Non-Verbatim Learning

侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán)’s address at the symposium celebrating the 126th Anniversary of Peking University and May Fourth, in 北京 (Běijīng), China, May 3, 2024

侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán)’s talks chess. Photo: China Media Group.

Dear Secretary 郝 (Hǎo), Principal 龚 (Gōng), teachers and students, hello everyone! The 五四青年节 (May Fourth Youth Day) in 2014 was of great significance to me. In the 英杰 (Yīngjié) Sunlight Hall, as a sophomore student in the School of International Relations, I was very honoured to participate in the symposium as one of the student representatives and closely listen to General Secretary 习近平 (Xí Jìnpíng)’s lesson to youth on actively cultivating and practicing the core socialist values. I also enjoyed the opportunity to report my thoughts and practices to the General Secretary. Although I felt a little nervous while talking and unconsciously I spoke faster, the General Secretary’s frequent nodding and encouraging smile made me gradually relax and more freely share my explorations and breakthroughs in chess, as well as my thoughts and experiences during the learning process. During the interactive session, the General Secretary first pointed out that life is like a chessboard and diplomacy like a chess game, and emphasized the importance of understanding game-thinking; then he raised a professional and profound question: “Why there is such a big difference in chess between men and women?”. Such observations and questions not only reflect the General Secretary’s profound understanding of chess, but also demonstrate his keen insight and demeanour as a leader of a major power. I was deeply inspired by the General Secretary’s concern and strengthened my determination to keep moving forward on the road of chess. At that symposium, the General Secretary taught our youth a profound lesson. He vividly explained the importance of shaping values in youth with his “button theory”, and put forward ardent expectations for young people to study diligently, cultivate morality, be discerning and sincere. The younger generation must take the right direction, set clear goals, always maintain a thirst for knowledge, and maintain humility and perseverance in pursuing their dreams. It is by following such guidelines that my chess ability further improved: I have maintained the number one spot in women’s world ranking since 2015; I won the individual Women’s World Championship for the fourth time in 2016, and led the women’s team to win the Olympiad. Last autumn, we won another gold medal at Asian Games. Such achievements are inseparable from the encouragement of the General Secretary and also from my will and resolution to adhere to the core socialist values. While practicing my core values, I am also committed to telling China’s story to the world. After my undergraduate degree, I won a Rhodes Scholarship to study public policy at Oxford University. Studying in the UK is an intense and fulfilling life experience. The multicultural community of the Rhodes College provides a platform for cultural exchanges for students from different backgrounds from all over the world. Together with my classmates, I brought China’s story to the world stage. Whether it is the theme activities of traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival, or in different forums, lectures, and sports and cultural exchanges, we have actively participated in and raised our voices. We hope that through our efforts, the world may better and better understand China, understand China’s culture and development, and understand the face of China’s new young generation. Although I studied abroad for a short time, the exchange and collision between Chinese and Western cultures made me more determined to become a teacher, and in the context of the integration of physical education with culture, I explored the in-depth combination of intellectual sports and education. As a young teacher, I deeply feel on my shoulders the responsibility of my mission, and strive to implement the standards of “four good teachers” proposed by the General Secretary. In combination with the features of chess, I not only impart technical knowledge in the classroom, but also work hard to cultivate students’ strategic thinking and decision-making abilities. At the same time, I stimulate students’ innovative thinking and social responsibility, guide them to establish correct values, and strive to train them to become the future society’s thinkers and leaders. The May Fourth symposium ten years ago had a profound influence on my life. General Secretary 习近平 (Xí Jìnpíng)’s sincere teachings and instructions have always been my guide on the way forward. In future, I will continue to work hard to implement the General Secretary’s hopes for young students to grow through the integration of physical education with culture, as well as to guide and drive students to consciously practice the core socialist values. At the same time, I will continue to give full play to the advantages of chess’ universal language function, serve China’s overall opening up and exchanges, and make my own modest contribution to further promote global cooperation and exchanges in my country’s cultural and sports life. Thank you all!

(English translation by I, Robot)