On December 6, 2025, the “40th Anniversary Symposium of the Shiing Shen Chern Mathematics Award” was successfully held at the Yuehai Campus of Shenzhen University. Organized by the Chinese Mathematical Society and co-hosted by the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University and the Liu Yongling Foundation, the symposium commemorated the outstanding contributions of Professor S.S. Chern, reviewed the award's four decades of distinguished history, fostered consensus, and inspired young and middle-aged mathematicians to scale new heights in scientific research. Attendees included: Professor Nan-Hua Xi, President of the Chinese Mathematical Society, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Researcher at the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Professor Zhi-Ming Chen, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Researcher at the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Academician Tian Ye of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Researcher at the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Academician Shen Weixiao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Fudan University, Professor Wang Yongcheng, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Shenzhen University, Mr. Liu Jiming, Chairman of Hong Kong Yilida Industrial Development Group, Donor of the S.S. Chern Mathematics Prize, and Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Professor Wu Zhen, Vice President of the Chinese Mathematical Society and Executive Vice President of Shandong University, Zhou Wenjun, Vice President of Shenzhen Overseas Friendship Association, Deputy Director of the United Front Work Department of Shenzhen Municipal Committee, and Second-Level Inspector; Huang Feimin, Researcher, Vice President of the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Vice Chairman and Party Secretary of the Chinese Mathematical Society; past recipients of the Shing-Ming Chen Prize; and leaders of the Chinese Mathematical Society attended the event.

The opening ceremony was presided over by the Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University.

In his address, Academician Xi Nanhua expressed gratitude on behalf of the Chinese Mathematical Society for Shenzhen University's meticulous organization and highly commended the brand value and social impact of the Shiing Shen Chern Mathematics Award. He noted that the award's consistent rigorous selection process over four decades has established an academic benchmark, effectively motivating and nurturing successive generations of mathematical leaders. The vision and dedication of its founders and successors have injected enduring momentum into the development of mathematics in China.

In his welcoming remarks, Vice President Wang Yongcheng extended sincere greetings to the attendees and paid profound tribute to Professor Shing-Tung Yau. He stated that the Shiing Shen Chern Mathematics Award serves as a vital benchmark for driving mathematical innovation and nurturing academic succession. Shenzhen University's mathematics discipline has experienced rapid development in recent years, and the university will continue to strengthen foundational discipline construction. It will collaborate with colleagues in the mathematical community to uphold the scientific spirit and contribute to the advancement of national mathematical endeavors.

Mr. Liu Jimin reflected on his father Mr. Liu Yongling's original intent in establishing the award, emphasizing the foundation's enduring commitment to supporting education and research. He noted that the Shiing Shen Chern Mathematics Award has become one of the highest honors in China's mathematical community. The foundation will continue upholding its public welfare mission by supporting talent cultivation and disciplinary development to contribute to scientific and technological innovation.

During the symposium, guests engaged in lively discussions and in-depth exchanges about Professor Shiing Shen Chern's scholarly philosophy, disciplinary contributions, and personal charisma, drawing from their own experiences. Academician Chen Zhiming, recipient of the 15th Shiing Shen Chern Mathematics Award, elaborated on the importance of a holistic and unified perspective in mathematics from the standpoint of the philosophy of science.

Academician Tian Ye, recipient of the 18th award, shared profound insights gained from Shiing Shen Chern's works and academic thought.

Academician Shen Weixiao, recipient of the 12th award, recounted how the prize motivated him to deepen his research direction.

Mr. Liu Jimin recalled an unforgettable childhood experience of seeking guidance from Professor Shiing Shen Chern, highlighting the master's approachable demeanor.

Other attendees and past laureates engaged in lively discussions, drawing from their personal growth and research experiences. They explored multiple dimensions including mathematical culture, interdisciplinary collaboration, and talent cultivation, unanimously agreeing that Professor Chern's spirit and the award's establishment continue to provide powerful intellectual cohesion and innovative leadership for the academic community.

During the invited academic presentations by laureates, Academician Shen Weixiao, recipient of the 12th Shiing Shen Chern Mathematics Award, delivered a lecture titled “Recent Advances in Low-Dimensional Dynamical Systems.” Researcher Fu Baohua from the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, recipient of the 20th prize, shared his research findings in “An Introduction to Symplectic Singularities.”

This symposium served not only as a retrospective of past achievements but also as a starting point for a new journey. It demonstrated the Chinese mathematical community's unwavering resolve to carry forward the legacy of its predecessors, uphold academic integrity, and courageously embrace the mission of our times. Standing at the new starting point of its 40th anniversary, the Shiing Shen Chern Mathematics Award will continue to inspire mathematicians nationwide. Facing the frontiers of global science and technology and addressing major national needs, they will dedicate themselves to exploration, collaborate on innovation, and contribute outstanding strength to propel China's mathematical endeavors toward world-class excellence.