Authors: Chen Liang, Chen Long, Su Yunsheng, Li Weimiao, Chen Lian

PUblisher: Yangcheng Evening News 

Date: September 27, 2024

On October 24, 2018, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Jinan University to emphasize the importance of promoting traditional Chinese culture. He recognized the university's educational achievements and articulated key expectations for its future development.

As Jinan University approaches its 120th anniversary, it continuously seeks innovative pathways in educational reform to enhance its standing among China's Double First Class institutions. Recently, the pharmacy discipline has been recommitted to the Double First Class initiative, showcasing the university's dedication to excellence. Noteworthy advancements in the fifth round of subject evaluations by the Ministry of Education and an improved presence in major global rankings, including QS and Times, further underscore Jinan University’s growing reputation. The institution's beautiful campus, featuring a one body, two wings structure encompassing three regions and five campuses, is on track to completion, enhancing its appeal to students, particularly from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Over the past five years, applications from these regions increased by 70%, with those from Hong Kong more than doubling, positioning Jinan University as a leading choice for students from these areas.

Dialogue with Professor Lin Rupeng, Secretary of the Party Committee of Jinan University

(Prof. Lin Rupeng)

Yangcheng Evening News: The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China highlighted the importance of integrating reforms in the education and talent system. What are some recent achievements at Jinan University in this regard?

Lin Rupeng: 

1. Reforming Talent Cultivation: Jinan University is committed to enhancing its talent cultivation model by aligning with global standards. We have introduced a differentiated teaching, classified training, and same-direction integration system tailored for mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and international students. This model addresses national strategic goals and prepares students to fulfill the urgent talent needs for high-quality development.

2. Enhancing Research Mechanisms: Our university focuses on national needs, strengthening innovation capabilities. By utilizing key national labs and research platforms, we aim to minimize resource allocation inefficiencies. This strategic reorganization allows us to transform scientific discoveries into practical applications that contribute to economic and social development.

3. Talent Development System: We are exploring proactive and inclusive policies to attract and motivate talents, such as refining salary systems and implementing programs like the Jinan Thousand Talents Introduction Program. This effort aims to establish a robust environment for nurturing top-tier innovation talents in technical fields.

(Academician Martin Banwell, Dean of the Institute of Applied Chemistry Synthesis at Jinan University, mentors students in their scientific research endeavors.)

Yangcheng Evening News: How does Jinan University plan to optimize education based on the National Education Conference's spirit?

Lin Rupeng: 

We are dedicated to enhancing the structural layout of our programs across our campuses. Each discipline has targeted development goals. For our advantageous fields, we strive for Double First Class recognition, reinforcing our commitment to educational excellence and cultural development. We are also prioritizing interdisciplinary integration, particularly in areas that leverage artificial intelligence.

(At the south gate of Jinan University, students from across the globe enthusiastically wave to greet one another.)

Furthermore, we are implementing a dynamic adjustment mechanism for our majors based on national priorities, technological trends, and societal needs. Programs failing to align with these criteria will be updated or phased out, while we also enhance digital education methodologies.

(The AGI Intelligent Media Application Research and Development Center at Jinan University has officially been launched.)

Dialogue with Professor Xing Feng, Academician of CAE and President of Jinan University

(Prof. Xing Feng)

Yangcheng Evening News: What are the characteristics of the talent training model at Jinan University? How does it contribute to cultivating the spark of Chinese culture?

Xing Feng: General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that the key to building a first-class university is to continuously improve the quality of talent cultivation. At Jinan University, we understand that effective talent training is foundational to enhancing our educational standards and achieving world-class status.

Our educational model incorporates classified training, differentiated teaching, and integrated focus. We are particularly committed to improving the training of students from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese, nurturing new patriotic forces among these groups. Our talent cultivation strategy includes:

Mainland Students: Training them to become well-rounded socialist builders with comprehensive development in moral values, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics, and labor skills.

(Teachers and students at Jinan University play the guqin and recite ancient poems.)

Students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan: We aim to instill steadfast patriotism, encouraging them to support national reunification and contribute to the prosperity and stability of their regions.

(Students were answering questions earnestly.)

International Students: We seek to cultivate cultural ambassadors who appreciate and actively engage with Chinese culture, thereby promoting cross-cultural exchanges.

Additionally, we are refining our structure to ensure the effective management and education of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan students, developing a comprehensive and scientific educational system to enhance their learning experiences.

Yangcheng Evening News: Jinan University aims to achieve world-class status by 2050. What are the plans for reaching this goal?

Xing Feng: Our approach is guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We intend to remain steadfast in our mission, continually advancing our development goals systematically. Our strategy hinges on:

Double First Class Construction: Focusing on building world-class disciplines—pharmacy as our flagship discipline—while ensuring a balanced enhancement across all areas of study. We aim to achieve significant outcomes in international competitiveness and solidify our disciplinary framework.

