Imagine a bridge, not only made of steel and concrete but also built with opportunity. For Shilin Yang, that bridge started with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. His journey—from national champion for an innovative load-bearing structure to creating bridges for a rural village—demonstrates how STEM has the power to transform lives and communities.

With Samsung Solve for Tomorrow as his launchpad, he turned his ideas into impactful projects, setting the stage for a remarkable career in STEM.

From Local Innovator to Global Leader

For Shilin Yang, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow was an important steppingstone in his career. In 2015, his team won the national championship for developing a lightweight, durable load-bearing structure, earning him a place in Samsung’s champion research exchange program in South Korea.

"Since I was young, I like to make all kinds of models, such as house models, building models, or car models. When I heard about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, I immediately signed up without hesitation. Fortunately, our team won the national finals." said Shilin.

Inspiring the Next Generation: STEM Mentorship Journey

The following year, he joined Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’s “Dream Bridge” project, helping to build a bridge for a rural village. Growing up in a similar environment, he understood the struggles of students who had to cross rivers to attend school. He faced engineering and leadership challenges, but Samsung mentors helped him refine his problem-solving and teamwork skills. The experience solidified his belief in using STEM for social good.

Shilin’s achievements in the Dream Bridge project led to a government-sponsored scholarship, allowing him to pursue his master’s and PhD in Ukraine. Despite the war disrupting his studies, he completed his doctorate and returned to China as a university professor. Today, he mentors young engineers, leading his students to national victories in STEM competitions.

Due to his exceptional performance in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, Shilin Yang was chosen by Samsung as a torchbearer for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, representing its public welfare efforts. "Being a torchbearer inspired me to set higher standards for myself, to be a role model for the next generation, and to contribute to society. I aim to find more scientific and effective ways to help others improve," said Shilin.