newslletter autumn 2011|issue 9

CONTENTS
NEWS AND EVENTS
XIAMEN UNIVERSITY NEWSLETTER SPRING
NEWS AND EVENTS
2011/ ISSUE 9
1-17
News
News
Visits
Awards
Conferences and Forums
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
18-37
Tan Kah-Kee - the Founding Father of Xiamen University
Pioneers in Education
Overseas Students in XMU
PEOPLE
Office of International
Co-operation and Exchange,
Xiamen University
Office of Hong Kong, Macao
and Taiwan Affairs, Xiamen
University
Add: 422 Siming South
Road, Xiamen, Fujian
361005
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +86-592-2186237;
Fax: +86-592-2180240
38-52
Xiamen University Vice-President, Professor Wu Shinong wins 2010 Fudan Management Awards
Xiamen: Magic Place, Magic People by Professor Bill
Brown
Developing a Health Shield - Professor Xia Ningshao
A Rising Star in Chemistry - Professor Zheng Nanfeng
1
53-70
Xiamen University: bringing together outstanding talents and building academic strength
The Second Executive Workshop for Confucius Institute
Directors 2010
Teatime Symposia - Sipping Tea and Savouring Life
Voices
71-76
4
1. XMU establishes sister-university relationship with UMK
University of Southampton and the UK Research Council. Some
Professor Leo E. Morton, President of the University of Missouri-
postgraduates and 33 undergraduates were accepted for the Sum-
Kansas City, visited XMU between July 7th and 8th. XMU Presi-
5
tween August 2nd and 11th under the sponsorship of XMU, the
24 scholars from China and Britain were invited to contribute. 57
mer School.
dent Zhu Chongshi and Prof. Morton signed a memorandum of
co-operation.
2. Co-operation in research between XMU
and Chuo University, Japan
On July 21st, a new agreement on international co-operative pro-
SPECIAL EDITION
3
jects was worked out between the XMU Department of Finance
and Chuo University, Japan. The agreement ensures in-depth cooperation in the comparative study of the financial systems, fi-
5. XMU Vice-President Wu Daguang attends
European Confucius Institutes Joint Conference 2010
The European Confucius Institutes Joint Conference 2010, held
by Confucius Institute Headquarters, was held in London between September 6th and 8th. XMU Vice-President Wu Daguang
attended the conference and visited Confucius Institutes around
Europe.
nancial supervision and monetary policies of China and Japan in
the post-financial crisis era.
3. XMU and Waseda University run joint ecological survey
6. XMU Chairman Zhu Zhiwen meets Bill
Gates
On September 27th, XMU Chairman Zhu Zhiwen met Bill Gates
at the China World Hotel in Beijing. They discussed the travelling
In July, An eco-culture research team from XMU and a research
wave reactor technology, particularly the possibilities of its popu-
expedition on eco-culture from Waseda University in Japan held
larisation and application in Fujian Province.
a joint survey on the current ecological state, the progress made
in desertification-control and construction of the eco-culture in
Inner Mongolia.
4. XMU-University of Southampton Summer
School
7. “State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (Xiamen University)” awarded title of “Superior State Key Laboratory”
On September 28th, the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (Xiamen University) was awarded the title “Supe-
The 2010 XMU-University of Southampton Summer School on
rior State Key Laboratory” in a nation-wide appraisal programme
research in bio-fuel cells and micro-energy devices was held be-
of 37 geosciences laboratories.
1
NEWS AND EVENTS
NEWS AND EVENTS
8. Academic exchanges agreement signed
between XMU and Universiteit Maastricht
12. XMU Vice-President Wu Daguang meets
former British Deputy Prime Minister Lord
Prescott
On October 13th, President Gerard Mols of the Universiteit Maastricht in Holland visited XMU, where he had a meeting with
On November 8th, Lord Prescott visited XMU, where he was
XMU President Zhu Chongshi and signed an agreement for an
warmly welcomed by Vice-President Wu Daguang. Lord Prescott,
academic exchanges programme between the two universities.
a former British Deputy Prime Minister, is and Honorary Professor of XMU and a European Council Climate Envoy.
