The annual Candlelight Ceremony, held at the Track & Field Stadium, is a visual extravaganza that is one of the main events at Sias University during the academic year. The ceremony marks the beginning of the academic year for the freshmen as they take an oath as students at Sias for the next four years.

    The Candlelight Ceremony begins with the Founder and Chairman of the Board, Dr. Shawn Chen, lighting a torch symbolizing the spirit of Sias and passing the flame on to students representatives, who then pass it on to representatives of the 9 residential colleges at Sias. The flame is then passed on to all the members of the audience, symbolizing the spirit and heritage of Sias, and the passion that is to guide each freshman through their university life. The freshmen are then led in the swearing of their oath.

    This is followed by keynote speeches by Sias leaders and guests, interactive dances, and a lucky draw for the students that include several prizes.

    In closing, the Candlelight Ceremony serves up a visual feast through special performances by the School of Music & Opera, the School of International Education, the Sias Secondary School, and Sias Dance troupes, involving Chinese and international students, as well as Chinese and foreign teachers. The ceremony is capped by a large-scale fireworks display.

    Sias’ Candlelight Ceremony is an event that is getting bigger with each passing year and is receiving more and more coverage as the domestic and international profile of Sias rises. The event has been covered by Xinhua News Agency, China Daily, Henan Daily, Henan TV, Zhengzhou TV, Dahe, Central Networks, and many other news agencies.