Interdisciplinary Development: We will establish a robust system characterized by peak disciplines, plateau disciplines, and distinctive fields, promoting a well-rounded academic environment.

Talent Development: By deepening the Jinan Talent Introduction Plan, we will attract high-level talents from both domestic and international sources, thereby forming a diverse, skilled teaching staff. We are implementing follow-up support for scientific leaders and high-level innovation teams, fostering teams with significant academic and disciplinary impact.

Curriculum Innovations: We have partnered with Huawei to create 22 professional courses and an Ascend innovation practice course, which encompass cutting-edge industry technologies. This initiative has seen over 1,000 students participate and has achieved recognition as an Excellent Demonstration Unit of Huawei Cloud AI Club, an honor awarded to only five universities in China.

(The construction of the National Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Drug Optimization at Jinan University has officially begun.)

Jinan University boasts a vast global alumni network with over 149 alumni organizations across five continents. Our alumni are influential in various sectors, notably in Hong Kong, where nearly 80,000 alumni thrive in politics, business, journalism, and healthcare. In Macau, approximately 30,000 alumni contribute to the region's development, including significant numbers in civil service and healthcare.

(International students at Jinan University gather in front of the World Wall.)

Jinan University: Pioneering Talent Innovation through Specialized Programs

On September 14th, 668 new students at Jinan University participated in the second selection exam for the Top-notch Talents Innovation Class. This initiative represents a significant advancement in the university's effort to reform its talent training system and mechanisms.

Overview of the Innovation Classes

Jinan University has established five specialized talent innovation classes centered around core basic disciplines, integrating relevant majors to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration. The classes include:

1. Biological Science+ Top Talent Innovation Class

2. Pharmacy+ Top Talent Innovation Class

3. Chemistry+ Top Talent Innovation Class

4. Chinese Language and Literature+ Top Talent Innovation Class (Zhenduo Class)

5. Economics+ Top Talent Innovation Class

Each innovation class is spearheaded by high-level talents who serve as undergraduate supervisors. This leadership involves not only guiding teaching teams but also actively participating in all facets of talent cultivation, thereby enhancing students' academic and personal development.

(Jinan University secured the overall championship at the finals of the 2020-2021 ASC World University Supercomputing Competition (ASC20-21).)

Key Features of the Innovation Classes

- Comprehensive Guidance: The innovation classes strengthen the spiritual appeal, academic guidance, and life coaching for students, encouraging them to engage in high-quality learning, scientific research, and practical experiences.

- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Each class will provide an innovative curriculum system characterized by advanced, research-oriented, and international elements. The integration of artificial intelligence technology will reshape classroom environments, innovate teaching methods, and redefine learning paradigms.

- Resource Concentration: The university will pool high-quality teaching resources, research capabilities, and experimental facilities to create dedicated pathways for exceptional talent development, fostering a competitive training dynamic allowing for both entry and exit based on performance.

Special Class for Legal Talents

In addition to the top talent innovation classes, Jinan University offers a specialized program addressing foreign-related legal affairs. This class incorporates instructors with international study backgrounds, practical professionals, and renowned experts from Hong Kong, Macao, and beyond, with the aim to cultivate high-quality foreign-related legal talents. This program is aligned with national strategies, such as the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

New Undergraduate Majors

To align with evolving national strategic needs, Jinan University has also expanded its undergraduate offerings, introducing five new majors over the past three years:

- Cryptography Science and Technology

- International News and Communication

- Financial Technology

- Marxist Theory

- Food Nutrition and Health

These new majors reflect a commitment to adapting educational programs to the demands of emerging technologies and industries.

Industry-Education Integration and Collaborative Education

Jinan University is at the forefront of integrating education with industry needs. In 2021, it launched the intelligent base for industry-education integration and collaborative education in partnership with Huawei. This collaboration focuses on advancements in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, and optoelectronic information, achieving notable outcomes in curriculum development, innovative practices, and competitive events.

- Joint Curriculum Development: Together with Huawei, Jinan University has created 22 professional courses and an Ascend innovation practice course utilizing cutting-edge industry technologies and digital resources. Over 1,000 students have participated in these educational initiatives.

- Recognition and Achievements: The collaborative efforts contribute significantly to the construction of Jinan University's new engineering disciplines. The university has gained honors such as Excellent Demonstration Unit of Huawei Cloud AI Club, an accolade awarded to only five institutions in China. 

- Global Competitions: The university showcased its educational prowess by winning the overall championship at the ASC World University Supercomputing Competition (ASC20-21) finals, further highlighting the successful implementation of its talent innovation and collaborative education models.

