Prof. Cheng Siwei: XJTLU Has Potentials to Cultivate More Innovative Talents

(XJTLU, China 29 Oct., 2010) Professor Cheng Siwei, Chairman of XJTLU Advisory Committee for Development, renowned economist in China, took his first visit to XJTLU since his appointment as the chairman two years ago.

Prof. Cheng was welcomed by XJTLU Executive President Prof. Xi Youmin. After Prof. Xi briefed the university s status quo, education model and blueprint, Prof. Cheng Siwei visited theme classrooms of Indonesian Culture, SIFE and the newly opened Science Building.

Prof. Cheng Siwei said the achievements that XJTLU has obtained in such a short history are very impressive . This national renowned economist said: Over 4 years growth, XJTLU, though still in its infancy, has taken on good momentum of development trend with clear-cut direction.

When talking on talent cultivation at institutions, the respectable scholar in economics shared his understanding:

Innovative talents are fundamentally important for the construction of an innovative-oriented country,

They must have such qualities as being academically and professionally active; they need to be informative with philosophical perceptions, and capable of independent thinking with questioning spirit,

This thus requires institutions to be tolerant, embracing differences and nurturing a favorable environment for students to fully display and develop their flair for innovation.

Towards the uniqueness of XJTLU s operating structure and education philosophy within the country, Prof. Cheng conveyed his expectation:

Only in institutions like XJTLU which are less saddled with constraints from current education system, can it be more potential to educate students towards being more interdisciplinary and innovative.

At the end of his visit, Prof. Cheng was interviewed by reporters from XJTLU Student News Centre:

I m really impressed by the innovative spirit and the education reform of your university. As I told President Xi, I think you need to become a research-oriented university; but if so, you need to be supported by a good environment; and you need to build up a framework on how to foster innovative students. Finally, you need to set up a knowledge structure for the students. I think it s a good start, but you still have a long way to go. He said.

Professor Cheng Siwei is a reputable scholar with expertise in economics and management. After his retirement from the positions of Chairman of National People s Congress Standing Committee and Chairman of China National Democratic Construction Association Central Committee, Prof. Cheng continues to contribute to the improvement and internationalisation of China s economic development and research.

(Photos by Zhang Peng, Editor: Jing Wang)