[Integrated Development of Culture and Technology] Highlights from the “Toward 2035: Integration and Innovation for the Future” Expo and Science and T
2024-06-04
“Engaging with the Technologies of Tomorrow” AI-themed Interactive Space
With HUTB providing technical support in collaboration with Xiangjiang Laboratory, the “Engaging with the Technologies of Tomorrow” exhibition features an array of cutting-edge innovations, including the “Aurora” aircraft, the ZT-25V electric VTOL fixed-wing drone, the ZT-120V oil-powered VTOL fixed-wing drone, the ZT-16V electric VTOL drone, the 416 battery-swapping dump truck, the next-generation hydrogen fuel cell composite 6x4 tractor with high efficiency and long endurance, and the SANY SE-437 battery-swapping tractor. The exhibition also highlights groundbreaking products in sectors such as intelligent manufacturing, smart transportation and logistics, smart medical care and wellness, smart resource and energy management, and scientific regulation and social governance.
“Innovation for Metaverse II: My Heart is Slightly Larger Than the Cosmos” AI+ Design Artworks Exhibition
The exhibition is curated from the graduation projects of the class of 2024 from the Design & Art Institute, infused with technological enhancements by the Metaverse Research Team of Xiangjiang Laboratory. The exhibition creates an immersive, interactive space available both online and offline, diversifying the forms of presentation and breathing new life into these artworks. It is a testament to the great outcomes and the amplification effects of the fusion between culture and technology. Visitors are free to explore the fusion of the real and virtual worlds, enjoying an unprecedented visual experience and interactions.
Cultural HUTB Lecture Series
The event welcomed Yin Hong, Professor of Tsinghua University, Vice Chairman of the China Literature and Art Critics Association and China Film Association, and Gong Shuguang, founder of the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald and the inaugural Chairman of China South Publishing and Media Co., Ltd. Also in attendance were Chen Baoquan, Vice Dean of the School of Intelligence Science and Technology at Peking University, National Distinguished Young Scholar and Changjiang Scholar; Wu Yuzhang, Chair Professor at Renmin University of China; Liu Yongmou, Ministry of Education's Talent of the New Century; and Yan Zhen, renowned writer, the first Lu Yao Literature Prize laureate and professor of the School of Humanities at Central South University, as well as other leading scholars and experts. They delivered lectures on a range of topics, including “The Power of Humanities in the Age of AI”, “Intelligent Image Generation”, and “Integration of Technology and Humanities Amidst Conflicts”. The experts and scholars also engaged in dialogues on the “integrated development of culture and technology”.
Technological Innovation Series of “Sihong Forum”
The Technological Innovation Series of the Sihong Forum delves into the frontier knowledge in each academic discipline, sharing the latest developments in technology and fostering humanistic literacy. By establishing a platform for students to present their innovative projects and share and exchange ideas, the forum aims to explore the integrated development between culture and technology, and showcase the appeal of technological innovation. On the fourth floor of the Xiangjiang Academy, the innovative projects by students of the Hong Class are on display, which provides us an opportunity to gain insight into the ingenuity and creativity of our students while learning more about cool AI technologies. The forum offers a chance to examine development trends and contemplate the wisdom of life.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alumni Forum
On the afternoon of June 1, HUTB hosted the “Toward 2035 - Integration and Innovation for the Future” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alumni Forum in the Yingcai Lecture Hall of the library. Hu Yong, Alumnus and Chairman of the Board of Zhongke Shibo Technology Co., Ltd., and Yu Yuhan, Alumnus and President of Tangel Publishing Co., Ltd., shared insights and best practices about innovation and entrepreneurship in the context of cultural and technological integration. A roundtable discussion with the alumni ensued. The students were highly engaged, as they were introduced to the enticing world of innovation and entrepreneurship in an atmosphere that was both enlightening and enjoyable. This also significantly boosted their confidence in academic pursuits and future career development.
Hunan Mercantile Culture Exhibition
The Hunan Mercantile Culture Exhibition displayed a wide array of historical artifacts and rare documents pertaining to Hunan merchants. Visitors were treated to a visual journey through time, where they could marvel at the distinctive relics of Hunan mercantile activities from various eras, such as the ant-nosed coins from the ancient Chu State, the porcelains from the Changsha Kiln of the Tang Dynasty, and the time-honored medicine bottles from Jiuzhitang Pharmacy during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The exhibition also highlighted unique commercial scenes in Hunan, including the primitive wooden boats that plied the Zijiang River and the ancient tea-horse trails of the Meishan region. Moreover, the exhibition chronicled the phenomenal growth of Hunan's industrial and commercial sectors since the reform and opening up, highlighting the indomitable spirit and remarkable achievements of the 4 million Hunan merchants who have strived to succeed in business. These exhibits not only chronicled the commercial activities of Hunan merchants, but also born witness to the struggles and noteworthy accomplishments of Hunan merchants across different historical periods. The exhibition, centered around the theme of “Daring to be the Merchants of the World”, is structured into six parts: “Deep-rooted Mercantile Tradition”, “Gathering of Talents”, “Thriving Industries in Hunan”, “Hunan Business Community”, “Hunan Wisdom for Prosperity” and “Abundance of Products in Hunan”. It served as a gateway to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of Hunan merchants and to enhance the province's image. Moreover, it functioned as a conduit for imparting lessons on wealth ethics and fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset within academic institutions.
