The Motto --- Studious and Steadfast, Virtuous and Visionary

The motto of Yunnan University of Finance and Economics is “Studious and Steadfast, Virtuous and Visionary”. The Book of Rites states, “The scholar, though he be extensive in learning and unwearied in practicing what he learns, does not feel complete.” The I Ching states, “As the earth's condition is receptive grandeur, the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.” Drawing from these teachings, the university’s motto encourages students to sincerely pursue knowledge, diligently engage in practice, unify knowledge and actions, and grow in both academics and personal conduct. It inspires students to cultivate great virtue, develop an inclusive mindset, aim high, and strive for excellence.

The Ethos --- Forever Advancing, First to Dare

The spirit of Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, encapsulated by the phrase “Forever Advancing, First to Dare”, has been shaped through a history full of challenges, progress, and breakthroughs. The I Ching states, “As heaven maintains vigor through movements, a gentleman should ceaselessly strengthen himself.” Generations of Yunnan University of Finance and Economics community members have embraced this spirit of relentless self-improvement — a core aspect of the national character — exhibiting resilience, overcoming difficulties, and striving vigorously.

This spirit not only involves being the first to act but also embodies the courage to innovate and think freely. It reflects an adeptness at seizing opportunities and a commitment to deepening reforms and opening up. Pursuing rapid development, the spirit of Yunnan University of Finance and Economics integrates traditional culture with the zeitgeist, demonstrating a continual drive to progress and an unending pursuit of new heights.

This ethos encourages the university community to uphold the values of pioneering and progressive development, ensuring that their actions and thoughts align with both contemporary needs and historical wisdom. The spirit of Yunnan University of Finance and Economics represents a dynamic fusion of past and present, urging ongoing growth and leadership in thought and action. This reflects a profound commitment to not only advancing personal and academic pursuits but also contributing to societal progress and innovation.

The Educational Ethos --- Pragmatism and Innovation

The Educational Principles Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, encapsulated by the principles of “Pragmatism and Innovation”, reflects a time-honored tradition and an enduring pursuit within the institution. The principle of “Pragmatism” emphasizes being grounded in reality and the pursuit of truth. It advocates for faculty and students to approach their work with a down-to-earth attitude, treat academic endeavors with rigorous scientific standards, embrace their studies with genuine dedication, and pursue truth with unwavering determination.

The principle of “innovation” is inspired by the saying from the ancient text The Great Learning and Tang Ying’s The Tub Inscription which states, “If it can be renewed, it should be renewed daily, and kept renewing forever.” This encourages the liberation of thoughts, keeping pace with the times, reforming the old ways, and striving for excellence. It aims to cultivate creative talents and generate innovative outcomes.

Together, these principles not only guide the academic and intellectual activities at Yunnan University of Finance and Economics but also foster a culture where traditional values meet modern dynamism, thereby nurturing individuals who are both grounded and forward-thinking.

Teaching Culture --- Combining Rigorousness with Compassion, Cultivating Oneself to Benefit Others

“Combining Rigorousness with Compassion, Cultivating Oneself to Benefit Others” is derived from President Xi Jinping’s visit to Renmin University of China in 2022, where he emphasized that “Teachers should combine rigorousness with compassion, cultivating themselves to benefit others.” “Combining Rigorousness with Compassion” advocates that teachers should be both strict and caring towards their students, while “Cultivating Oneself to Benefit Others” suggests that teachers must continuously improve themselves. To shape their students into certain kinds of individuals, teachers must first become those kinds of individuals themselves.

Learning Culture --- Aspire to Greatness and Cultivate Virtue, Learn Extensively and Practice Earnestly

During his visit to Tsinghua University, President Xi Jinping emphasized that “The youth must shoulder the historical mission, maintain confidence in their progress, set great goals, cultivate great virtues, achieve great talents, and take on great responsibilities to become a new generation capable of shouldering the significant task of national rejuvenation.” The term “Boxue”(learn extensively) comes from the Analects of Confucius: “Extensively learn and firmly commit, inquire earnestly and reflect closely.” “Practicing Earnestly” refers to putting these principles into action through devoted efforts.

The Emblem

The emblem of Yunnan University of Finance and Economics (YUFE) features a globe with the Earth at its center, prominently displaying an ancient Chinese currency (“Fang Zhu Bu”) on its surface. Below the monetary symbol is the year “1951”, which marks the founding year of YUFE. The upper part of the outer circle contains the Chinese characters “香港精准铁算算盘” (Yunnan University of Finance and Economics) in Mao-style calligraphy, while the lower part displays the English name of the university. Both the Chinese and English names, as well as the year “1951”, are in bright red, set against a silver-white background of the outer circle.

Emblem Significance

The ancient Chinese currency symbolizes that YUFE is a finance and economics university. The design of the currency resembles the Chinese character “人” (person), indicating that the university is committed to cultivating high-caliber, practical talents. The presence of the person on the globe signifies humanity at the center of the universe, reflecting a people-oriented philosophy. It also implies that YUFE’s talents are rooted in Yunnan, yet aimed at serving the entire nation and reaching out to the world. The globe is colored blue, and the currency is yellow, symbolizing the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. This also signifies YUFE’s proactive engagement with international higher education, striving to enhance its level of internationalization. Moreover, the shape of the currency is reminiscent of a great bell, serving as a reminder for the YUFE community to continually motivate themselves to seize opportunities, pursue reform, innovate pragmatically, and strive for excellence.