China's education reform plan implenmented on nine basic disciplines

China's "101 Project" designed for the development of top-notch innovative human resources has been promoted on a full scale in nine basic subject areas including computer science, biological science and economics, said officials at a promotional meeting held in Beijing on Friday by the Ministry of Education.

The "101 Project" for basic discipline series is a foundation-building project for cultivating top-notch innovative talents. The key task is to build a batch of first-class core courses that are high-level, innovative and challenging. In December 2021, a pilot program was first launched in the computer science field for the project.

So far, pilot programs for the project have been launched on a full scale in nine basic subject areas comprising computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, basic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, economics, and philosophy under the guidance of high-level experts in each field.

"The '101 Project' in the field of economics is participated in by 20 colleges and universities with top-notch economics bases across the country. We have formed 10 core courses and have begun to teach them on a trial basis. Based on an independent knowledge system and combined with the needs of our country's development, we've designed the courses and teaching materials, determined our experimental projects, and trained our teachers. Our entire goal is to cultivate talents with theoretical innovation capabilities and practical problem-solving capabilities," said Lin Yifu, dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics under Peking University.

"The discipline of biology for the '101 Project' has 11 core courses, all with core textbooks. Each textbook has lecture notes and knowledge points. We can say that it is like a dazzling super mall, and each university can determine the scope of application according to its own features. Through the implementation of such a systematic reform project, we can systematically improve the quality of our talent training in basic disciplines," said Shi Yigong, president of Westlake University in east China's Zhejiang Province.

In the next step, experts will use artificial intelligence to draw knowledge maps and competency quality maps, and promote the establishment of large-scale training models for all pilot programs.

"The knowledge graph is like a building of human knowledge. For example, if you want to enter a building, you always need to know where the parking lot is and what functions are distributed on the first, second, and third floors, so that you can navigate with ease. The knowledge graph associates each concept with each logic, forming a navigation map for our learning. Teachers build it first, and then use artificial intelligence algorithms to continuously refine and further revise the knowledge graph. The significance of the '101 Project' is to allow teachers to find the right teaching method, and then promote it quickly," said Wu Fei, a professor from Zhejiang University.

China's education reform plan implenmented on nine basic disciplines

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth