GM and SAIC Launch Expo 2010 Pavilion Website and Competitions for Students
Shanghai – GM and SAIC, the joint global automobile partners of World Expo 2010 Shanghai, launched the "Our 2030” SAIC-GM Pavilion Official Website and kicked off its Theme Campaign this morning at the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination.
Zhang Yunjie, Special Assistant to the Chief of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination (Expo Bureau); Li Junxiu, Vice Director of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission; Xiao Guopu, Vice President of SAIC Motor (SAIC); and Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group attended the milestone event for SAIC-GM Pavilion preparatory work.
Official SAIC-GM Pavilion Website
The official website of the SAIC-GM Pavilion (www.our2030.com) currently has five major sections: Pavilion Introduction, News Section, Activity Section, Membership Area and Community Section. It provides a new information channel for those who want to know more about the SAIC-GM Pavilion and activities hosted by SAIC and GM. Additional sections such as 3D Virtual Pavilion, Booking System, Merchandise, etc., which will strengthen the function and interactivity of the official website, will be added closer to the opening of Expo 2010 on May 1, 2010.
Jin Qi, Director of the SAIC-GM Pavilion, and Jean Liu-Barnocki, Deputy Director of the SAIC-GM Pavilion, explained that the official website provides a window through which people can take a sneak peak at the SAIC-GM Pavilion. It showcases the pavilion theme of “Drive to 2030” as well as future innovative technologies that will enable the realization of a ”Better City, Better Life” – the theme of Expo 2010. The website also serves as a new communication platform for the SAIC-GM Pavilion with the public, especially students.
As the leading force for the future, students represent the most important target group of the SAIC-GM Pavilion. The launch of the official website provides a tight linkage between the pavilion and today’s young people, who grow up using the Internet. They will be able to participate in a range of programs such as student competitions through the interactive website.
According to GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin Wale, “The official website of the SAIC-GM Pavilion is an extension of our pavilion. We look forward to communicating with young people, to inspiring their creativity, and to hearing their unique thoughts about transportation of the future. This will help ensure a bright future for all of us in 2030.”
Website-Based Essay Competition
In cooperation with the Expo Bureau and Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, SAIC and GM organized the “Our 2030” Essay Competition for primary and middle school students and the Creativity Competition for university students to engage them in the development of future urban transportation. According to Li Junxiu, Vice Director of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, the two theme campaigns will run through next May. More than 1,000 schools and hundreds of thousands of young students are expected to participate.
Primary and middle school students will be invited to write essays on the future of urban transportation and urban life. University students are invited to imagine the future of urban transportation through essay or video. The winners of both competitions will be named “Expo Stars.” The winning works of primary and middle school students will be published in a book. Some of the submissions will also be displayed in pre-show and post-show areas at the pavilion.
The winner of the Creativity Competition for university students will receive a 2010 Chevrolet vehicle. Outstanding contributions will be displayed in the pre-show and post-show areas. In addition, winners will have the opportunity to participate in student activities held at the pavilion such as University Student Day.
Xiao Guopu, Vice President of SAIC Motor, said: “Expo 2010 is a great event for human beings. ‘Drive to 2030’ represents a vision created by SAIC and GM and thousands of students. It includes the wisdom of many experts from the automotive industry and the passion of students. It is today’s students who will build tomorrow’s urban transportation.”
At the end of today’s ceremony, Zhang Yunjie from the Expo Bureau expressed his appreciation to SAIC and GM. He said, “SAIC and GM were the first partners of Expo 2010 to introduce the theme of their pavilion and to hold a groundbreaking ceremony. Now they are leading in the launch of their official website and support for the involvement of students. The SAIC-GM Pavilion will undoubtedly be one of the most popular at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.”
