As time advances and new chapters unfold, the chill outside on the afternoon of January 27th contrasted with the warmth and vibrant energy indoors. The School of Information Engineering held its 2026 New Year Gala under the theme “Forging Ahead into the 15th Five-Year Plan: Shaping the Future with Artificial Intelligence”. In attendance were Mr. Wu Dan, Standing Committee Member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Nanchang University, who delivered opening remarks. Also joining were Mr. Zhu Renping, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Office, and Professors Li Haimeng and Chen Zhou, Deputy Directors of the Institute of Space Science and Technology. All Faculty and staff of the school gathered in a festive and harmonious atmosphere to welcome the coming new year.

Vice President Wu Dan extended heartfelt New Year greetings to all members of the School of Information Engineering and their families. He spoke highly of the school’s dynamism and remarkable progress throughout 2025, particularly in advancing “Artificial Intelligence +” integration, securing major research projects, producing high-level academic outcomes, and cultivating innovative talent. He emphasized the school’s important role as a pioneer in the university’s “Double First-Class” initiative, encouraging the school to embrace the new starting point for the “15th Five-Year Plan” period. He also stressed the need for strategic perseverance, focusing on national priorities and disciplinary frontiers, aiming for breakthroughs in national-level platforms, and further contribution to the university's "Double First-Class" advancement.

Mr. Huang Zhangcai, Party Secretary of the School of Information Engineering, delivered a speech on the collective dedication and resilience demonstrated during the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, guided by the philosophy of “faculty-student community” ethos. Over the past five years, over 50 outstanding scholars are recruited from home and abroad; disciplinary development has supported related disciplines in entering the national "Double First-Class" list. Moreover, research and innovation funding has scaled new heights exceeding 50 million yuan in 2025, demonstrating commitment to tackling bottleneck technologies. Forging ahead into the “15th Five-Year Plan”, the school will pursue its vision of “Boundless Prospects, Intelligent and Beautiful School of Information Engineering”, writing a new chapter in delivering education that meets the people’s expectations in the new era.

The gala also featured a warm and respectful retirement ceremony. Representatives of newly recruited young faculty presented bouquets to retiring colleagues, symbolizing the deep appreciation for their decades of dedication and contribution. Nevertheless, Secretary Huang Zhangcai presented commemorative gifts to the honorees, expressing the school’s sincere gratitude and best wishes.

During the awards segment, ten faculty members honored as “Most Popular Teachers” took the stage to receive their awards. The ceremony recognized not only their teaching excellence but also underscored the school’s commitment to valuing educators and upholding a culture of respect in education.

During the entertainment segment, faculty, staff and students took to the stage one after another, presenting wonderful performances for the audience along with fun interactive games and lucky draws interspersed which fully showcasing the versatile talents and upbeat, positive spirit of the faculty and staff.

The New Year Gala was not only a reunion to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new but also a mobilization gathering to unite hearts, gather strength, and sound the drums for the journey ahead. At the dawn of the “15th Five-Year Plan”, the School of Information Engineering will carry this collective spirit forward, weaving individual fulfillment into the broader university vision, and stepping into the new year with renewed passion and determination to shape a future of intelligence and innovation.