Recently, the results of the 2023 “Tell China’s Stories” International Creative Communication Contest were announced. The microfilmHelping Heartbroken Parents with AI, co-created by faculty and students from the School of Software Engineering at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), won the national first prize—marking the university’s best performance in thiscontestto date!
Announcement of Results for the 2023 “Tell China’s Stories” International Creative Communication Contest
The microfilm is adapted from the real-life experiences of the AIFinding Missing Childrenpublic welfare project led by Sheng Jianzhong, a doctoral studentat the school. In the story, Sheng’s team encounters a parent searching for their long-lost child on the street. To enhance the efficiency of the search, the team uses AI technology to restore old photographs. Guided by the care and mentorship of the school’s faculty, they embark on an innovative journey that combines public welfare and software technology to create social value. The story highlights the mission and vision of the school’s faculty and students to use technology to serve society, address governance challenges, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
In March 2020, Sheng Jianzhong initiated the AI Finding Missing Children Volunteer Service Team, which pioneered the use of image restoration technology in family reunification efforts. The team developed the “AI Finding Missing Children: High-Resolution Image System for Family Reunification,” effectively solving the core issue of unclear facial features in missing persons’ photographs. To date, the team has restored photos for over 1,000 missing children, enabling the successful reunion of 16 children with their families.
Team Members Visit Sun Haiyang Again
Beyond using technology for family reunification, the team’s dedication and actions have garnered widespread social acclaim. They have won numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the 8th China International College Students“Internet+” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, a silver medal in the Social Enterprise category of the 9th China College Students’ Entrepreneurship Competition, and a gold medal at the 6th China Youth Volunteer Service Public Welfare Entrepreneurship Competition—achieving a breakthrough for HUST in public welfare entrepreneurship competitions. The team has also been recognized as a model site for Lei Feng activities in Hubei Province. Their story has been widely covered by over 200 media outlets, including CCTV andPeople’s Daily, becoming a shining example of positive energy and youth responsibility.
SSE’s Students WonGold Medalat the 6th China Youth Volunteer Service Public Welfare Entrepreneurship Competition
Team’s Achievements Garner Media Attention
The School of Software Engineering places a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, striving to nurture well-rounded software talents for the new era. By integrating the cultivation of creativity with fostering a sense of social responsibility, the school encourages faculty and students to not only hone their professional skills but also apply software and AI technologies to empower societal development.
“Tell China’s Stories” International Creative Communication Contest is an annual flagship event aimed at showcasing stories from contemporary China, amplifying China’s voice on the global stage, and enhancing its international image. The 2023 competition, themed “Sailing Ahead, Sharing the Future,” featured a tri-level structure of regional sub-competitions, thematic competitions, and special contests. With approximately 5,000 submissions, the competition awarded 98 works, including 3 grand prizes, 15 first prizes, 30 second prizes, and 50 third prizes. The School of Software Engineering’s microfilmHelping Heartbroken Parents with AIstood out to win a national first prize. These outstanding works not only reflect the allure of modern Chinese civilization and the rich cultural and spiritual essence of China but also promote global understanding and appreciation of China’s contributions to building a better world.
Since 2018, HUST has actively supported the national initiative by hosting the annual “Tell HUST’sStories” Creative CommunicationContestto contribute to the broader “Tell China’s Stories”endeavor. The microfilmHelping Heartbroken Parents with AIwon the grand prize in the 2023 “Tell HUST’sStories”Contest, and the School of Software Engineering was honored as an “Outstanding Organization.”
The School’s MicrofilmHelping Heartbroken Parents with AI Wins the Grand Prize
SSE Recognized as an “Outstanding Organization”