14
9. Opening of Confucius Institute at University of Delaware
17
18
13. XMU Alumni Association established in
Canada
The University of Delaware’s Confucius Institute for the Advancement of Chinese Language and Culture was officially opened on
On October 26th, the XMU Alumni Association of Canada was
October 19 in a ceremony attended by UD President Patrick
founded, with a membership of over 70 alumni from cities all over
Harker and XMU President Zhu Chongshi. Some 70 Confucius
Canada, including Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver. The founding
Institutes have been set up in the United States since the first one
ceremony was attended by a delegation from XMU led by Presi-
was established at the University of Maryland in March 2005.
dent Zhu Chongshi, who extended their congratulations, and af-
th
firmed that XMU would be built into a high-level university well-
situation and problems in the field and proposed a series of solu-
XMU President Zhu Chongshi, in his capacity as a Member of the
tions.
Board of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, and XMU VicePresident Wu Daguang, as a representative of a Chinese partner
16. CommonWealth Magazine Publishes Interview with President Zhu Chongshi
known both at home and abroad.
10. Tohoku University Day held at XMU
An interview with XMU President Zhu Chongshi was published
14. Comprehensive agreement on co-operation and exchanges between XMU and
Georgetown University initialled
On October 15th, a series of events was held in the XMU Science
and Arts Centre by Tohoku University in Japan, to mark Tohoku
University Day. The opening ceremony was attended by XMU
President Zhu Chongshi and the President of Tohoku University,
Prof. Akihisa Inoue.
At the end of October during his trip to America, XMU President Zhu Chongshi visited Georgetown University, XMU’s newlyestablished academic partner university, where he had a meeting
11. XMU President Zhu Chongshi writes on
the cultivation of creative talents in China
Education Daily
met with GU President Dr. John J. De Gioia.
in the latest issue of the Taiwanese CommonWealth Magazine
(issue no. 460) under the title of “China’s rise needs talents with
leadership”. In the article, Dr. Zhu said that China was expanding
its role in the international arena, and that the ever increasing imresponsibilities. That, in turn, entailed a higher responsibility on
universities in the cultivation of talents. China needed universities in the top rank, even if that meant only one percent or a few
dozen of all the nation’s universities. This cultivation of talents
trends, it should set the market trends.
On September 16th, XMU President Zhu Chongshi wrote an article for the China Education Daily on the mission of cultivating
innovative talents. In it, he emphasised the following five points:
inculcating in students a sense of social responsibility; uphold-
CommonWealth Magazine, launched in June 1981, was Taiwan’s
first political-economic magazine run by professional journalists
and is Taiwan’s most respected publication on economics, politics
and current events.
the 30 Anniversary of Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan. At the
th
foundation of education; developing universities to reach inter-
Presidents’ Forum, Prof. Sun gave a paper on “Competition and
national standards; valuing the personal development of the stu-
Co-operation: New Developments in Educational Exchanges and
dents.
Co-operation across the Taiwan Strait”. He analysed the current
12th. Other participants were staff members of the XMU Office
of International Co-operation and Exchange, the XMU Overseas
Education College and the Chinese and foreign directors of the
13 XMU-partnered Confucius Institutes. The conference focussed
on the sustainable development of Confucius Institutes. It was attended by 1,400 university presidents and directors of Confucius
Institutes from 96 countries and regions.
19. Five Professors appointed under “Recruitment Programme of Global Experts”
By December 28th, five professors from XMU had been appointed
under the “Recruitment Programme of Global Experts”, a plan
to bring in overseas expertise. They are: Professor Bu Guojun of
the Institute for Biomedical Research, Professor Eric Meggers of
the College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Professor Liu
Xiangyang of the School of Physics and Mechanical & Electrical
Engineering. Professor Gao Shuji of the College of Oceanography
and Environmental Science, and Professor Zhao Qinjian of the
On November 12 , XMU Vice-President Sun Shigang attended
th
ing the concept of elite education; making scientific research the
stitute Conference, held in Beijing between December 10 th and
portance of its role in the global economy brought ever increasing
with leadership ability should not be a matter of following market
15. XMU Vice-President Sun Shigang attends
30th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen University in
Taiwan
university Confucius Institute attended the fifth Confucius In-
17. Professor Richard N. Zare made Honorary Professor of XMU
On December 6 th, at a ceremony chaired by Professor Tian
Zhongqun, XMU President Zhu Chongshi presented Prof. Richard N. Zare of the Stanford University Department of Chemistry
with a letter of appointment as an honorary professor of Xiamen
University. Professor Zare is a member of the International Advisory Committee of the State Key Laboratory of the Physical
Chemistry of Solid Surfaces (Xiamen University).
