The First XMU Model International Academic Conference Final was successfully closed after four hours of competition at science and art center on April 26th. It was hosted by Academic Affairs Office, Modern Education Technology and Practice Center, College of Foreign Languages and Cultures of XMU, organized by the Department of English Language and Literature and Communist Youth League Committee of College of Foreign Languages and Cultures.

The contest has drawn strong support and careful guidance from leaders of the university and various colleges. Professor Zhang Biwu from Faculty of International Studies, Professor Su Yuxiao and associate professor Xiao Xiaoyan from College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, associate professor Li Yangfan and Yang Ping from College of the Environment & Ecology, associate professor Pan Yinqiu from School of Public Affairs, associate professor Xia Guangwu from College of Humanities were invited as the judges by the organizing committee.

The first team "2048" from College of the Environment & Ecology centered on reservoir ecological environment. The team carried out field investigation to establish a new reservoir model combining both ecological and economic interest, attracting praise from the judges. The following competitor, team "Circle" from School of Management,  sang and played the guitar and impressed the audience a speech on the ecological evolution of Wechat, the new social medium. The third participant group, "L5", comprised by 5 students from School of Law, faced with the deteriorating environment, were dedicated to the analysis and research of the ecological legislation status quo of uninhabited islands in Xiamen. "SuperNova" with members from School of Journalism and Communication and the International College of XMU elaborated their clear framework of ecological crises from the new scope of investigative journalism within the theme of ecological crisis".

Another team, "Waterbear", from College of the Environment & Ecology introduced the theme of "ecological agriculture represented by ecological gardens" through vivid mimicking of the dialogue between two farmers and exhibited a sound ecological recycling system with solar energy utilization. The sixth contender "Staphy" from the School of Economics, illuminated the relation between air quality and air pollution factors based on their expertise in economy and data analysis. The next team "Mangroveman", constituted of five students from various schools, after conducting a series of on-the-spot investigation on Yundang lake, presented their research fruit on mangrove forest ecology.

With full enthusiasm and a loud catchword, "Breaking Bad" from the School of Journalism and Communication stepped on stage. Field survey video and humorous plays unfolded the secrets of household garbage. "WO", the ninth team, brought the ideal ecological architecture for human beings perfectly with three dimensional video and model demonstration. The last group, "the technological department of second artillery of College of Foreign Languages and Cultures", brought the contest to a successful end with conversation, scientific analysis and a professional English presentation.

 "Breakingbad" collected the top prize while "Staphy", "WO" and "the technological department of second artillery of College of Foreign Languages and Cultures" picked up the first prize. Second prize winners were "L5", "Waterbeer", "2048", "Mangroveman", "SuperNova" and "Circle". Four teams took the third prize.

The contest adopted the original form of "topic elaboration", underscored the features of cross-discipline and liberal education, motivated the undergraduates to participate in academic research, nourished innovation and teamwork which is necessary in academic research, improving interpersonal skills and English ability. The theme "ecology" followed the global contemporary ecological development and the urgent requirement of building quality ecology worldwide. The competition led the students to keep a watchful eye on ecological environment through multiple channels, enhanced their awareness of ownership and sense of social responsibility and encouraged them to assist the construction of spiritual civilization. The First XMU Model International Academic Conference initiated a comprehensive and multi-dimensional academic exchange platform for undergraduates, which accorded with the development positioning of XMU to be a high-level research-oriented university and beefed up the capability to engage in international academic dialogue.

(Text by Chen Yao and Liu Yanan, College of Foreign Languages and Cultures; Photo by Wang Fan, College of Foreign Languages and Cultures)