The Zhenjiang City National Day Reception was held at the Sheraton Hotel at 17:00 pm on 26th of September. The diverse, oppulent gathering of local government officials, international representatives, company executives, students and many others commemorated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (1949-2019). Notable guests who were present at the dinner reception include: Zhang Yefei (Deputy secretary of the Zhenjiang Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Zhenjiang), Li Guozhong (Chairman of Zhenjiang Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), Li Jian (Deputy secretary of the Zhenjiang Municipal Party Committee and Director of Zhenjiang organization department). Prof. Yan Xiaohong (President of Jiangsu University), Prof. Jing Gao (Dean of JSU, OEC), OEC representatives, Abdul-Nazif Mahmud and our fellow OECians served as student representatives and graced the event.

Next on the agenda was the award giving. Several awards were presented to companies, professors, students and all those who contributed to progress and development within Zhenjiang city. The awards were presented by Zhang Yefei, Mayor of Zhenjiang. With four of our OECians as award winners namely Abdul-Nazif Mahmud, Otsile Morake, Alina Nartova and Walter M. Chanaka

Among other representatives, our very own Dr. Abdul Nazif Mahmud delivered the final speech of the evening. He opened with a resounding greeting which was cheerfully responded to. He then continued the theme of cooperation by sharing his personal China story.

Several performances were done during the entertainment segment. These included: a rendition by a Zhenjiang children's choir, a video message delivered by OECians on how much they love Zhenjiang, a song about entering into a new era. OECians also performed dances related to China’s development and they showed their love on China; wishes for the 70th anniversary. Yana, from Jiangsu University acted as the MC for this whole session.

Mayor Zhang Yefei gave a toast to a wonderful national day and declared the banquet open. This was followed by servings of several Chinese Delicacies and a photography session.

This event gave an great chance for Jiangsu University students to thank Zhenjiang for love and acceptance. It was wonderful for OECians to meet Zhenjiang leaders and communicate with them and make them understand the foreign students better.