School of Public Affairs. So far, the total number of professors appointed at XMU under the programme has reached 16.
20. Programme led by XMU Vice-President
Wu Daguang wins bid for Ministry of Education 2010 Programme in the study of Philosophy and Social Sciences
On December 6th, a research programme on “Quality Research
on China’s Undergraduates”, led by XMU Vice-President Wu
Daguang, has won a bid under the Ministry of Education 2010
8
2
9
10
12
18. XMU President Zhu Chongshi attends
Fifth Confucius Institute Conference
Programme in the study of Philosophy and Social Sciences, with
funding worth RMB 800,000.
3
NEWS AND EVENTS
NEWS AND EVENTS
Visits
9
1
2
3
XMU Southeast Asia Research Institute
14
8. Vice-Chancellor of Bocconi University visits XMU
13. Delegation from Government of British
Columbia visits XMU
On August 30 th, the Vice-Rector for International Affairs of the
On the December 16th, an 18-member delegation from British Co-
Università Bocconi in Milan, Italy, Prof. Fulvio Ortu, paid a visit
lumbia in Canada, led by the Mayor of Kamloops, Mr. Peter Mi-
to Xiamen University. He had a meeting Vice-President Wu Da-
lobar visited XMU, where they were met by XMU Vice-President
guang of Xiamen University who gave him an introduction to
Zhang Ying who gave his guests and introduction to the current
XMU campus construction, international co-operation, interna-
situation at XMU.
1. XMU Chairman Zhu Zhiwen visits New
Zealand
On July 19 th, a 6-member delegation from the “East Asian Com-
A delegation from XMU, led by the Chairman of Xiamen Uni-
munity” research group of Tokyo University, led by Vice-Presi-
14. Terra Power Company visits XMU
versity Council, Prof. Zhu Zhiwen, visited New Zealand between
dent Tanaka Akirayan visited the XMU Southeast Asia Research
On September 28th, a delegation from the Terra Power Company,
June 18th and 22nd, at the invitation of Victoria University of Wel-
Institute for in-depth discussions of an East Asia co-operation
lington and Auckland University to attend the plaque-unveiling
mechanism, economic integration and China’s policies on South-
ceremony for the Confucius Institute at Victoria University of
east Asia.
tional courses, the development of International Master’s degrees
Wellington. Vice-President of China, Mr. Xi Jinping also attended
the ceremony and delivered an important speech.
5. Prof. Ma Shuangge from Yale University
visits XMU School of Economics
2. XMU President Zhu Chongshi visits Canada and America
versity Department of Statistics visited the XMU School of Eco-
In mid-June, a 14-member delegation from Xiamen, led by Dep-
nomics for discussions with academic staff and students at XMU.
In the morning of July 24th, Prof. Ma Shuangge from the Yale Uni-
and the academic staff.
9. Delegation form Baltimore visits XMU
Keven Weaver, nuclear expert Bruce Hilton and Project Manager
more, Mr. Zhong Fangting, and the Vice-President of the Xiamen
Tyler Ellis, visited XMU, where they had a meeting with the As-
University Alumni Association in the Americas, Ms. Liu Weimin
sistant to the President, Mr Ye Shiman and the Dean of the XMU
visited XMU.
Institute of Energy Research, Prof. Li Ning.
10. President of the Republic of Trinidad and
Tobago visits XMU
15. Delegation from Education Bureaus of
Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan visits XMU
On the morning of September 13th, the President of the Republic
of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Mr. George Richards,
accompanied by his wife, visited Xiamen University, where they
Canada and USA to study health management systems. The del-
were met by XMU President Zhu Chongshi, who gave his guests
the XMU Medical College, Prof. Liu Zhuguo, and the Director of
the President’s Office and PA to the President, Ms Pan Wei.
