Earlier this week, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) hosted a meeting on higher education in Shenzhen, organized by the Guangdong Department of Education. Guangdong Provincial Department of Education Deputy Director Na Jia, Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau Deputy Director Zhu Dijian and SUSTech University Council Vice Chairperson Li Fengliang were some of the key leadership figures in attendance, along with high-ranking officials from 12 other universities in Shenzhen and members of the provincial and municipal education bureaus.

Guangdong Provincial Department of Education Deputy Director Na Jia commented that the State Council Statement on Shenzhen meant that the Guangdong Department of Education would take the lead in conducting research on Shenzhen’s education reform. This meeting was a critical part of the research work, as Shenzhen’s higher education had developed rapidly in recent times. It was hoped that an in-depth investigation would give a better understanding of the realities of higher education in Shenzhen, with a view to form pragmatic and practical measures to face the challenges in the industry.

Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau Deputy Director Zhu Dijian introduced Shenzhen’s higher education development in recent years and explored various innovations of the education system.

SUSTech University Council Vice Chairperson Li Fengliang reported on SUSTech’s achievement’s in its reform and innovation mission. SUSTech attaches great importance to its talent pipeline, and plans to launch its “1+4+1” innovative talent training program, which aims to further optimize the educational opportunities for top talents. SUSTech would continue to continually develop, innovate and evolve in its path to build a world-class research university, rooted in China. He anticipated continued support from government for SUSTech’s innovative governance measures, independent degree point authorization and construction of major scientific research platforms.

The leadership representatives from 12 universities in Shenzhen all briefed the meeting on their operational mechanisms and unique features. They spoke about their highlights and future plans, while seeking advice for any challenges they believed they would face in the future. An in-depth discussion took place about innovations in Shenzhen’s higher education sector.