On the evening of September 13th, Ma Zhigang, an outstanding alumnus of the 88th graduating class of the School of Mechanical and Power Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology, the chairman of the school's alumni association, and the chairman of Suzhou Baohua Sealing Technology Co., LTD., returned to his Alma mater and had an interactive exchange with the freshmen of 2025, who had just entered the university, on the theme of Industry Future and Career Planning. The atmosphere was lively. Vice President Chen Jianjun of the college attended this event, which was presided over by Geng Chunshu, the deputy secretary of the college's Party committee.
Life is boundless, but human beings have their limits. With this, alumnus Ma Zhigang kicked off this exchange. During the exchange, alumnus Ma Zhigang, with the present and future of the industry as the main thread, combined his own 37-year experience as a mechanical engineer, expounded on the five fundamental elements of the mechanical industry, namely structure, mechanics, materials, process and verification, as well as the basic characteristics of process industry and discrete industry. It depicts the development demands of new quality productive forces, such as the cutting-edge development trends in chemistry, materials, new energy, energy storage, aerospace, semiconductors, medical care, etc., as well as the new opportunities, new impetus and talent demands brought to the machinery industry by high-end emerging manufacturing equipment and processes, AI assistance, etc. It showcases high-end equipment examples such as reaction vessels, thin-film evaporators, heat exchangers, and momentum (energy) transmission corresponding to the four unit operations of one 'reverse' and three 'transmission', vividly demonstrating the professional charm and continuous social value of mechanical engineering.
Centering on career planning, Ma Zhigang, taking improving life efficiency as the entry point and combining his own experiences, proposed the Four parts (strive) dimension, namely talent, diligence, fate, and integrity, hoping that students would cherish the wonderful time in college. Devote oneself to the important process of learning, habit, and transfer in ability building, consolidate the foundation of mathematics, physics, and professional knowledge, temper one's logical and critical thinking ability, maintain a skeptical attitude, be full of curiosity, build sustainable ability and time management ability, exercise continuous innovation ability, and proactively embrace the opportunities and challenges brought by high-end manufacturing. Alumnus Ma Zhigang also particularly emphasized the importance of paying attention to a healthy mentality. Success is indeed gratifying, but failure is also inevitable. One should learn and grow from failure.
During the interactive session, students actively raised questions, covering various aspects such as professional development and personal growth. In response to the question of How to understand the responsibilities of modern engineers, Ma Zhigang pointed out that contemporary engineers are not only technical implementer but also cross-disciplinary problem solvers. They should possess a customer-oriented mindset, systematic thinking, and the ability to solve practical problems.
Several students further discussed their identity as Huaili people and their alumni bond. Ma Zhigang stated that the spiritual essence of Huaili's motto, Diligence, Trueness, Aspiration and Virtue, is the most valuable asset in his career.
This event is an important part of the college's continuous efforts to promote the construction of academic atmosphere and strengthen the education of freshmen. The lecture not only broadened the freshmen's understanding of the industry's prospects, but also served as a profound career enlightenment and education on the inheritance of academic atmosphere. The college will continue to build an interactive platform for alumni and students, guiding freshmen to set lofty goals, consolidate their academic foundation and take the first step in college well.