6. XMU President Zhu Chongshi meets Delegation from National Chung Hsing University
In the morning of July 17th, a three–member delegation from
Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Thailand, led by the President, Prof. Suchart Muangkeow paid a visit to the XMU Medical
School.
attended the 70th Anniversary celebrations of Chandrakasem Rajabhat University and visited the Xiamen University Alumni Association in Thailand.
tion of the State Administration of Foreign Experts. The purpose
of their visit was to sit in on classes and appraise the teaching.
ic strengths.
16. President of Universität Trier visits XMU
tional Chung Hsing University
On October 14th, a 4-member delegation from the Universität Tri-
Giefu and Vice President Huang
11. Professor William C. Kirby of Harvard
University visits XMU
Yongsheng, visited Xiamen Uni-
On the morning of September 14th, Prof. William C. Kirby of the
versity. They had a meeting with
Harvard University Fei Zhengqing East Asia Research Center
XMU President Zhu Chongshi, at
paid a visit to the XMU Institute of Education. Prof. Kirby is con-
which they signed a co-operation
6
agreement on academic staff and student exchanges.
currently Director of the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies and
Chairman of the Harvard China Fund.
er in Germany, headed
by the President, Professor Peter Schwenkmezger, paid a visit to
XMU. The delegation
had meetings with XMU
President Zhu Chongshi
and Vice-President Sun
Shigang.
7. Delegation from Hong Kong Polytechnic
University visits XMU
On the August 9th, a delegation from Hong Kong Polytechnic University led by the President, Prof. Tang Zhangwei visited Xiamen
University, for discussions on institution development, subject
4. Vice-President of Tokyo University visits
reau of Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan visited XMU at the invita-
an introduction to the University’s current situation and academ-
In return, from September 8th to 10th, a delegation from XMU led
by the Deputy Chairman of the University Council Chen Liwen
On October 13th, a 3-member delegation from the Education Bu-
In the afternoon of July 28th, a 8-member delegation from Nain Taiwan, led by President Xiao
3. XMU and Chandrakasem Rajabhat University exchange visits
including Chief Engineer Charles Ahlfeld, Development Director
In the afternoon of the December 12th, a representative of Balti-
uty Mayor Pan Shijian, went on a visit to health care centres in
egation included XMU President Zhu Chongshi, the Director of
4
12
10
construction, and communication and exchanges between Mainland and Hong Kong universities.
12. President from Pingtung University of
Education visits XMU
16
University of Education led by the President Liu Zhongqing vis-
17. Delegation from Enverga University in the
Philippines visits XMU
ited XMU for discussions on university development, subject
On the October 26th, a 27-member delegation from Enverga Uni-
construction, and cross-Strait communication and academic ex-
versity in the Philippines visited Xiamen University with the aim
changes between universities.
of enhancing mutual understanding and improving co-operation.
On the December 16th, a 10-member delegation from Pingtung
5
NEWS AND EVENTS
19
NEWS AND EVENTS
20
They had a friendly meeting with XMU Vice-President Lai Hongkai.
21
24
Awards
22. Delegation from Providence University
visits XMU Software School
From November 15th to 17th, a delegation from Providence Uni-
18. Vice President of China Medical University in Taiwan visits XMU
versity led by the Vice-President, Prof. Zhou Wenguang visited
the XMU Software School. During their visit, they had a meeting
with XMU Vice-President Wu Daguang at which they signed a
From October 25th to 26th, the Vice-President of China Medical
memorandum of agreement on student exchanges, academic staff
University in Taiwan, Prof. Li Yingxiong visited XMU accompa-
visits and co-operation in scientific research.
nied by 16 students on the university’s Chinese medicine resources major and teachers.
19. Educational delegation from Thailand
visits XMU
23. Delegation of Congressional Assistants
from the United States visits XMU School of
Energy Research
On December 17th, a 7-member delegation of Congressional As-
On October 29th, a 40-member delegation, including members of
sistants from the United States visited the XMU School of En-
the Thai Ministry of Education together with university and col-
ergy Research, accompanied by officials of the Chinese Embassy
lege presidents paid a visit to XMU. They were welcomed by XMU
in the US. The purpose of this visit was to gain a comprehensive
Vice-President Wu Daguang who gave them an introduction to
understanding of China’s reform and opening-up policy and to
the current situation in Xiamen University.
exchange ideas on energy issues and environmental protection
From October 18th to 28th, a 7-member delegation from XMU,
led by President Zhu Chongshi, visited America and Canada and
took part in the opening ceremonies for the Confucius Institutes
at the University of Delaware and St. Mary’s University in Nova
Scotia. The delegation also attended the 2010 Annual Meeting of
the XMU Alumni Association of America and the foundation of
The new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, Prof.
