On October 30, the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne hosted the Award Ceremony and Symposium for the 2025–2026 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad. Consul-General Fang Xinwen attended the event and presented award certificates to the recipients. Ding Li, Counsellor-Rank Consul responsible for educational affairs, and several award recipients also attended.

Consul-General Fang extended his warm congratulations to the award recipients and commended them for their outstanding achievements across various academic disciplines, which exemplify the diligence, ambition and enterprising spirit of Chinese youth in the new era.

He encouraged the students to develop a deep understanding of the principles underlying President Xi Jinping's four Global Initiatives, remain committed to seeking truth and pursuing practical results, apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, seize opportunities presented by the times, broaden their global perspectives, and gain valuable experience through international academic cooperation. He also urged them to carry forward the spirit of the Long March, overcome difficulties with perseverance and determination, and forge ahead on their own journeys of youth. He called on them to serve as ambassadors for people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Australia and as active contributors to the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.

During the symposium, the participating students shared their experiences of studying and living in Australia, as well as insights from their academic research, and engaged in lively discussions and exchanges.