The dialogue was co-organized by Shandong Dazhong Daily, the Shandong Association, and Virginia University of Science and Technology, in support of the initiative to invite 100,000 American young people to visit China over five years. It brought together a visiting delegation from China’s Dazhong News Group, education and community leaders, and young people from the United States and China for an open exchange on Shandong — its culture, its people, and its place in the world — and on the future the two countries’ younger generations will build together.

Dr. Martin Ma, Founder and Founding President of VUST, delivered the opening remarks and introduced the distinguished guests. The program was hosted by Dr. Hou Gandong, President of the Greater Washington Shandong Association. Shen Xuesong, Minister-Counselor for Education at the Embassy of China in the United States, delivered remarks, and Dr. Jie Song of Emory University offered the closing summary. The full event recording is available below.

Visiting Delegation — Dazhong News Group

VUST warmly welcomed the visiting delegation of Shandong Dazhong Daily:

• Mr. Bi Sidong — Chairman and President, Dazhong News Group
• Mr. Zhao Long — Director of the Strategic Operations Department, Dazhong News Group; Chairman, Shandong Cultural Industry Investment Group
• Mr. Sun Xiankai — Deputy Director of the Editorial and Operations Center of Xinrui Dazhong, Dazhong News Group

Speakers & Distinguished Guests

• Dr. Martin Ma — Founder and Founding President, Virginia University of Science and Technology (opening remarks and introductions)
• Dr. Hou Gandong — President, Greater Washington Shandong Association (program host)
• Shen Xuesong — Minister-Counselor for Education, Embassy of China in the United States (remarks)
• Dr. Jie Song — Tenured Professor, Emory University; President, Atlanta Shandong University Alumni Association (summary remarks)
• Dr. Srilekha Palle — Chair, Virginia Asian Advisory Board
• Dr. Yubo Zhang — Senior Manager, Program Improvement and Data Team, Fairfax County Public Schools
• Ms. Hu Ronghua — Chairperson, Greater Washington Federation of Fellow-Townsmen Associations
• Dr. Sun Qiang — Chief Supervisor, National Federation of Shandong Associations in the United States; Honorary President, Greater Washington Shandong Association
• Dr. Lian Jianhua — Founding President, Atlanta Shandong Association; Founding President, Atlanta Shandong University Alumni Association
• Dr. Ding Dahai — Youth Council Member, Atlanta Shandong Association; Vice President, Atlanta Shandong University Alumni Association
• Ms. Ye Xiaoyan — President, United States Chinese Entrepreneurs Association; Co-founder, Global Community College Alliance