Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) featured in a recent documentary led by historian and British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) broadcaster Michael Wood.

The five-part documentary was broadcast on BBC iview, Tencent, and various other platforms. It sought to exhibit China’s achievements through its reform and opening up over the last 40 years, including the expansive high-speed rail network, the e-commerce giant that is Alibaba, and the emerging research university of SUSTech.

As part of the five-part documentary, he interviewed faculty members and students, to tell the story of innovation that is fundamental to the story of SUSTech. “ The atmosphere of a dynamic creative university is just lovely… It‘s been a wonderful experience being here. I am very impressed by the University,” said Michael Wood.

His path through SUSTech took him into laboratories to observe students working at the cutting-edge of synthetic carbon fiber.

He then interviewed Professor Xing CHENG, Head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Michael Wood discussed the “China Made in 2025” plan, where China will become self-sufficient in traditional technology while working at the cutting-edge of advanced new technologies. The key to achieving this goal is the development of cooperative industry-university partnerships.

At the end of the interview, Wood said, “If I have a dream, my dream would be to see SUSTech develop over the next twenty years, and  I am sure you could achieve the most fantastic thing.”