The 20th CPC National Congress report explicitly stated: "Strengthen enterprise-led, deep integration of industry, academia, and research, reinforce goal orientation, and enhance the transformation and industrialization of scientific and technological achievements." This guiding principle highlights the pivotal role of enterprises as main drivers of technological innovation and underscores the core function of universities and research institutions in fundamental research.

To advance educational development and deepen industry-academia integration, on November 6, under the guidance of the Tianjin Local Financial Regulatory Bureau, SY Commercial Factoring Co., Ltd. ("SY Factoring"), a fully owned subsidiary of SY Holdings Group Limited (stock code: 6069.HK), jointly with Tianjin SY Foundation, successfully held a strategic cooperation signing ceremony with Tianjin University of Finance and Economics (TUFE) School of Finance, along with the "SY Factoring Elite" scholarship award presentation.

Attendees included representatives from the Tianjin Local Financial Regulatory Bureau, TUFE leadership, TUFE School of Finance, Tianjin Commercial Factoring Association, SY, Tianjin SY Foundation, as well as faculty and student representatives.

Officials from the Tianjin Local Financial Regulatory Bureau noted that Tianjin, one of the birthplaces of modern Chinese finance and designated by the central government as a "Financial Innovation Operation Demonstration Zone," is among China's few cities with comprehensive financial licenses. SY Factoring and the commercial factoring industry exemplify Tianjin's financial innovation, with factoring services based on accounts receivable assignment enriching SME cash flow as a valuable complement to traditional credit. The Bureau supports this event as an initiative to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and provide intellectual support for building the financial innovation demonstration zone, encouraging students to embrace their mission in strengthening China's financial sector.

TUFE Vice President Ma Yaming welcomed attendees and introduced the university's educational philosophy. He emphasized that industry-academia cooperation aligns with national higher education reform policies and represents a win-win strategy. SY's focus on inclusive and digital finance, in line with the central financial work conference's "Five Key Articles," demonstrates strong social responsibility. Tianjin SY Foundation's youth development programs further support talent growth and social harmony. This partnership will undoubtedly advance TUFE's finance discipline development and talent cultivation.

SY Vice Chairman Chen Renze stated: "Technology is the primary productive force, and talent the foremost resource." As the first supply chain technology platform listed on Hong Kong's Main Board, with SY Factoring being one of China's largest foreign-funded commercial factoring companies, SY firmly implements a talent-driven strategy. Over the past decade, SY's sustained investment in technology and talent has enabled over 16,000 SMEs to access RMB 210 billion in inclusive financing, 30% of which were first-time borrowers unable to secure traditional financing. Guided by its mission to "make supply chains more efficient and finance more inclusive," SY values knowledge, research, and talent, partnering with TUFE to empower industry innovation and talent development. This collaboration will inject vitality into both parties' growth and contribute to inclusive finance innovation and talent advancement.

During the ceremony, witnessed by Tianjin financial authorities, SY Factoring and TUFE School of Finance signed a strategic cooperation framework and unveiled an industry-academia talent development base. The partnership will leverage the university's research capabilities and SY's practical innovation resources across scientific research, academic exchange, and talent cultivation, translating academic achievements into tangible societal progress.

At the event, 14 inaugural "SY Factoring Elite" scholarship recipients received awards. Notably, Tianjin SY Foundation utilized an innovative "digital RMB + smart contracts + scholarship" model to ensure precise fund allocation. Future scholarships will continue motivating students to excel and contribute to supply chain inclusive finance.

Tianjin SY Foundation Chairperson Wu Na emphasized: "Supporting young talent is our long-term philanthropic commitment. We're exploring innovative donation methods—this digital RMB smart contract model enhances donor convenience and transparency, allowing real-time tracking of fund flows and beneficiaries while ensuring every cent reaches its intended purpose."

Moving forward, SY will leverage this partnership with TUFE to deepen industry-academia integration, effectively connecting education and talent development with industrial and innovation chains to serve national economic growth.