On September 26, Jilin University gathered distinguished alumni, faculty, and students to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its Materials Science and Engineering discipline. Among the honored guests was Ms. Hai Kuo Yu, President of Nanjing Tianshi Group and a proud alumna marking the 25th anniversary of her graduation from JLU.
Invited as a keynote speaker, Ms. Yu delivered a passionate address titled “Precision Waxing, Changing the World – The Dream of a Materials Scientist.” Blending the mission of her company, her personal journey, and the spirit of academic inheritance, she painted a vivid picture of how “small wax materials can build great dreams.”
“‘Precision Waxing, Changing the World’ is not only the mission of Tianshi, but also the lifelong pursuit of me as a materials scientist trained at Jilin University,” Ms. Yu began. Addressing her professors and younger generations of students, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to her alma mater:
“This belief was born in JLU’s laboratories 25 years ago. When I first studied natural wax modification, I never imagined wax would become my life’s career path. But JLU instilled in me the conviction that no material is too small—its true value lies in its usefulness. That spirit has guided me ever since.”
It was this foundation that supported Tianshi’s growth from a focused wax additives developer into a driving force for industrial innovation, turning the idea of “Precision Waxing” into practice.
Challenging common perceptions of wax as limited to candles or paraffin, Ms. Yu showcased its transformative role in modern industries. She described wax as the “MSG of industry”—small in volume but with powerful impact.
In 5G communications, wax helps reduce signal transmission loss by 30%.
In ballistic protection, wax extends the service life of bulletproof vests by five years.
In fruit preservation, wax doubles the shelf life of tropical produce.
“Every property of wax can be optimized and applied to create solutions that were once thought impossible,” Ms. Yu emphasized. “That is the essence of precision waxing: making materials work harder, smarter, and better for the future.”
In closing, Ms. Yu reflected on the spirit she carries from her alma mater: perseverance, pragmatism, and the courage to innovate.
“The lessons from my professors—to endure solitude in research, to stand firm under pressure—have become guiding principles for the Tianshi R&D team today.”
She underscored that the dream of “Precision Waxing, Changing the World” extends beyond one company—it belongs to generations of materials scientists contributing to China’s vision of becoming a materials powerhouse.
Finally, she extended an invitation to young talents:
“We welcome more JLU graduates to join us in exploring the vast potential of wax materials. Together, let us dedicate our strength to the strategy of building a strong materials nation and to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. At Tianshi, we remain committed to answering the call of our times—with the power of materials.”
