July 28, 2018

Dear delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

The First Session of the Fifth Council of The World Association of Abacus and Mental Arithmetic elected a new Standing Council and a leading body. It was an honor for me to be elected as the Chairman of the Fifth Council. On behalf of the new Standing Council and the newly elected leadership members, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for your trust and support. We must keep in mind the purpose of WAAMA, rely on the Council and WAAMA member units to carry forward the organization’s fine traditions and style, unite as one and try our best to do better in carrying forward and developing the abacus and mental arithmetic cause, so as to live up to everyone’s expectations.

Abacus and mental arithmetic is a major invention in mankind’s scientific and technological development, as well as “another knowledge system” with great values in scientific research and application. It is a major contribution of the oriental culture to human civilization, and an intangible cultural heritage that affects the world. It embodies the spiritual pursuit for and emotional sustenance of abacus aficionados across the world. Abacus and mental arithmetic, an innovative evolvement from abacus, can help people greatly enhance their computing power, effectively expand their spatial thinking, significantly improve their overall intelligence, and provide a new approach of education and cultivation for achievements in people’s all-round development, especially intellectual development. Therefore, in the convergence with society and the times, abacus and mental arithmetic, which combines science, culture and education elements, thrives and shows infinite vitality.

Nowadays, the abacus and mental arithmetic cause is in a sound development period. The value concept of abacus and mental arithmetic is taking roots in people’s minds, and its enlightening role has been widely publicized. Thanks to significant progresses in scientific research, practices and explorations in this regard have been furthered in both depth and breadth. As a result, more and more people around the world are becoming aware of abacus and mental arithmetic. The joint efforts of international abacus community and abacus aficionados around the world have helped develop a solid basis and favorable environment for this cause. The unremitting efforts of previous WAAMA Councils also matters. Here, I suggest that all participants express their heartfelt gratitude and respect to the Fourth Council and Mr. Zhang Hongli.

Dear delegates, ladies and gentlemen, our cause is lofty and meaningful, and deserves a lifelong commitment. I am willing to work with you to jointly push the abacus and mental arithmetic cause up to a new level. Together, we will achieve new glory. Next, I would like to make a few suggestions on the workings of WAAMA.

First, we must strengthen our beliefs and enhance our confidence. Abacus and mental arithmetic is a great undertaking to carry forward the cause pioneered by our predecessors and forge ahead into the future. It is conducive not only to enhancing the visibility of intangible cultural heritage and improving the world’s cultural diversity, but also to the transformation of the subjective and objective world for the benefit of mankind. There has always been conflicts between tradition and modernity. Consequently, the inheritance and development of abacus and mental arithmetic cause has never been a smooth ride. We should have a correct appraisal of the situation and enhance our confidence. In the face of difficulties or even setbacks, WAAMA can be an international cooperation platform for you to depend on.

Second, we must persist in innovation and development. It is necessary to innovate the working methods of WAAMA, optimize and improve the existing service platform. We will innovate the ways and means of competition and exchange to meet the development requirements of the times and society. We will innovate the contact methods and channels between the Secretariat and members as well as between members, so as to give full play to their initiative and enthusiasm.

Third, we must further strengthen institutional development. It is necessary to give full play to the leadership role of the Council and the Standing Council, strengthen the development of a basic institutionalized system, and improve the standardization, specialization, and practical level of decision-making in the leading body. We should actively admit more members from more countries and regions, striving to improve the global coverage and influence of WAAMA. We should step up the capacity building of the Secretariat, and improve its capacity and level in organization, coordination and provision of services.

Fourth, we must step up publicity. It is necessary to exert the comprehensive role of the Internet in communication, service and publicity, as well as to establish a platform for achieving the goals of WAAMA. We should form synergy in the publicity front and enhance the awareness of member units in this regard. Member units should be active in supporting WAAMA’s publicity work and jointly promote the inheritance and development of the abacus and mental arithmetic cause.

Dear delegates, let us join hands, keep up with the times, take practical measures, and unite as one to carry forward and develop the abacus and mental arithmetic cause.

Thank you!