On September 3, 2025, a grand military parade took place at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War. Students and teachers from all campuses of YK Pao School gathered to watch the military parade during class and break times, collectively experiencing this impressive display of national strength and spirit. Philip Sohmen, founder and Executive Deputy Chairman of YK Pao School, was among the distinguished invitees who attended the event.
The following content is reposted from the Overseas Youth Talents Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association.
Philip Sohmen, grandson of Sir YK Pao, the renowned shipping magnate, attended the event as a representative of the ‘Ningbo Gang’. Currently serving as the president of the Hong Kong Global Education Group and a standing member of the Ningbo Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), he is also the president of the Overseas Youth Talents Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association.
After the parade, Mr. Philip Sohmen shared his thoughts:
“Today, I am both excited and deeply honored to represent the ‘Ningbo Gang’ at this historic event, the September 3rd parade in Beijing.
Witnessing the independently developed fighter jets soaring through the skies and the impressive formation of new vessels—especially the spectacular display of cutting-edge technologies such as drones and submersibles—filled me with immense awe and pride for our nation’s achievements across various fields of technology. These breakthroughs not only showcase China’s strength but also embody the wisdom and innovative spirit of the Chinese people, highlighting the formidable power of Chinese-style modernization.
In this solemn moment, I can’t help but reflect on my family’s memories of World War II. My grandfather, Sir YK Pao, personally experienced those years of struggle, and my mother, Professor Anna Pao Sohmen, was born in Chongqing on the very day Japan announced its unconditional surrender in 1945. To commemorate this historic victory, my grandfather named her ‘Peiqing’, honoring the wartime capital of Chongqing and celebrating the triumph of the resistance.
As a member of the ‘Ningbo Gang’ and the president of the Overseas Youth Talents Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association, I am committed to upholding the proud traditions of patriotism and love for my hometown, and to actively serving as a bridge to promote strong cooperation between Ningbo and Hong Kong in areas like technological innovation, economic and trade exchanges, and cultural interactions, in order to make personal contributions to realizing national rejuvenation.
As the national flag is raised and we listen to President Xi Jinping’s speech, I am reminded of how hard-won peace is. We will continue to uphold the traditions of the ‘Ningbo Gang’, by strengthening exchanges between Ningbo and Hong Kong, and integrating into the national development framework to collectively advance the great cause of national rejuvenation. May peace endure and prosperity be everlasting!”
