Today (March 3),\ on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University,\ coinciding with the Lantern Festival on the Chinese Lunar calendar,\ the appointment ceremony of Alumnus Ding Mincheng as a Member of the University Council\ was held at the New Administration Building on the Minhang Campus.

Ding Mincheng,\ Executive Director of the Global Board of Envision Group,\ Specially Invited Vice Chairman of the China Energy Research Society,\ undergraduate alumnus (Class of 1990) and master’s alumnus (Class of 2000),\ was formally appointed as a Member of the University Council.

On March 3, coinciding with the Lantern Festival on the Chinese Lunar calendar, a warm and celebratory atmosphere filled Conference Room A307 of the New Administration Building on the Minhang Campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The University solemnly held the appointment ceremony of Alumnus Ding Mincheng as a Member of the University Council. Ding Kuiling, President of SJTU and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhang Jie, Former President of SJTU, Director of the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Hu Weiwei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC SJTU Committee; Yang Ming, Assistant to the President and Director of the General Office of the CPC Committee and the President’s Office; as well as heads of relevant functional departments and schools attended the ceremony. Also present were Ding Mincheng, Executive Director of the Global Board of Envision Group, Specially Invited Vice Chairman of the China Energy Research Society, undergraduate alumnus (Class of 1990) and master’s alumnus (Class of 2000); his spouse, Weng Qing, undergraduate alumna (Class of 1992); and Professor Wang Fanghua, Honorary Chairman of the Shanghai Society of Management Science, among other distinguished guests. The ceremony was presided over by Hu Weiwei.

Zhang Jie recalled his serendipitous acquaintance with Alumnus Ding Mincheng. A chance encounter on a flight marked the beginning of an ongoing dialogue about science, dreams, and the future. Ding Mincheng has long held deep admiration for the scientific spirit of Mr. Tsung-Dao Lee and resonates strongly with the pursuit of uncovering the fundamental laws of the universe through basic scientific research. Over the course of the following year, the two engaged in multiple exchanges, discussing topics ranging from energy transition to the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on scientific research, with their conversations sparking continuous intellectual inspiration. Zhang Jie noted that Ding Mincheng, with the vision of a strategic entrepreneur, pays close attention to the evolving frontiers of science. Quoting Wang Guowei’s three realms of life—“Last night the west wind withered the green trees,” “My clothes grow loose, yet I regret not,” and “I have searched for her thousands of times in the crowd”—he praised Ding Mincheng and Weng Qing for maintaining a pure devotion to science even after achieving remarkable professional success. He remarked that they have reached a state of authenticity characterized by “having sailed through countless voyages, yet never losing their original aspiration, returning still as youth,” and expressed his wish that they may forever remain youthful at heart.

On behalf of the University, Ding Kuiling extended warm congratulations to Alumnus Ding Mincheng on his appointment as a Member of the University Council and expressed sincere appreciation to his family for their steadfast support. He noted that membership on the University Council is a distinguished honor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and expressed the hope that Council Member Ding Mincheng, drawing upon his profound industry expertise and forward-looking strategic vision, would provide valuable guidance and insights for the University’s next stage of development. He further emphasized that the University will continue to advance in unity with its alumni, strengthening collaboration in talent cultivation, scientific and technological innovation, research commercialization, and social service. Together, they will foster a development ecosystem characterized by mutual empowerment and shared prosperity, contributing jointly to the University’s aspiration of becoming a world-class institution at the earliest opportunity.

Amid warm applause, Ding Kuiling presented Ding Mincheng with the letter of appointment as a Member of the University Council and conferred upon him the University emblem.

In his remarks, Council Member Ding Mincheng could hardly conceal his emotion. He first expressed profound gratitude to his alma mater and mentors: “Without the guidance of my teachers and the professional foundation and spiritual nourishment provided by the University, I would not have sustained the perseverance and growth I have experienced at different stages of my life over the past decades.” He fondly recalled his years at SJTU—his undergraduate studies in power systems and his subsequent MBA studies—both shaped by the rigorous scholarship and dedicated mentorship of his professors. He paid special tribute to Professor Wang Fanghua, his mentor during the MBA program, noting that the teachings of his instructors have remained an inexhaustible source of strength throughout his career. Even more meaningful to him, he shared, was that it was on the SJTU campus that he met his life partner, Ms. Weng Qing; together, they continue to embody the University motto of “Gratitude and Integrity.”

Looking ahead, Ding Mincheng stated that the role of University Council Member is not only an honor, but also a responsibility. He pledged to contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields, to promote the deep integration of artificial intelligence with fundamental research, and to support collaborative innovation among academia, industry, and research institutions so that scientific achievements may better serve society. He expressed particular concern for the cultivation of young talent, hoping that more young people, like his younger self, may ignite their scientific dreams at SJTU. “What truly changes an era is never short-term noise, but long-term perseverance and profound ideals,” he said with deep emotion. “That ideal began at SJTU; that light which came from SJTU should be passed on like a torch, enduring and unceasing.”

The appointment of Alumnus Ding Mincheng as a Member of the University Council adds a significant chapter to Shanghai Jiao Tong University as it approaches its 130th anniversary. His life story and deep commitment to both nation and society will undoubtedly inspire more SJTU students to shoulder responsibility with courage and pursue excellence with determination.

Following the ceremony, the attending guests toured the campus and engaged in discussions on the future development of the University.

Source: Office of Development and External Relations

Photography: SJTU Vision

Editor: Wang Yutong

Editor-in-Chief: Chen

YuyangTranslated by: Zara

Proofread by: Denise

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Alumnus Ding Mincheng Appointed as Member of the University Council of Shanghai Jiao Tong University

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