### Summary of the Tsinghua University Shenyang Chemical Engineering and New Materials Alumni Forum On July 22, 2023, the Tsinghua University Shenyang Chemical Engineering and New Materials Alumni Forum was held at the Academic Report Hall of Shenyang University of Chemical Technology. The event, co-organized by Tsinghua University's Department of Chemical Engineering, the Key Laboratory of Resource Chemical Engineering and Materials Science of Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, and the Shenyang Economic and Technological Development Zone (SETDZ) Management Committee, aimed to strengthen the exchange among Tsinghua alumni in the chemical engineering and new materials sectors in the Liaoshen region, promote collaboration between government, academia, industry, and application, and contribute to the comprehensive revitalization of Northeast China in the new era. #### Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from prominent figures, including: - **Wang Yan**, Deputy Secretary of Tsinghua University's Board of Trustees and Vice President of the Tsinghua Alumni Association, emphasized the forum's timing, following the strategic cooperation agreement signed between Liaoning Province and Tsinghua University on July 18. He highlighted the forum's role in fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and supporting the revitalization of Northeast China. - **Cai Rui**, Director of the Liaoning Provincial Science and Technology Department and Chair of the Taiwan Democratic Alliance Liaoning Committee, discussed Liaoning's policies and innovations in platform and ecosystem development, technology breakthroughs, and talent attraction. He called for deeper cooperation in key technology research and the commercialization of scientific achievements. - **Wang Qiang**, Party Secretary of Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, provided an overview of the university's history and achievements, expressing hope for new breakthroughs in collaboration with Tsinghua University and its alumni. - **Zhao Yongsheng**, District Chief of Tiexi District and Director of the SETDZ Management Committee, invited alumni and experts to contribute to the development of the SETDZ, emphasizing the region's growth and opportunities. - **Yu Baohai**, President of the Tsinghua Shenyang Alumni Association, thanked the university, the alumni association, and the Department of Chemical Engineering for their support, and encouraged alumni to actively contribute to the economic and social progress of Liaoshen. #### Keynote Speeches The forum included keynote speeches from distinguished alumni and experts: - **Qiu Xueqing**, a 1982 Tsinghua Chemical Engineering alumnus, Foreign Member of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and President of Guangdong University of Technology, presented on "High-Value Utilization of Lignin Biomass." He discussed the challenges and opportunities in lignin utilization, highlighting its applications in industrial surfactants, green functional materials, and high-value chemicals. - **Xu Guangwen**, a 1986 Tsinghua Chemical Engineering alumnus, Foreign Member of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and President of Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, addressed "Carbon Neutrality and Engineering Thermochemistry." He proposed innovative engineering thermochemical pathways for carbon reduction, substitution, and recycling, and shared recent advancements in his team's research. - **Wang Tiefeng**, Chair of Tsinghua University's Department of Chemical Engineering, outlined the department's history, talent cultivation, research achievements, and future prospects, inviting continued support from alumni and the community. - **Chang Baoquan**, Deputy Director of the SETDZ and China-Germany Park Management Committee, introduced the development and future plans of the Shenyang Chemical Industry Park, encouraging Tsinghua alumni and enterprises to engage and collaborate. #### Roundtable Discussions Two roundtable discussions were held to explore key themes: 1. **"Chemical Engineering and New Materials for Achieving Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality"** - **Yan Changming** (1981 alumnus, Chairman of Xiamen Hefanda New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.) discussed the importance of forest carbon sequestration and material applications in urban and rural construction. - **Yong Ruisheng** (1982 alumnus, Deputy Director of China National Petroleum Corporation's Advanced Safety and Environmental Technology Research Institute) emphasized the role of technological innovation and process optimization in energy structure improvement and the integration of hydrogen and ammonia technologies. - **Zheng Dayong** (1987 alumnus, Director of Strait Future New Energy Co., Ltd.) highlighted the interdependence of renewable energy development and the chemical and materials industries, advocating for on-site utilization of green electricity and hydrogen. - **Gao Ning** (1993 alumnus, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Sinopec Chemical Sales North China Branch) presented innovations in petrochemical products under the carbon neutrality context, such as thinner and stronger agricultural films and reusable logistics and packaging materials. - **Ge Chunhua** (2004 alumnus, Dean of Liaoning University's School of Chemistry) called for increased public awareness and support for chemical and materials science, encouraging students to pursue careers in these fields. - **Chen Bo** (2001 alumnus, General Manager of Beijing Yanwei Technology Co., Ltd.) discussed the potential of green biomanufacturing in reducing fossil resource dependence and advancing technological innovation in various sectors. 2. **"Chemical Engineering and New Materials for the Comprehensive Revitalization of Northeast China in the New Era"** - **Li Jining** (1981 alumnus, First-Class Inspector of Shenyang's Military-Civil Fusion Office) offered insights from his extensive experience in industrial park management, suggesting strategies for the region's transformation. - **Zhou Xizhu** (1985 alumnus, Executive Vice President of Beijing Soyoung Electrical Technology Co., Ltd.) emphasized the opportunities in the energy sector's structural changes and the importance of renewable energy. - **Bian Shihao** (1987 alumnus, Chairman of Dalian Sinopec Material Equipment Co., Ltd.) introduced the comprehensive advantages of the Yipaike platform and its potential to empower the Northeast's industrial upgrade. - **Zhang Yong** (1990 alumnus, Chairman of Suzhou Yehua Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.) stressed the need for environmental governance and increased investment in the environmental protection industry to support high-quality development. - **Xie Feng** (1997 alumnus, Deputy Director of Tsinghua University's Policy Research Office) analyzed Liaoning's educational strengths and the challenges in talent retention, recommending improvements in the business environment and further reforms. - **Liu Yang** (2003 alumnus, General Manager of Shenyang Ester Chemical Technology Co., Ltd.) shared his experiences and observations in the Liaoshen chemical industry, highlighting its critical role in the region's revitalization. #### Closing Remarks **Zhu Bing**, Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the Tsinghua Chemical Engineering Alumni Association, concluded the forum. He noted that since 2017, the biennial regional alumni activities have been a significant part of the Chemical Engineering Department's alumni engagement. This year's forum, coinciding with the first year of Liaoning's three-year action plan for comprehensive revitalization and the deepening of strategic cooperation with Tsinghua University, marks a new beginning for closer ties among alumni in the Liaoshen region and cross-regional collaboration. #### Additional Activities The forum also included a friendly football match between Tsinghua University's current chemical engineering students, alumni, and local Tsinghua alumni in the morning. The match, held at the Liaoning University Stadium, was a highlight of the biennial regional alumni activities, fostering camaraderie and teamwork. #### Attendees Over 120 participants attended the forum, including alumni from the Liaoshen region and other parts of China, representatives from the Tsinghua Alumni Association and the Chemical Engineering Department, Tsinghua University faculty and students, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology faculty and students, and representatives from the SETDZ and local industries. This comprehensive event not only facilitated knowledge sharing and networking among Tsinghua alumni but also underscored the importance of chemical engineering and new materials in addressing global challenges and supporting regional development.