SCUPI

Ziro Wang

Class of 2020

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Sichuan University

Master’s Degree from Waseda University 3+1+1 Joint Program

Currently Employed in A Public Service Department

01 Finding Direction Through Elimination, Deepening Knowledge Through Maste

Amidst the chorus of cicadas and the scent of gardenias, Ziro Wang’s high school years drew to a close, heralding the start of a new chapter. Confronted with the familiar uncertainty about his future, he adopted a method of elimination, resolutely dismissing paths that failed to resonate with him. This pragmatic approach, combined with his desire to strengthen his English proficiency, guided him toward the Sichuan University – Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI). Captivated by its mission to cultivate globally-minded, interdisciplinary engineers, Ziro confidently matriculated into the Industrial Engineering major, commencing his university journey.

The initial freedom and dynamism of campus life, however, left Ziro searching for his bearings. Seeking a quicker integration into university life, he joined the newly established CYL organization. The organization then possessed only a basic framework with limited activities. With shared enthusiasm, Ziro and his peers dedicated themselves to building the CYL from the ground up. By his sophomore year, serving as the organization’s leader, he had played an instrumental role in planning and executing several impactful student events.

As coursework grew more demanding and CYL responsibilities intensified, Ziro felt the weight of this dual pressure. It was then he recognized that navigating university successfully required diligent self-management and clearly defined goals. He began to meticulously plan his academic and extracurricular commitments, gradually sharpening his focus and direction.

A defining academic experience was Professor Robert Lu’s class. Professor Lu possessed a unique talent for weaving theoretical knowledge with practical application, rendering complex subjects both engaging and accessible. His deliberate modulation of volume to emphasize critical concepts particularly captured Ziro’s attention, fostering deeper concentration and significantly improving his learning outcomes.

When faced with the formidable challenge of the Operations Research course, Ziro refused to settle for superficial understanding. He organized study sessions with his roommates, where they would collaboratively dissect and solve difficult problems. He held a firm belief that true learning demanded persistent effort and a commitment to thorough comprehension. This philosophy was validated during an examination where the questions appeared deceptively simple, prompting many classmates to submit their papers early. Ziro, however, detected underlying complexities. He carefully parsed each problem, thought through them meticulously, and provided considered answers. His subsequent top results confirmed that this “pursuit of thorough understanding” was, indeed, the most effective approach to learning.

02. From a Spark to Acclaim: The Launch of the Flora Music Festival

Recalling the origins of the Flora Music Festival, Ziro jokes it began somewhat “randomly.” During a slump in student morale after mid-terms, the CYL sought to organize a collective event. Ideas were plentiful but none quite clicked. Inspiration struck after SCUPI students participated in campus and external talent shows. The concept of a music festival exclusively for SCUPIANS emerged and quickly gained the college’s support.

During a planning meeting, the event needed a name. As discussions stalled, Ningwen Hu (Class of 2020), then Minister of Culture and Sports, shared her experiences at these talent events. This sparked an idea in Ziro. He proposed naming the festival after Ningwen Hu’s English name, “Flora,” noting its alignment with the spring season of March and April. He envisioned an event where students could shed academic pressure and enjoy the sunshine and renewal of spring. The name resonated with everyone.

Ziro immersed himself in every detail of the festival’s preparation—from stage setup and scheduling to poster design. He still keeps a copy of that first poster. Watching the Flora Music Festival flourish and earn praise from faculty and students alike filled him with immense pride and satisfaction.

03. Steady Persistence and Total Commitment: The Keys to Progress

Ziro describes himself as having a “slow pace,” not of laziness, but of steadfast persistence. During his sophomore year, as peers received offers from overseas programs, he felt the pressure of being in limbo. Discovering the IPS program at Waseda University and consulting with seniors helped him define his academic goals, allowing him to channel his efforts fully.

At Waseda, his first challenge was securing his preferred supervisor. Initially unable to join the lab, Ziro didn’t give up. Through sincere and repeated conversations, he expressed his aspirations and determination. His persistence led to a unique agreement: if he scored 95 or above in the professor’s course exam, he would be accepted into the research group. Facing this high bar, Ziro dedicated himself completely, mastering every detail of the curriculum. His hard work paid off, and he successfully met the target, earning his place in the lab. Reflecting on this, Ziro notes, “If there’s something you truly want, you must be brave enough to try and fight for it.”

Even in his career, Ziro continues to prioritize learning, consistently building his English verbal and reading skills. He and his wife, Jingyue Zhang (a SCUPI alumna from the Class of 2021 and a proficient English speaker), often use English in their daily conversations to practice.

04. Go Explore, Go Experience

With a passion for diverse cultures, Ziro explored nearly every region south of Osaka during his studies in Japan. He obtained a Japanese driver’s license, witnessed the spectacular Fireworks Festival, and, as a ramen aficionado, sampled countless varieties—he can still readily list ten distinct flavors.

He recalls one memorable ramen experience. Entering a new shop run by young chefs, he mistakenly ordered 600 grams of noodles with a double portion of pork belly (approximately 1.2 pounds of noodles and 0.8 pounds of meat). When a mountainous bowl arrived, Ziro was taken aback. Determined to support the aspiring owners and honor the food, he finished the entire meal. The touched owner, with tears in his eyes, vowed to strive for even better ramen. Ziro, painfully full, needed a friend’s support to stagger back to his car.

His time abroad fostered a deep interest in multiculturalism. Although the pandemic curtailed plans for further travel through joint programs and conferences, Ziro encourages current students to boldly explore our colorful world, experience different cultures, and discover life’s infinite possibilities.

05. The Journey Home: Building Dreams through Service

“I have two mothers. One gave me birth; the other is my country. After gaining knowledge abroad, I must return to my country and contribute in any way I can.” This conviction, planted deep in Ziro’s heart, guided his decision to return to China upon graduation, forgoing opportunities in Japan or with large corporations.

Diverging from many peers, Ziro chose a path as a Selected Graduates, entering public service. His daily work is often complex and seldom directly applies his industrial engineering expertise. However, he found that his studies had subtly shaped his analytical thinking, enabling him to approach multifaceted situations with composure.

Ziro emphasizes that grassroots experience truly illuminated the significance of his role. Walking through villages, talking with residents, traversing fields, and listening to their needs and suggestions gave him a profound understanding of grassroots realities. He realized that behind the paperwork lay the hopes and dreams of countless people. This connection to the community has become a vital source of motivation in his career.

Now accustomed to overtime and constant pressure, Ziro maintains balance through fitness and football. Every Wednesday and weekend, he reliably takes to the football field for games with friends. The physical exertion and camaraderie not only sharpen his focus at work but also grant him the mental peace to navigate professional challenges.

His elimination method for life choices, his “slow but steady” attitude, his persistent style, his all-out effort, his explorative spirit, his idealistic commitment to public service, and his dedication to mind-body balance—these traits sketch the portrait of Ziro Wang: a multifaceted individual whose journey offers a compelling model for growth and resilience.