On the afternoon of 17 September, Li Guijun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Hebei Normal University Committee and President of Hebei Normal University, delivered the "First Lecture of the Semester" to the 2026 intake of Stirling Digital Education College at the First Teaching Building, Hongqi Campus, with the theme "Wisdom for a New Journey, Integration of China and the World: Becoming an Innovative Learner in the Digital Age".

President Li extended a warm welcome to the 183 inaugural students of Stirling Digital Education College. He noted that as an important platform for the University's international education initiatives, the College undertakes the dual contemporary mission of "artificial intelligence + education". As the first cohort of the College, their university journey marks not only a new stage of their personal lives, but also a vivid testament to the University's in-depth comprehensive education reform and advancement of high-level opening-up in education.

President Li emphasised that university is a critical period for character building and capacity development. He encouraged young students to continuously refine their comprehensive abilities through study and practice, achieve growth "value addition", uphold moral principles, and develop independent thinking. Drawing on the exemplary stories of senior scholars at the University such as Yuan Shuyi, who dedicated their lives to academic research and education, he encouraged students to follow the example of these predecessors, deeply understand the spiritual essence of "to ordain conscience for Heaven and Earth", and carry forward the University's motto "For the World, for the Truth", fostering the distinctive spiritual qualities of Hebei Normal University students.

Regarding how to approach learning at university, President Li vividly explained the dialectical logic of learning: students should be open to the knowledge imparted by teachers, while also maintaining a rational and critical mindset. He encouraged new students to consolidate their professional foundations and quickly adapt to the bilingual teaching model; to face the challenges of professional courses head-on and bravely break through their personal capacity bottlenecks; to read extensively and draw spiritual nourishment from classic works; and to engage in self-reflection, be diligent and pragmatic, and continuously push the boundaries of their personal growth through overcoming difficulties.

President Li concluded by encouraging all new students of the College to cherish lofty ideals, persevere in their endeavours, and consciously align their personal aspirations with the broader national development goals, striving to grow into international, versatile digital talents with both a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective.

All 2026 intake students of Stirling Digital Education College, College leadership and student affairs staff, and representatives from relevant University departments attended the lecture.