Born nearly a century ago, and with a lifetime of achievements to her name, Professor Huang Huilin is perhaps best known as the founder of the Academy for International Communication of Chinese Culture, and the Beijing College Student Film Festival. She has dedicated her life to sharing Chinese culture with the world.
At the age of 90, Huang Huilin is still active and busy. The senior professor at Beijing Normal University first proposed the theory that identified China as the third pole of world culture after Europe and the United States. Professor Huang reflected on why she made the promotion of Chinese culture a life-long career.
'Looking China Youth Film Project' offers new perspectives on China
Huang established the China Institute for International Cultural Communication in 2010, at the age of 79. The organization promotes the global spread of Chinese culture.
"Our concept is that Chinese culture must go out into the world, which means spreading Chinese culture in the world. We have a total of seven projects. The first one 'Looking China Youth Film Project' means to see China, and activities to see China. Simply put, foreign youth telling Chinese stories to overseas audiences. Since 2011, we have had a total of 1,008 foreign youth from 101 countries come to China and produce 950 works," Professor Huang said.
Huang: "I believe my drive comes from my experiences during the War"
Recently, Huang Huilin was named as a recipient of "National March 8th Red Banner Pacesetters" and "National Most Beautiful Women Striver" awards.
"I believe my drive comes from my experiences during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. Born in 1934, I was 16 in 1950, I was swept up in the wave of joining the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. Despite the limited places, I was one of the four selected out of over 40 classmates. Being at the forefront in Korea, enduring the trials of blood and fire, burying the bodies of fallen comrades, instilled in us a sense of survival and duty to our country and fallen comrades. We should all shoulder the responsibility. Firstly, to contribute to our motherland. Secondly, in addition to our own responsibilities, there's also the duty to fulfill the will of our fallen comrades. Thus, at 90, my motto remains: Life goes on, and the pursuit continues, everything unfolds naturally," Professor Huang said.
Huang: I have always believed in the potential of young people
"I have always believed in the potential of young people. I've always believed that young people can be molded. Over the decades, I have had a close relationship with my students. For at least 50 out of the past 66 years, I have taught undergraduate courses, facing around 160 students per year. Additionally, I have mentored over 170 masters, doctoral, and post-doctoral students, many of whom have surpassed me. My greatest expectation for them is simple: to excel beyond what I have achieved. I want you to be better than me," Professor Huang said.