Don Nutbeam, visited XMU on November 13th and 14th, accompanied by the Pro Vice-Chancellor International Affairs, Prof.
Alistair Fitt, the Director of the International Office, Jo Doyle,
and the Director of the Centre for Contemporary China, Prof.
Lu Maozu. The visitors had a meeting with XMU President Zhu
Chongshi.
Education and the National Steering Committee of University
History Teaching.
Arts Festival in June, at which he won the platinum award in the
5. Fifteen Doctoral Candidates from XMU
win “Doctoral Candidates Academic Rookie”
award
solo piano section.
15 doctoral candidates from Xiamen University won “2010 Doc-
A teacher from the XMU Arts College, Mr. Guo Junyi took part
in the international piano competition in the 2010 3 Singapore
rd
toral Candidates Academic Rookie” awards, approved by the De-
2. Three Professors from XMU win “Returned
Overseas Chinese Association Contribution
Award”
partment of Education and Academic Degree Commission of the
State Council.
Exchange”. XMU Vice-President Zhang Ying and the Dean of
Professor Lin Boqiang of the XMU China Centre for Energy
24. XMU Vice-President Sun Shigang visits
Germany
WISE, Prof. Hong Yongmiao, both won “Innovative Talents Con-
Economics Research was recently nominated for the 2011 Inter-
tribution” awards, while the Dean of the XMU College of Ocean-
national ENI Award, which is given in recognition of brilliant,
From December 12th to 16th, XMU Vice-President Sun Shigang
ography and Environmental Science, Prof. Dai Minhan won an
cutting-edge scientific contributions to the world.
visited the Institut für Mikrotechnik and Johannes Gutenberg
“Innovative Achievement Contribution” award.
University in Mainz, in order to finalise a co-operative agreement
on co-operation in science and technology between XMU and
IMM, ushering in a new link in bi-lateral co-operation.
25. XMU President Zhu Chongshi meets
President Yang Chaoxiang of Fo Guang University
In the afternoon of December 22nd, XMU President Zhu Chongshi had a meeting with a
delegation from Fo Guang
University, led by the President Yang Chaoxiang. The
two Presidents exchanged
ideas on cross-Strait communication in culture and
education.
6
6
the “Third New Returned Overseas Innovation Achievements
the XMU Alumni Association of Canada.
21. New Vice-Chancellor of University of
Southampton visits XMU
1. Teacher from XMU Arts College wins
Platinum Award in 2010 International Piano
Competition
3
6. Professor Lin Boqiang nominated for the
2011 International ENI Award
with Chinese experts.
20. President Zhu Chongshi leads delegation
to America and Canada
2
25
In August 24th, the Returned Overseas Chinese Association held
3. American Student Wu Mengtian at XMU
wins award in “Chinese Bridge” Overseas
Student Chinese Language Competition
7. Students at XMU School of Economics win
Outstanding Paper Award
A paper written by four students, Chen Xiding, Zhang Fangfang,
Li Peng and Lu Yuchen, at the XMU School of Economics won
On August 28th, Wu Mengtian a student at the XMU Overseas
an “Outstanding Paper” award at the Deloitte Taxation Cham-
Education College came sixth in the 3 “Chinese Bridge” Over-
pionship Challenge (2010), which was held in Dalian in Liaoning
seas Student Chinese Language Competition and was placed
Province on October 15th. Their paper was on The Reform of In-
first in the “Best Web Choice” award in the competition, which
come Tax and Recapitalization and Its Economic Outcome.
rd
is sponsored by the Han Ban and CCTV. Xiamen University won
the “Best Organization” award.
