On December 18, the Light Chemical Engineering Program at Jiaxing University held the award ceremony for the “China Leather Association Yang Zheng Scholarship/Teaching Award,” the “STAHL Scholarship,” and the “‘Hoffen Polymer Cup’ 9th Jiaxing University Leather Processing Skills Competition” in the Administrative Building’s Lecture Hall. The event was attended by Zhang Xiwen, Deputy Secretary of the China Leather Association, and Cao Yuting, Director of its Office; Chen Zuwu, Deputy General Manager of Hoffen Polymer Materials Co., Ltd., Xuzhou; Ma Xiaohong, Deputy Party Secretary of the School of Materials and Textile Engineering at Jiaxing University; Professor Luo Jianxun, Executive Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang Leather Industry Association and Head of the Light Chemical Engineering Program; as well as all faculty and students of the program, collectively witnessing this moment of honor. The ceremony was hosted by Hong Xinqiu, Director of the Light Chemical Engineering Program.

In his speech, Deputy Secretary Zhang Xiwen highlighted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China Leather Association Scholarship, which has awarded nearly 4,000 recipients and recognized almost 200 class collectives. The initiative has also inspired many visionary enterprises to join in supporting education. The concept of “Revitalizing Leather through Science and Education” has continued to flourish, with scholarship and teaching awards forming a warm and powerful force that guides and motivates young students to expand knowledge and strengthen character, helping universities cultivate successive generations of outstanding talents for the industry. He also announced that starting in 2025, the China Leather Association will lead the establishment of the “China Leather Craftsmen Development Special Fund.” This fund serves as a continuation and complement to the existing scholarships, recognizing outstanding technical talents who, after graduating with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in leather-related fields, choose to work persistently on the frontlines of leather production. He encouraged young students to solidify their professional foundation, broaden their industry perspective, and take on social responsibility—applying their knowledge to benefit the industry, serve the nation, society, and enterprises, and become industry professionals with ideals, skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Deputy Party Secretary Ma Xiaohong, on behalf of the School of Materials and Textile Engineering at Jiaxing University, expressed sincere gratitude to the China Leather Association, Zhejiang Leather Industry Association, STAHL, Hoffen Polymer Materials Co., Ltd., Xuzhou, Fujian Taiqing Leather Co., Ltd., and other organizations for their long-term support of education. She also highlighted the school’s achievements in discipline development and its “integration of industry, academia, research, and application” approach to talent cultivation, emphasizing the 17-year history and educational accomplishments of the Light Chemical Engineering Program. Furthermore, she extended warm congratulations to the award-winning faculty and students, encouraging them to set ambitious goals, take on responsibilities courageously, and strive persistently, accelerating forward on the path of youth.

Professor Luo Jianxun highlighted the achievements of the program’s university-enterprise collaborative education, outlined the new prospects of industry-education integration, and, on behalf of the school, presented donation certificates to the newly established award sponsors, demonstrating the strong partnership between the university and enterprises.

The attending leaders and guests presented awards to the winning faculty and students. Student representatives Wang Lingxiang, Zhang Baohua, Li Yang, and Feng Guangting, along with teacher representative Yi Yudan, delivered speeches sharing their personal growth experiences, expressing gratitude to the association, enterprises, and the university for their support, and pledging to give back to society through their professional expertise.

This award ceremony not only recognized outstanding faculty and students but also served as a vivid example of university-enterprise collaboration empowering industry development, injecting youthful energy into the high-quality growth of the leather sector.

(Source: Official WeChat Account of the China Leather Association)