" deeply interpreted the profound connection to one's native land and spiritual belonging ingrained in one's veins through the interweaving and echo of vocal parts. It expressed the patriotic feelings of overseas students.

The duet "Blue and White Porcelain," through a poetic dialogue between Chinese and Western instruments, vividly embodies the college's educational philosophy of integrating Eastern and Western cultures.

"The Toast Song" resonated with the boundless aspirations and sincere wishes of all faculty and students for the college's bright future, delivered with full passion and an infectious performance.

Ma Xianghu，Deputy Party Secretary of IC delivered a speech, which expressed great pride in the talent and potential displayed by the students during the performance and extended heartfelt thanks to the faculty and students whose hard work ensured the gala's success. She emphasized that the college's twenty years of progress have been built on the support and dedication of all faculty, students, and alumni. She encouraged students to continue utilizing their intelligence and creativity to write the most brilliant chapters of their lives on campus.

The grand chorus "I Love You, China" sang out the deepest patriotic sentiments in the hearts of faculty, students, and alumni with its impassioned melody, demonstrating the mission and responsibility of IC students to cherish their homeland while engaging with the world.