4. An Undergraduate Student from XMU wins
National “Historiography Rookie Award”
8. Doctoral Candidate from XMU wins “Outstanding Paper” award at National Phase
Diagram Academic Conference
A paper by a doctoral candidate at Xiamen University won an
Su Xianhua, an undergraduate student at the XMU College of
“Outstanding Paper” award at the 15th National Phase Diagram
the Humanities, majoring in history won the first prize in the
Academic Conference and Phase Diagram and Material Design
7th “Historiography Rookie Award” of the Department of Higher
International Seminar, held in Shenyang. The paper, on direct
7
NEWS AND EVENTS
NEWS AND EVENTS
evidence for FCC-type miscibility gaps in the Cu-Ni-V system at
Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The presenta-
high temperatures, was written by Yu Yan under the supervision
tion was made by former member of the Standing Committee
of Prof. Wang Cuiping of the Xiamen University College of Ma-
of the CCCPC Central Committee, Vice-Chairman of the State
terials.
Council, and Honorary President of the Fudan Management
9. Paper by XMU Department of Finance
wins “Best Paper” award at 16th Annual
TCFA Conference
Awards Foundation, Mr. Li Lanqing.
stock market, co-authored by Professor Zheng Zhenlong, Liu
13. Southern Base of Chinese Language International Promotion at XMU wins award at
“Eleventh Five-Year” National Education Film
Competition
Chen, a postgraduate student, and Deng Yiwei, a doctoral candi-
The fifth annual meeting of the China Education Technology As-
date, was one of six papers to win a “Best Paper” award at the 16th
sociation, announced the results of the first “Eleventh Five-Year”
Annual Conference of the Chinese Finance Association, which
National Education Film Competition. Internet Video Chinese
took place on October 29th to 30th at New York University.
Teaching Courseware “Magical robot” produced by Xiamen Uni-
A paper on The price of correlation risk: Evidence from China
Conferences
and Forums
1. The 2nd XMU--Humboldt University of Berlin Conference on Economics and Finance
held in Berlin
4. XMU Vice-President Sun Shigang attends
the Sino-American Seminar on Electric Vehicles and Battery Technology
International Promotion won the third prize.
On July 21st, The 2nd XMU–Humboldt University of Berlin Con-
XMU Vice-President Sun Shigang attended the Sino-American
ference on Economics and Finance was held in Berlin. Over 50
Seminar on Electric Vehicles and Battery Technology sponsored
by Argonne National Laboratory on August 30 th and September
A team of 5 undergraduate students at the XMU College of
14. Students from XMU win Chinese Instrumentation Institute Scholarship
scholars from Germany, Belgium, Britain, China, Hong Kong and
Taiwan took part.
1st. The Seminar covered issues such as the norms and standards
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, calling themselves “XMU
Undergraduate student Liu Zhiqiang, and doctoral candidate
Xiamen Legend”, came sixth in the national final of the College
Zheng Gaofeng, of the XMU School of Physics and Mechanical
Students Chemical Design Contest, held in Central South Uni-
and Electrical Engineering won first- and second-class 2009-2010
versity from October 29th to 31st, and received a first class award.
Instrumentation Institute Awards scholarships respectively.
11. Doctoral candidate from XMU wins “Best
Paper” award at Degree and Postgraduate
Education Evaluation Conference
15. Academician Huang Liben wins lifetime
achievement award
XMU doctoral candidate Yang Yuan’s paper on Basic academic
chemistry, held in Chengdu in Sichuan Province from November
organization: an important part of postgraduates’ education
27th to 30 th, Academician Huang Benli, a professor of the XMU
quality assurance won a “Best Paper” award at the 8th Degree and
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Enginerring, was pre-
Postgraduate Education Evaluation Conference, which was held
sented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Analytical Atomic
in Changsha from October 29th to 30th.
Spectrometry in China in honour of his contributions to the field.
10. Students from XMU win first class award
in national final of College Students Chemical Design Contest
versity and selected by the Southern Base of Chinese Language
At the 4th Asia-Pacific Winter Conference on Plasma Spectro-
12. XMU Vice-President Professor Wu Shinong wins “2010 Fudan Management
Award”
16. XMU student wins top prize in final of
Second Cross-Strait Interpreting Contest
A ceremony was held on the afternoon of November 15th in the
was held at National Changhua University of Education in Tai-
Concert Hall of the XMU Science and Art Centre for the presen-
wan. 16 contestants from Mainland China and Chinese Taiwan,
tation of the “2010 Fudan Management Awards”. The main award,
gave a wonderful demonstration of interpreting skills. The top
of 100 million RMB, was shared by XMU Vice-President, Profes-
prize was won by Zhao Xiao, with a third prize going to Chen Si-
sor Wu Shinong of the School of Management, Professor Zhao
jia, both of the XMU College of Foreign Languages and Cultures.
