Boston, February 10, 2024 – On January 13, 2024, the 11th Annual Chinese American Spring Festival Gala and Global Outstanding Chinese Award Ceremony, jointly hosted by the Golden Tripod Fund and Hollywood's municipal government, awarded Zhang Weiyong, the lead expert of the Elite US Visiting Scholars J1 Visa Program, with the "Global Outstanding Chinese Award" for his significant role in fostering Sino-US educational exchanges.

Mr. Zhang Weiyong, Chief Expert of the Elite US Visiting Scholars J1 Visa Program, proudly accepts the "Global Outstanding Chinese Award".

Celebrated for over a decade as a hallmark cultural and branding event within the community and drawing notable attention from US political figures, the ceremony took place at the Montalban Theatre, located on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. Distinguished attendees, including US Congresswoman Judy Chu and the Mayor of Hollywood, underscored the event’s prestige. Zhang Weiyong, serving as both the CEO of Elite International and the program's lead expert, earned accolades from the local Chinese American community for pioneering innovative approaches to enhance Sino-US cultural and educational exchanges, thus spotlighting the contributions of the Chinese diaspora.

The organizing committee praised Mr. Zhang, stating, "Mr. Zhang Weiyong, a young and successful entrepreneur of modesty, has achieved remarkable success through his exceptional business insight and unique life journey. By engaging in Sino-US educational exchanges during a period of favorable bilateral relations and founding a company that achieved a listing on the NYSE, he has demonstrated extraordinary vision. Later, choosing to enrich his education in the US during his career’s zenith, Mr. Zhang embarked on a second venture to further Sino-US relations. His leadership of the Elite US Visiting Scholars J1 Visa Program has established it as a pivotal platform for educational and cultural exchanges between China and the US. This award acknowledges his achievements and encourages ongoing contributions to Sino-US educational and cultural exchanges."

To further underscore, the Elite USA Visiting Scholar J1 Visa Program stands out for its application criteria, requiring only a bachelor's degree or higher and basic English communication skills. It boasts a high success rate and cost-effectiveness, which not only fills a gap in the industry but also carries significant social and commercial value. At the 2023 International Online Education Conference, the Elite USA Visiting Scholar J1 Visa Program is distinguished as the "2023 International Education Innovation Brand". This accolade highlights its exceptional contribution to bridging educational divides and offering innovative learning solutions on a global scale.

Elite USA Visiting Scholar J1 Visa Program is distinguished as the "2023 International Education Innovation Brand".

Following this, recognition extends to individuals behind this groundbreaking initiative, notably highlighting Zhang Weiyong for his pivotal role. Mr. Zhang is honored as the "2023 Education Industry Influential Figure" at the same conference. This award acknowledges his significant impact on the educational sector, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering global understanding through innovative programs like the Elite USA Visiting Scholar J1 Visa Program. These awards collectively underscore the program’s and its founder's remarkable contributions to international education.

Zhang Weiyong is honored as the "2023 Education Industry Influential Figure".

Mr. Zhang's own experiences as a visiting scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill broadened his international perspective on Sino-US cultural exchanges. Following his tenure there, he established the Elite US Visiting Scholars J1 Visa Program, collaborating with esteemed universities across California, North Carolina, New Jersey, and beyond to promote Sino-US educational and cultural exchanges and foster amicable relations. As both a pioneer and practitioner in the US visiting scholar application service, Mr. Zhang has delivered numerous public lectures on the US educational experience, appeared as a special guest on television study abroad programs, and has been featured by major media outlets both in China and internationally.

In response to receiving the "Global Outstanding Chinese Award," Mr. Zhang remarked, "I am profoundly honored by the recognition and encouragement from the organizing committee of the 11th Annual Chinese American Spring Festival Gala and Global Outstanding Chinese Award Ceremony. This honor reflects our team's collective efforts at the Elite US Visiting Scholars J1 Visa Program and motivates us to strive for continued excellence. Inspired by my beneficial experience as a US visiting scholar, my career has been devoted to enhancing Sino-US educational and cultural exchanges. I am committed to supporting more young Chinese individuals in seizing visiting scholar opportunities in the US, thereby broadening their international perspectives and contributing to the enrichment of Sino-US exchanges and fostering grassroots friendships."