Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has urged greater efforts to reform engineering education and cultivate a new generation of outstanding engineers to support the country’s high-quality development goals.
Speaking at a national symposium on engineering talent cultivation held Thursday in Beijing, Ding emphasized the importance of aligning education with the evolving needs of China’s modern industrial system. As a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Ding’s remarks reflect the high-level priority placed on talent development in science and technology.
Ding called for more top-tier universities and leading enterprises to actively participate in engineering education reform. He advocated for the deep integration of production and education, encouraging collaborative university-enterprise models to enhance both the quality and efficiency of engineering training.
“Our focus should remain on nurturing talent that meets the practical demands of industrial development and national innovation,” Ding said, highlighting the need to match education with real-world applications.
In addition to domestic improvements, Ding also underlined the importance of international cooperation. He called for advancing bilateral and multilateral recognition of engineering qualifications and education standards. This, he noted, will better support Chinese enterprises as they expand operations and partnerships abroad.
The push to reform engineering education is part of China’s broader strategy to secure a global edge in emerging technologies, manufacturing, and innovation-driven industries. By strengthening talent pipelines and upgrading education systems, the country aims to build a world-class workforce equipped for the challenges of the future.