On December 23rd, the Second Cross-strait Interpreting Contest
Shuming of Nanjing University and Professor Chen Rongqiu of
for electric vehicles and batteries, mutual demonstration projects,
2. “2010 Seminar on China’s Oil Market”
and “2010 China Nuclear Summit” sponsored by XMU China Centre for Energy Economics Research
and technology development plans.
On July 15th, the “2010 Seminar on China’s Oil Market”, hosted
5. XMU President Zhu Chongshi heads delegation at Cross-Strait University Presidents’
Forum
by the Shanghai Petroleum Institute and co-sponsored by the
XMU Vice-President Sun Shigang attended the Sino-American
China Centre for Energy Economics Research (CCEER) at XMU,
Seminar on Electric Vehicles and Battery Technology sponsored
was held in Shanghai. Prof. Lin Boqiang of CCEER was a keynote
by Argonne National Laboratory on August 30 th and September
speaker. The seminar covered such topics as the current economic
1st. The Seminar covered issues such as the norms and standards
landscape at home and abroad, the oil market supply and demand
for electric vehicles and batteries, mutual demonstration projects,
pattern and international oil price trends.
and technology development plans.
In addition, the “2010 China Nuclear Summit”, also co-sponsored
The Cross-Strait University Presidents’ Forum, held in Taiwan be-
by the CCEER, opened in Beijing. Prof. Lin Boqiang spoke at the
tween October 31st and November 6th, was attended by representa-
conference. This conference discussed China’s macroscopic nucle-
tives from 55 universities, 26
ar power development programme as well as trends and potentials
from the mainland and the
in the global nuclear market.
remainder from Taiwan. This
year’s theme was “Knowledge and Innovation: Higher
3. 2010 International Conference on Mathematical Chemistry held in XMU
On August 4 , 2010 International Conference on Mathematical
th
Chemistry opened at XMU under the chairmanship of Professor
Li Xueliang of Nankai University. Deputy Dean of the School of
Mathematical Sciences, Prof. Cheng Lixin, and Prof. Zhang Fuji,
and Professor Ivan
Education in the Era of Globalisation”. The participants
5
discussed the opportunities
and challenges confronting higher education institutions on either side of the Taiwan Strait, and how to strengthen co-operation and academic exchanges. The Xiamen University delegation
was headed by President Zhu Chongshi and Vice President Wu
Daguang; President Zhu was also deputy leader of the group of
Gutman from Uni-
mainland universities.
versity of Kragujevac
addressed the conference.
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12
15
16
3
6. 9th Symposium on Biodiversity Protection
and Its Sustainable Use held at XMU
9
NEWS AND EVENTS
The 9th Symposium on Biodiversity Protection and Its Sustainable
of Stanford University. Their papers covered such China-related
Use, held at XMU on November 4 to 7 , attracted more than
topics as economic development and reform, manpower capital
400 scholars and experts from research institutes and universi-
investment, the labour system, the employment situation, the in-
ties in China to discuss the theme of “Biodiversity and Our Post-
fluence of local labour on the market, and the gender make-up of
2010 Target”. The symposium addressed some 15 topics, including
the labour force.
th
th
“Monitoring Biodiversity”, “Managing Ecological Systems”, “Research on Biodiversity and Its Protection and Sustainable Use”.
10. International Seminar on Experimental
Economics and Finance 2010 held in XMU
On December 15th, the International Seminar on Experimental
Economics and Finance 2010 was held at XMU. The seminar,
which was sponsored by WISE, was the first international seminar on the theme of experimental economics and finance.
6
7
7. International Workshop on Teaching Philosophy and Innovation in the Chinese Language Teaching Model held at XMU
An International Workshop on Teaching Philosophy and Innovation in the Chinese Language Teaching Model was held at XMU
10
between November 12th and 15th, co-sponsored by the Beijing
Culture and Language University, XMU and National Language
Resource Monitoring & Research Centre. Themes covered were
“Faculty Development and the Construction of Teaching Materials”, “Language Research and Teaching” and “Research on Teaching Theories and Practice”.
