Making a mark for education

Wang Shuguo (middle), president of Xi'an Jiaotong University, joins in some fun games with his students. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A university goes all out to develop world-class systems for teaching and support assistance, Ma Lie examines its innovative approach in Xi'an, Shaanxi.

Wang Shuguo, president of Xi'an Jiaotong University, is eager to embrace the "double first-class" strategy on China's higher education system－to develop world-class universities and first-class disciplines.

He believes it is closely linked with China's "two centenary goals".

"China plans to build a well-off society by 2020 and it does not only mean to reach the goal of per capita income, but also that all aspects of society should be significantly improved," says Wang.

"What should we rely on to support us to fulfill the target? Facts have proved that we must create a new path of innovation for further development.

"And what should we rely on for innovation and development? Of course we should rely on talented people. Therefore, building the world-level universities and disciplines are a must to provide strong intellectual support for our country."

Wang says the development of universities is closely linked with the overall development of the country.

In 2015, the State Council, or China's Cabinet, issued the overall plan to promote the development of the world first-class university and the first-class discipline, clearly putting forward the target requirement of developing such universities and disciplines.