On January 19th 2018, Prof. Zhou Guangli, Associate Dean of School of Education, Renmin University of China, was invited to be the guest of CityU Education Forum! As the guest speaker for the 15th forum, Prof. Zhou described the current development trend of China’s higher education with the topic “Chinese University in the context of ‘Double First-Class’ construction: Challenges and Solutions”, and discussed on how Chinese Universities are able to develop sustainably at current stage.

First of all, Professor Zhou introduced the historical context of the development of higher education in China. He pointed out the motives, processes and problems left over in the establishment of Project 211 and Project 985. The emergence of “Double-First Class” initiative is to solve the hidden dangers of the above projects, and also to set a more advanced direction for the future development of higher education in China. In order to support the development of higher education with a more comprehensive strategy, the engineering construction of world-class universities and disciplines is carried out. Professor Zhou pointed out that after the implementation of the double-first-class policy, colleges and universities across China have put forward those plans for the construction of high-level universities one after another, led by Guangdong Province, triggering a regional development boom. Secondly, Professor Zhou pointed out the obstacles that could be encountered in the development of "double first-class", and by analyzing and comparing the systems of other countries, he pointed out that China's current system should be reformed and thoroughly analyzed. Prof Zhou then pointed out that in order to adapt to the current environment, in addition to reform, innovation was needed to create world-class universities in the China’s unique way. Due to the short history of Chinese universities, it is necessary to assist by appropriate strategies, such as organizational scale, talent training, and teacher team building, and so on. Professor Zhou said that in addition to reform and transformation, to become a first-class university also needs recognition from the outside world. Top universities that no one recognizes are just self-deception. The importance of evaluation tools is therefore reflected here. In conclusion, Professor Zhou pointed out that the establishment of first-class universities is a long-term construction of higher education and a basic tool for national rejuvenation. China will use this as a starting point to spread the concept of higher education in China to all parts of the world.

In the final Q&A session, students raised some questions for Prof. Zhou on the future barriers in higher education, how to improve both teaching and research capabilities, and the means of international comparative research, and Prof. Zhou shared all his own experiences with students.