Peking University, April 18, 2018: The opening ceremony of the 42nd ACM-ICPC (ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest) World Final was held at Peking University Hall on April 17th, 2018. Wan Gang, vice chairman of the 13th CPPCC and chairman of China Association for Science and Technology, Hao Ping, chairman of Peking University Council, Lin Jianhua, president of Peking University and Bill Poucher, the ICPC Executive Director, attended the event along with other leaders and the 2018 World Finalists.
The opening ceremony
ACM-ICPC is an annual, international contest designed to showcase the innovative abilities and teamwork of college students. The contestants need to program, as well as analyze and solve problems under pressure. ACM-ICPC has become the world's most influential computer contest for college students and is known as the Olympics of the computer software field. The contest consists of two major phases: Regional Finals and a World Final. It’s the third time that China has hosted the World Final. In 2005, the competition was held in Shanghai and, in 2010, it was hosted in Harbin. The event is also a prologue to the 120th anniversary of Peking University.
Bill Poucher congratulated the 2018 World Finalists, the top 140 teams drawn from the 49,935 teams that competed in the ICPC Regionals. He said, “You are the best of the best. Congratulations to you, the 2018 World Finalists, and to your coaches and to all who have made this possible!” He said that he looked forward to the great achievements of ICPC teams in Beijing, a global hub of industry and innovation.
Bill Poucher delivering the speech
Jeff Donahoo, the ICPC Vice Executive Director, quoted Confucius when he told contestants, “The will to win. The desire to succeed. The ability to reach your full potential. These are the keys that will unlock the doors to personal excellence.” He explained that he believed that these timeless words of wisdom from the ancient philosopher still guide champions in all disciplines from around the world today. He remarked that the contestants’ dedication and ambition have unlocked the door to a brighter future for us all. He saluted their desire to solve the world’s hardest problems, and their ambition to conquer challenges yet to come. “Today, we applaud you, the 2018 World Finalists,” said Jeff Donahoo.
Jeff Donahoo delivering the speech
Lin Jianhua reviewed the course of development of the computer science discipline at Peking University. Since 1978 when the PKU Department of Computer Science was founded, China’s first million-digit digital computer, the first Chinese character laser photocopying system, the first large-scale commercial fingerprint recognition system and other achievements have been realized here. Peking University attaches great importance to information science disciplines and the related personnel training , academic research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Lin thanked the organizing committee for its trust and looked forward to finalists’ excellent performance. He noted that Peking University will, as always, participate in the organization of international university activities and provide more support for the growth, exchange, and mutual learning of young people around the world.
Lin Jianhua delivering the speech
Wan Gang expressed his congratulations on behalf of the China Association for Science and Technology during the opening of the contest and offered his sincere welcome to guests, coaches and team members from all over the world. He pointed out that the competition is not only a big event for college students but also a conference that affects the development of the information science industry. He explained that it will surely drive countries around the world to carry out more extensive programming, computer education and training activities in addition to inspiring more young people to innovate and strive for excellence. He also noted that China will continue to deepen international scientific and technological cooperation, fully integrate into the world's scientific and technological innovation network, actively respond to common human challenges and open up scientific and technological platforms and develop innovative resources. He added that scientists from all countries are welcome to come to China to innovate and pursue entrepreneurship. As the competition coincided with the 120th anniversary of Peking University, Wan Gang congratulated Peking University and expressed his best wishes for the innovative development and brilliant future of the university.
Wan Gang delivering the speech
As the main global sponsor of this competition, Founder Group received the "ICPC Global Service Award." Founder Group Chairman Sheng Yuhai said that as the first Chinese company to serve as a global sponsor, Founder Group has always upheld its value of education captured in the slogan: “originated from education, return to education.” He wished all the teams good luck. SenseTime and Beijing Kuai Shou Technology Co., Ltd. both won “Local Gold Partner Awards.”
Group photo of some prize winners
There were also some wonderful performances during the opening ceremony. “Chinese Martial Arts” showed traditional Chinese martial arts, such as Tai Chi, Changquan (a kind of external martial arts styles from northern China), and Daoshu (broadsword play). Artists also performed the graceful “Peacock Dance,” a kind of Dai Chinese traditional dance. The whole performance culminated in the “Lion Dance.” The lion “spouted” a pair of banners with “PKU 2018” and “ACM ICPC” printed on them at the end of the performance.
At the end of the opening ceremony, Bill and Lin Jianhua gave a “dotting touch” to render the lion "alive," which symbolized the bestowing of their best wishes for the success of the competition. Lin Jianhua later announced the official opening of the competition.
“dotting touch”
Extended Reading
China has done well in previous ACM-ICPC competitions. The team from Shanghai Jiaotong University won the championship three times, which is the best result that an Asian university has achieved thus far in this competition. The Zhejiang University team won the championship at the 35th World Final in Orlando, Florida in the USA in 2011. Peking University won a gold medal (third place) in the 2014 World Final.
Written by: Qian Kang
Edited by: Zhou Yijing, Erin Dunne
