On October 20, the grand auditorium of Tsinghua University resonated with the opening notes of the IIIS Student Festival. Among the guests were IIIS’s Dean Prof. Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, who graced the occasion with inspiring words. Nearly 700 attendees, including alumni, gathered to participate in the event, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with enthusiasm.
The Student Festival commenced with an enchanting melody of the theme song "Virtual and Real Hearts", which was composed and performed by the IIIS students. The song embodies their deep reflections on the relationship between humans and Artificial Intelligence.
Prof. Yao delivered the opening remarks. He noted that IIIS students are not only exemplary in academics, but also are multifaceted talents, capable of independently crafting scripts and performing with creativity and passion. He eagerly anticipated the performance of this year’s Student Festival.
The festival’s director Xiang Ji, a sophomore undergraduate, along with distinguished alumnus from the Yao Class 2004 Wentao Han, presented a heartfelt tribute to Prof. Yao. They expressed their sincere gratitude for his two decades of dedicated teaching in China, appreciating his profound impact on generations of students.
The song and stage play "Salon," performed by undergraduates Shuo Liu and Yiping Liu, used the metaphor of photography to delve deeply into life's beautiful moments and cherished memories.
The performance "Intelligence Test", presented by Teacher Shuo Guo and PhD student Genhan Fan, told a delightful story of two individuals challenging each other with riddles and brain teasers.
Next, a teacher interview video produced by Director Xiang Ji's team was played. In it, educators shared their insights on various aspects of student life, future development, emotional experiences, and the role of university faculty. This heartfelt exchange helped bridge the gap between teachers and students, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
Assistant Professors Huazhe Harry Xu and Huancheng Zhang infused the event with lively energy through their humorous and engaging performance of the piano piece "The Nutcracker".
The solo performance "Tianxia Xiangqin," presented by international PhD student Xianying Chen, used heartfelt melody to pay tribute to the selfless dedication of those who struggled through difficult times.
The performance "Bi Cha Bao + X School Diary: From Singing and Dancing to Rap", presented by a group of undergraduates vividly showcased the fun and vibrancy of campus life, bringing a delightful and entertaining experience to the audience.
The piano solo "Chasing the Moonlight," performed by undergraduate Chunyu Liu, beautifully merged Eastern and Western musical aesthetics.
The stage play "Encountering Angels", presented by 2024 undergraduates, explored the complex emotions and experiences of a college freshman navigating the excitement and uncertainty of university life. To visualize these intricate feelings, the students created the character of "angels," each representing different facets of college life: academics, romance, gaming, and sports. Through spirited debates, these angels revealed the confusion and hesitation that many have faced at some point in their lives.
The guitar fingerstyle duet "Whale," performed by undergraduates Zhikai Qin and Haitian Qian, used the ebb and flow of its notes to paint a vivid picture: an ancient, majestic creature slowly emerging from the depths of the ocean.
The self-directed DV drama “Electronic Allergy”, created and performed by IIIS undergraduates, told the story of a college student facing an unprecedented dilemma in the digital age—he suddenly becomes allergic to electronic devices. To cope with this crisis, he was forced to navigate a new way of life without relying on technology, leading to a series of comical and absurd situations. From his dorm room to the hospital to the classroom, a string of bizarre encounters ensues, yet he strove to remain calm amid the chaos, eventually achieving a scientific breakthrough. This absurd journey offered a humorous take on life, revealing deeper life philosophies through the comedic plot.
PhD student Zhaokai Pan, undergraduate Han Zhang, and their collaborators presented the music piece “Sorry for Being So Adorable”. Their unique arrangement, combining one piano with three cellos, offered a fresh classical interpretation of the popular song.
Undergraduate student Haoyang Weng and his dance partner performed a poignant dance, portraying a profound dialogue on love and separation, life and death.
The duet “The Blind”, performed by IIS PhD students Yulong Hui and Yihao Liu, gently transported the audience back to a pre-digital era. In that time, a farewell could mean a lifetime apart, with only letters and keepsakes offering comfort.
The chorus performance “Sing On! Bass” was a medley of four well-known songs, creatively arranged by the IIIS students into a mixed-voice suite.This performance beautifully echoed IIIS students’ enduring love for art and life, capturing their passion and vitality in every note.
The song and dance performance “Glow Sticks in Youth”, presented by students who are about to graduate, featured a reflective and lyrical piece that evokes a sense of nostalgia for college life.
Beyond the stunning performances, the Student Festival also featured the award ceremony for the new IIIS Baby and IIIS Beibei, who are regarded as the most adorable and popular persons of the year.
At last, the IIIS Student Festival drew to a graceful close, with the gentle strains of song echoing in the air, leaving a lingering sense of harmony and fulfillment.
Editor: Yueliang Mona Jiang
Reviewer: Xiamin Lv
