One restored photo rekindled familial bonds across the Taiwan Strait; one heartfelt letter conveyed deep gratitude and respect.
On May 31, the 6th Cross-Strait Youth Donghu Forum opened at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). During the forum, a touching story of family reunion was shared—one that transcended time and distance. The story centers on Taiwanese student Liang Jinwei, currently studying at Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, and his relatives in Huaguo Village, Huangshi City: Liang Shiliang, Deputy Director of the Village Committee; villager Liang Xunwu; and the late Liang Ruda.
In 1988, Liang Ruda returned to his ancestral home inthe Chinese mainlandand took a group photo with nine nephews during his visit. The photo, cherished by the Liang family, became a valuable family treasure, symbolizing the bond between relatives across the strait. However, after Liang Ruda’s passing, communication between the two sides was lost. For more than 20 years, the family in Huaguo Village yearned to reunite with their relatives in Taiwan. Yet, the passage of time rendered the photo blurry and the search challenging. It was then that the AI Finding Missing Children Volunteer Service Team stepped in, restoring the photo free of charge.With the clear, restored image, the Liang family successfully located Liang Jinwei, who was studying in Hubei. The long-lost family connection was reestablished, and Liang Jinwei finally rediscovered his familial roots.
The Liang family’s gratitude was heartfelt. In a letter to the AI Finding Missing Children Volunteer Service Team, they expressed their struggles during the search, the joy of reunion, and profound appreciation for the team’s dedication and selflessness. They also praised the team’s commitment to public welfare and social responsibility.
This story is just one of many for the AI Finding Missing Children Volunteer Service Team. Founded in March 2020 by SSE doctoral student Sheng Jianzhong, the team pioneered the use of image restoration technology in family reunification efforts. They 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 over 1,000 photos of missing children, enabling the reunion of 16 families.The team’s dedication has earned widespread recognition and accolades. They won 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. These achievements marked a breakthrough for HUST in public welfare entrepreneurship competitions.Moreover, the school’s microfilmHelping Heartbroken Parents with AIwon the first prize in the “Tell China’s Stories” International Creative Communication Contest and the grand prize in the 2023 “Tell HUST’s Stories” Creative Communication Contest.Theyalso shared their inspiring story of using technology to assist family reunifications at the 6th Cross-Strait Youth Donghu Forumand wererecognized as a model site for Lei Feng activities in Hubei Province. Their story has been featured by over 200 media outlets, including CCTV andPeople’s Daily, establishing them as a beacon of positive energy and youth responsibility. By leveraging technology to empower public welfare and making the search forrelativesno longerlonely, the AI Finding Missing Children Volunteer Service Team is determined to continue their journey, with many more milestones yet to achieve.
SSE has been a steadfast supporter of the AI Finding Missing Children Volunteer Service Team. The school places a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and social responsibility, encouraging faculty and students to combine technical excellence with practical applications that empower societal development. SSE aims to cultivate well-rounded software professionals for the new era.SSE students have won over 150 awards in international and national competitions, including the 2nd and 8th China International College Students “Internet+” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competitions, and gold medals at the 6th China Youth Volunteer Service Public Welfare Entrepreneurship Competitionandthe 2014, 2016, and 2018China College Students’ Entrepreneurship Competition. In addition, the school produced entrepreneurial stars, with four alumni named to Forbes and Hurun’s “30 Under 30 Entrepreneurs” lists.
Together with the AI Finding Missing Children Volunteer Service Team, SSE will continue its mission of innovation and social impact, striving to explore new possibilities and create a brighter future.
