Date: April 21, 2023 

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Translator: LI Jiaying

JNU Deputy Party Secretary Sun Yu gave an exclusive interview to Xinhua News Agency on April 11 at the launching ceremony of the New Voice Unlimited – 2023 Xinhua News Agency on Campus. Here are excerpts from the interview. 

Xinhua: How do you feel about attending the launching ceremony?

Sun: More than a third of the students of Jinan University come from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and abroad. Having an authoritative medium like Xinhua News Agency working with JNU will provide a clearer demonstration of mainland China’s accomplishments and current development for these young students.

Xinhua: In your opinion, what should a top university be? 

Sun: I believe that a top-notch university is one with first-class scientific research capability, faculty, talent-training system and social service capability, with its roots in Chinese culture while integrating Western values. It should also be down-to-earth and future-oriented with Chinese characteristics, style and spirit.

(JNU Deputy Party Secretary Sun Yu)

Xinhua: How should we cultivate top talents?

Sun: China's higher education shoulders a major mission to cultivate talents for the the Communist Party of China and for the nation. As moral education is the foundation of a university, we should focus on the following aspects for high-quality and autonomous talent cultivation: first, we should take the ideological and political education course as the core to foster a sense of patriotism in students; second, we should take the core course as the basis and equip students with sturdy knowledge; third, we should take the humanities course as the focus to provide students with an all-round development.

Xinhua: How can JNU enhance students' communication and progress in their continuous exchange?

Sun: As a century-old university founded by overseas Chinese, Jinan University has adhered to the principle of training and teaching students in accordance with their aptitude and with one direction in mind, and to a continuous innovation in three types of talent-training: for students from mainland China; Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese; and international students. In addition, Jinan University has insisted on taking education outstanding Chinese traditional culture and national affairs as the starting point, and striving to strengthen students' cultural awareness and national confidence.