On July 7, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) held the fall session of its twice-annual strategic planning and development seminars. Senior leaders across SUSTech joined University Council Chairperson Yurong GUO and President Shiyi CHEN at the seminar. Participants discussed a wide range of issues that affect the SUSTech community as it enters its second decade.

Provost and Vice President Dongxiao ZHANG spoke on the topic of “Key Measures for Talent Cultivation and University Governance.” He conducted an in-depth analysis of undergraduate and postgraduate education, student enrollment, progress in international education, and the development of the SUSTech talent pipelines. It is essential to continue to improve the development of the curriculum across all disciplines in a collaborative fashion to show a unique SUSTech education. He also pointed out that there are other opportunities for optimization and innovation in postgraduate education management and talent training. All of these factors come together to create a first-class higher education system within SUSTech.

Planning and Development Office Director Susheng WANG talked about the development of a first-class university. He assessed the global and domestic situations while looking at regional strategies to look at the opportunities and challenges facing the current development trajectory of SUSTech. A focus on how SUSTech can achieve its development goals, compared to other first-class universities, was condensed to discipline direction, talent development, and global outlook.

Vice Provost (Global Strategies) Chunmiao ZHENG reported about “SUSTech and Internationalization: Thinking and Layout.” He went through the internationalization strategies that SUSTech had implemented and how they had been affected by the current global situation. He pointed out that SUSTech should focus on national and regional development needs as it continues to promote international cooperation and opening up. A stronger global brand for SUSTech will contribute to its development into a world-class research university.

University Council Vice Chairperson Fengliang LI presided over the second day of the meeting. He said that SUSTech must take its advantage to support social progress and industry-university research collaboration. University-wide communication and coordination are vital for the effective implementation of the broader achievements of SUSTech’s goals.

President Shiyi CHEN presided over the first day of the meeting. In his speech, he reviewed the development of the University in the past ten years and analyzed the development strategy and action plan in the next stage. He pointed out that the University should strengthen its path, be ambitious, and actively plan for the next stage, especially on the improvement of the curriculum quality.

University Council Chairperson Yurong GUO closed the meeting. She pointed out that SUSTech has worked closely to reform higher education across China and work with the advantages that Shenzhen has to offer. As SUSTech strives to become a world-class research university rooted in China, it must integrate with local communities and wider society to provide vital services. SUSTech needs to continue making progress in its teaching and talent development systems as it seeks to take advantage of the pioneering demonstration zone of Shenzhen and the knowledge transformation of the Greater Bay Area.