Through these innovative measures, Jinan University is poised to cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped to address the complexities of the modern world while fostering a deep appreciation for Chinese culture.

Outstanding Alumni of Jinan University: Torchbearers of Chinese Culture

Jinan University has a rich legacy of alumni who have made significant contributions to the dissemination of Chinese culture and the prosperity of the Hong Kong and Macao regions, as well as abroad. These individuals exemplify the university's commitment to nurturing leaders who actively engage in public service and cultural exchange.

Key Alumni Contributions

1. Li Shirong (2002 Alumnus)

   - Position: Member of the 7th Legislative Council of Hong Kong

   - Contribution: A passionate advocate for public service, Li emphasizes the importance of aligning Hong Kong's policies with China's development. His educational journey at Jinan University allowed him to engage with mainland culture, fueling his commitment to community governance.

2. Wu Xiaoli

   - Position: President of the Macau Neighborhood Association Federation

   - Contribution: Known as the Big Sister of Macau Neighborhood Alumni, Wu has leveraged her experience at Jinan University to influence policy at the national level. As a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, she actively participates in discussions that shape the future of Hong Kong and Macao.

3. Zhang Shaohui

   - Position: Vice President of the Jida Europe (Benelux) Alumni Association

   - Contribution: As one of the few Chinese lawyers in the Benelux region, Zhang founded the European Chinese Lawyers Association to enhance legal research and education. He also teaches calligraphy at the Confucius Institute in Luxembourg, promoting Chinese culture through art.

4. Jiang Zhonghua

   - Position: President of the Italian Alumni Association

   - Contribution: Jiang established the Italian Roman Chinese Language School in Rome, focusing on teacher training and collaboration with Jinan University for graduate programs. Her efforts have significantly impacted Chinese language education in Italy.

(The Chinese Language School in Rome, Italy, founded by Jinan University alumnus Jiang Zhonghua, recently held its 2024 primary school graduation ceremony.)

5. Li Xiumei

   - Position: Co-founder and Principal of the JNU and Chinese Language and Culture School in Melbourne

   - Contribution: Li has been recognized for her innovative teaching methods that incorporate traditional Chinese stories. Her school serves as a vital platform for promoting Chinese culture in Australia.

6. Nicol Wangzuo

   - Position: Special Envoy for the President of Panama

   - Contribution: A key figure in establishing diplomatic relations between Panama and China, Nicol attributes her success to her studies at Jinan University. She continues to promote Sino-Panamanian relations actively.

7. Tan Kaili

   - Position: Secretary General of the Latin American Alumni Association

   - Contribution: Based in Peru, Tan teaches Chinese at Jo ão XXIII Secret School, one of the most influential Chinese language schools in South America. She focuses on fostering students' interest in Chinese culture through engaging teaching methods.

The alumni of Jinan University exemplify the university's mission of serving as a bridge between cultures. Their diverse contributions across various fields reflect a deep commitment to promoting Chinese culture and strengthening ties with their respective regions. Through their efforts, they continue to inspire future generations and uphold the values of Jinan University as a leading institution for cultivating global citizens.

(Jinan University hosted an exhibition highlighting the charm of Chinese Hanfu, offering an immersive experience of traditional Chinese culture.)

Key Achievements

Comprehensive Strength: Ranked 40th among mainland Chinese universities in the 2024 QS Asia University Rankings.

Talent Cultivation: The university currently boasts 52 national first-class professional construction sites and 34 provincial-level first-class professional construction sites.

Discipline Construction: Jinan’s pharmacy discipline has been recognized as a national Double First Class discipline. As of March 2024, the university has 19 disciplines ranked in the top 1% of the ESI (Essential Science Indicators) world rankings, positioning it second among universities in Guangdong province. Additionally, 11 disciplines are in the top 0.5% of the ESI world rankings, with pharmacology and toxicology breaking into the top 0.1%.

Teaching Staff: The faculty includes 10 academicians (including part-time) from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, 10 foreign academicians, 63 national-level leading talents, and 74 national-level young talents. The university also features 2 Huang Danian-style teacher teams and 3 national-level teaching masters.

Research Strength: Jinan University houses 3 national-level humanities research platforms, 17 provincial-level humanities research platforms, and 5 provincial-level key laboratories for philosophy and social sciences. In the fields of science, engineering, and medicine, it includes five national innovation platforms—comprising one national key laboratory, one National Engineering Research Center, and two national-local joint engineering research centers, in addition to one national international cooperation base—as well as 11 innovation platforms of the Ministry of Education and 14 key laboratories of Guangdong Province.

As Jinan University continues to advance in its mission, it remains committed to fostering a diverse and innovative academic environment, aiming to produce future leaders who will carry forward the Chinese cultural legacy on an international scale.