President Chen welcomed everyone and thanked their support for SUSTech’s admissions work. He introduced the missions, characteristics, and goals of SUSTech. Chen looked forward to seeing more students from the principals’ high schools become SUSTechers in the near future. Vice President Tang Tao introduced the concept of “reformed Gaokao,” which places less emphasis on scores and focuses more on students’ personality and diversity. He called on all teachers to educate their students in accordance with their aptitude and interests.

The stage was given over to education experts and scholars in various fields. Zhang Shanshan from the Ministry of Education introduced the reformed Gaokao & new education schemes in Chinese mainland high schools. Well-known Phoenix Television host Qiu Zhenhai (Peter Qiu) delivered a speech themed “Before 2030: Global Politics and Career Outlook in the Age of Globalization and 4th Technological Revolution,” in which he emphasized the importance of comprehensive talents through reformed education.

Principal Zhu Huawei of Shenzhen Middle School presented on “Thoughts and Practices on Early Childhood Education of Top Innovative Talents.” With many vivid case illustrations, Zhu argued that the key to fostering talents is to motivate them to be curious of surroundings and eager to absorb knowledge. In this way, they will be equipped with excellent problem-detecting and solving skills. He also suggested that teachers adopt the discovering learning method raised by psychologist Jerome Bruner.

Ye Wenzi, Dean of Shenzhen’s Educational Science Research Institute, presented his report on “Innovative Education in Shenzhen.” The report examined how to lead students to succeed with their advantages. It also looked at the need to push for multi-dimensional student evaluation, and the reform of academic disciplines in the education system.

Director Han Yingxiong from the Institute of Educational Assessment of East China Normal University presented the report “Promoting Unique Styles of School Development.” His report highlighted Shanghai and Zhejiang’s achievements in education reform so far. He hoped the rest of the country could follow suit and improve the curriculum and evaluation system.

At the closing ceremony, Vice Director of SUSTech Global Engagement Office Li Xu talked about the department, the international programs it offered, and international exchange students from SUSTech. High school principals and representatives were taken around the campus, including Lynn Library, the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Innovation & Research Center, Material Preparation and Characterization Building and residential colleges. They were highly impressed by SUSTech’s advanced infrastructure and facilities, as well as its innovative faculty and students.