“HUTB's Celebration of Cultural Heritage” Traditional Chinese Culture Exhibition
The “HUTB's Celebration of Cultural Heritage” traditional Chinese culture exhibition featured an array of engaging activities. These included demonstrations of traditional Chinese crafts and folk arts, immersive experiences with traditional cultural projects, live streaming of geographical indications of intangible cultural heritage in both Chinese and English, presentations of cultural and tourism integration projects, recitations of classic poetry, and vibrant folk performances. The exhibition featured a wide range of novel activities, offering visitors an immersive experience that conveys the profound depth and unique allure of Chinese traditional culture through close-up viewing and auditory experiences. The enticing aroma of the traditional snack, Guokui (Chinese pancakes), filled the air, while the spectacular Sichuan face-changing performance added a touch of excitement to the event.
“Resplendent·Future” Fashion Show
The “Clothing as the Go-between” fashion show has transformed the imaginative visions of the 2024 Fashion and Apparel Design graduates into stunning designs. It was a testament to the one-of-a-kind innovative spirit and exceptional design prowess of HUTB students. The show not only offered a glimpse into the fusion of exceptional cultural heritage with digital virtual fashion in the digital age, but also shed light on the dynamics of contemporary fashion branding. It symbolized the boundless possibilities that emerge when cultural influences and technological innovation converge to shape the future of fashion.
“Adore my Country, the Xiangjiang River and HUTB” Photography and Calligraphy Exhibition
The exhibition presented diverse art forms, including photography, calligraphy, and painting, in recognition of the vibrant and evolving landscape of our country. It celebrated the determination of HUTB students to assume responsibilities and persist in their endeavors. The exhibition facilitated spontaneous artistic expressions and interactive exchanges between academicians and celebrated calligraphers and painters, exemplifying the dynamic interplay between culture and technology.
“Share the Foodie Moments” Food Culture Festival
A delightful addition to the “Integration and Innovation for the Future” event. The university held the “Share the Foodie Moments” Food Culture Festival at Shuwei, Cuiya, Chu Fengxuan, and Xiande restaurants. At this culinary celebration, you were invited to indulge in an array of nearly 20 signature dishes from across the country, such as the oil-splashed lobsters, the Dong'an Chicken, the Yongzhou Blood Duck, the steamed fish with double peppers, and the braised pig's trotters. A variety of appetizers and snacks were also available, including fruit platters, Dim Sum, stinky tofu, and sugar oil rice cakes. Besides, a live band was invited to perform at the event.
“The Power of Cultural Creativity” Creativity Bazaar
The event took place simultaneously at Buduotang Art Gallery, the Cultural and Creative Pavilion, and the Creative Workshop, featuring various exhibition areas. The event comprised the display of cultural and creative works, creative workshops, AR scanning experiences, and more. We partnered with leading cultural and creative enterprises and entrepreneurial teams to offer a unique cultural experience for the entire school community.
“Artisan of the Nation: A Journey Through Craftsmanship” Woodworking Experience Activity
This activity, which explored the traditional craftsmanship and cultural significance of wooden products, aimed to enlighten participants on the process of creating a wooden artifact, engaged them with the values of craftsmanship, and encouraged a heightened sense of environmental protection among the public. The event was buzzing with excitement, with participants unleashing their creativity to craft personalized wooden pieces in this hands-on activity.
The “Firing Kiln” Raku Firing Activity
This pottery experience was designed to provide our faculty and students with the opportunity to engage in the creative process of pottery production, fostering a deep appreciation and passion for the pottery culture. It also aimed to facilitate the heritage and development of traditional pottery art. The event attracted participants from diverse age groups, who engaged with the intricate techniques of pottery through brush and strokes. This experience reinforced our cultural identity and pride in traditional Chinese culture.
“Acceleration Program” and “Project Eaglet” Road Shows
The university has launched the “Acceleration Program”, a financing road show for technology projects. The program, which leveraged the university's innovation and entrepreneurship fund, was designed to identify exceptional innovation and entrepreneurship projects from Xiangjiang Laboratory, faculty, students, and alumni. The first batch of projects covered a wide spectrum of fields such as artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing, digital twin technology, and emerging network technologies. These projects were designed to expedite the practical application of the school's scientific and technological achievements and to catapult innovative and entrepreneurial talent to success. Eleven projects were handpicked for the road show.
The “Project Eaglet” road show for college students' innovation and entrepreneurship projects, themed “Integration and Innovation for the Future”, featured 15 teams showcasing their ventures. These projects, which covered artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing, digital twin technology, sustainable development, and cultural innovation, demonstrate the effectiveness of our talent cultivation approach that integrates the development of new engineering courses, new business courses, and new liberal arts courses with science disciplines. The panel of judges posed questions and evaluated the teams on various metrics, including industry outlook, technological innovation, business model, financial projections, and team dynamics, offering constructive feedback to the participants.
“Youthful Rhythm” Pop Music Extravaganza and “Youthful Symphony Dream”— Students’ Symphony Orchestra Lawn Concerts
The “Youthful Rhythm” pop music extravaganza and the “Youthful Symphony Dream”— Students’ Symphony Orchestra lawn concerts, took place on the evenings of June 1st and 2nd at Fountain Square. The performers sang with confidence and emotion. The audience was engrossed in the melodies, eyes closed, swaying gently to the music. At the end of each performance, the audience showed their appreciation with enthusiastic applause.
(Written by Zhang Gaoyang, Yang Lei, Ma Junting, Wu Yixuan, Long Qiao, Li Jing, Liu Huan, Zhang Yijia, Shi Yaxuan, Li Yawen, Li Meiqi, Shen Yao, Qi Jiajun, Zou Gaoxiang, Zhu Qianzhi and Jiang Hao, and photos by Tu Hua, Xiao Xiangyang, Ma Ke, Yi Jie, Xu Kui, Li Jincheng, Chen Mingxi and Cao Shiyu)
