Alumnus wins ‘outstanding student’ award from Chinese Government
Dr Xin Yang, who studied for a PhD at Surrey's Institute for Communication Systems (ICS), has recently been awarded the 2019 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad by the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Dr Zin Yang.
Founded by the Chinese government in 2003, the Award recognises the highest achieving self-financing Chinese students who have undertaken their PhD studies overseas. Dr Yang was one of less than 50 PhD students out of 6,000 in the UK to receive the award, and one of only 500 awarded worldwide by the selection panel.
Dr Yang completed both his MSc and PhD Degrees at Surrey’s ICS within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, under the supervision of Professor Zhili Sun and Dr Haitham Cruickshank. His PhD research focused on advanced satellite communication systems and satellite-terrestrial integrated communication systems.
Dr Yang said: “I am thrilled to be awarded this prestigious award among other highly talented competitors worldwide. I received a wonderful learning and research experience at Surrey, and I am grateful for the supervision and support from Surrey academics and staff, which have undoubtedly helped me succeed in this competition.”
Professor Sun commented: “Xin is one of the best students I’ve encountered in many years. He achieved a Distinction in his MSc and demonstrated an outstanding performance in his PhD. In addition to his studies, he served as a Student Ambassador, supporting new students and helping with student recruitment. He was also the Postgraduate Research representative for ICS during his studies.”
Professor Paul Smith, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: "The Faculty is delighted to see Xin receive this accolade. He has been an outstanding postgraduate student at the University of Surrey and this external recognition is well-deserved."
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Max Lu, said:
"I would like to offer my warm congratulations to Xin for this prestigious recognition. Xin has been an exemplary PhD student and a very proud Alumnus of the University. He was a very active volunteer helping the University on open days and community engagement."
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Awards Ceremony was held online on 10 June 2020. Dr Yang and Professor Sun attended the ceremony which was chaired by Mr Wang Yongli, Minister Councillor for Education of the Chinese Embassy. His Excellency Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, delivered a keynote speech and virtually presented the award to awardees.
His Excellency Liu Xiaoming at the virtual Awards ceremony.
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