On the evening of April 13, Siyuan Auditorium was abuzz with live music and dance as HNU hosted the gala of the League of Tropical Universities (LTU) 2025 Summit.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Ahmad Parveez, Director General of Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Mihoko Kumamoto, Director of the Division for Prosperity of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Emmanuel Moore Abolo, Consul General of the Republic of the Congo in Guangzhou, Mohamed Ibrahim bin Abdul Mutalib, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Liu Jin, National Deputy Chief Inspector of Ministry of Education of PRC, Luo Qingming, HNU President and a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Cater Tseng, Vice Chair of HNU International Advisory Board (IAB).

Hosted by bilingual emcees, the gala unfolded in two thematic chapters: “A Long-awaited Reunion” and “Together for A Shared Tropical Dream.” It featured a dazzling array of performances by students and faculty — including dance, singing, and instrumental music — that celebrated the unique culture of Hainan and the deep friendship among LTU members.

The gala opened with a rousing drum performance based on Li customs, followed by “Invitation from the Ocean”, an electrifying dance displaying the strength and vastness of the oceans.

The first chapter featured the emotional resonance of reunion and shared memories. “A Long-awaited Reunion,” a piano solo accompanied by folk dance, exhibited joyful anticipation and resolute commitment. “Firewood Dance”, a modernized recital of traditional Li bamboo and wood instruments, displayed ethnic identity and cultural confidence. The dance “Prayer”, a fusion of Li dance with pop elements, showed reverence for nature and life, while “Facing the Sea” served as a metaphor for embracing challenges and charting a brilliant future for the LTU.

 A scene of “Firewood Dance” (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department)

A scene of “Facing the sea” (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department)

The second chapter, “Together for the Shared Tropical Dream,” symbolized a bold step forward by HNU and other LTU members in the joint pursuit of knowledge and sustainability. “Sound of the Sea,” a violin and Erhu duet, immersed the audience in a sweeping soundscape of traditional Chinese instruments. The dance “May the Blue Return to the Ocean” artistically highlighted marine conservation and the beauty of the ocean. The performance “A Miao Song Celebrating the Water of Happiness” fused Miao folk melodies with pop vocals, using the “water of happiness” as a metaphor for knowledge and wisdom. The dance “A Dream Beneath the Rice Stalks” paid tribute to the late Academician Yuan Longping, aka “the father of hybrid rice”, and his vision of food security and shared prosperity.

A scene of “May the Blue Return to the Ocean” (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department)

A scene of “A Miao Song for the Water of Happiness” (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department)

In the spirit of “appreciating different cultures to build a harmonious world”, the gala concluded with “Sound of the Tropics”, a medley of iconic songs from tropical regions. Chinese and international students of HNU sang together and drew thunderous applause.

A scene of “Sound of the Tropics” (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department)

“‘Sound of the Tropics’ brings together multiple typical songs from tropical countries and displayed the cultural diversity across the tropics. The energy and emotions in the performances vividly reflect the openness and inclusiveness of tropical communities,” said Dr. Parveez, MPOB Director General.

Prof. Atwell Mamvuto, Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), also heaped praise on the gala. “The event is impeccably organized—from sound and staging to costumes and visual effects. It is a stunning display of Hainan’s cultural heritage and Chinese traditions.”

The event was attended by representatives of LTU members from 28 countries and regions, along with senior HNU leaders, heads of the departments concerned, faculty and student representatives.

Translated by Han Yunsheng

Proofread by Kuang Xiaowen, Yang Jie