11. International Seminar on Emerging Issues and Challenges to Statistics held in Xiamen
Aninternational Workshop on
Emerging Issues and Challenges
8. The 2nd Seminar between XMU and its
partner universities in Confucius Institutes
held in Beijing
The 2
nd
Seminar between XMU and its partner universities in
to Statistics (IWEICS), held at the
Marine Garden Hotel in Xiamen,
was sponsored jointly by XMU,
the International Chinese Statistical Association, and the Institute
11
Confucius Institutes of was held in Beijing on December 9 th.
of Mathematical Statistics. Participants discussed such issues as
XMU Vice-President Wu Daguang chaired the meeting and ad-
statistical genetics, bio-informatics and financial statistics.
dressed the seminar. The participants from the various Confucius
Institutes discussed such issues as teaching practices and cultural
12. National MBA Education Seminar held at
XMU
activities.
9. International Symposium on Contemporary Labour Economics Held at XMU
held in the XMU Science and Arts Centre, attracting some 500
scholars from 236 management schools. The participants dis-
The “2010 International Symposium on Contemporary Labour
cussed important issues and reform measures in MBA education
Economics”, hosted by WISE, was held at Xiamen University on
in China, including curriculum design and innovation in teach-
December 11th and 12th. Key
ing, quality assurance and continuous improvement in EMBA
speakers included Prof. Li
education.
Hongbin of Tsinghua University, Prof. Albert Park of Oxford University, Prof. Mark
Rosenzweig of Yale University and Prof. Scott Rozelle
10
On December 29 th, the National MBA Education Seminar was
9
Tan
Kah-Kee
The Founding Father
of Xiamen University
X
iamen University was founded in 1921, the first university in China to be established by an Overseas Chinese
leader. Mr. Tan Kah-Kee was the pioneer of private education
in China, spending his entire fortune in support of education
in his native country. Tan Kah-Kee is an inspirational figure
in China’s history of education, and was described by Mao
Zedong as a “Standard-bearer of the Overseas Chinese and
Glory of the Nation”. He was the first President of the China
Overseas Chinese League, an outstanding Overseas Chinese
leader, a great patriot, and an eminent entrepreneur, educator and social activist.
in the spotlight
in the spotlight
Standard-bearer of the Overseas Chinese
and Glory of the Nation
T
pathy for the suffering of the people of
the hills and its face to the sea, the Uni-
ter it became a public-funded university,
China as a result of domestic unrest and
versity is widely acknowledged to have
he still followed its development closely.
foreign invasion. He was an honest and
perhaps the most beautiful campus of
He returned to China to visit the uni-
successful businessman, and feeling his
any university in China. His aim was
responsibilities as a Chinese, he resolved
the development of talented people from
to use his wealth to support education
both home and abroad, to which end
in China as a way of helping the nation’s
he set up five schools in the University,
development. In 1913, Tan founded the
teaching a total of 17 majors: the School
an Kah-Kee was born on October
of as the start of the Anti-Japanese War
gapore to a warm welcome from every
21st, 1874 in Jimei, in what was then
— and in 1939, he sent Wang Jingwei a
group within the Singaporean commu-
Tong’an County in Fujian Province—
telegram accusing him in harsh terms of
nity. At the invitation of Chairman Mao,
currently Jimei District of Xiamen. He
betraying his motherland — Wang Jin-
he attended the first National People’s
was born into an Overseas Chinese fam-
gwei was originally a close associate of
Consultative Conference and the found-
ily, and was sent to a private school at
Sun Yat-sen, but in 1939 was negotiating
ing ceremony of New China in 1949, and
the age of 7, to be educated in the tradi-
a settlement with the Japanese, which led
in February 1952, returned to China
and the School of Education.
tional Chinese manner. He left China for
in 1940, to his setting up an independ-
permanently. Tan Kah-Kee held numer-
Singapore at the age of 17 to work in his
ent government in Shanghai in opposi-
ous positions within the Communist
father’s business. He took over the com-
tion to Chiang Kai-Shek. In March 1940,
Party of China, including Member of
pany in 1904, but eventually it failed. In
Tan Kah-Kee led a team of Overseas
the Standing Committee of the National
T
1916, he started his own business in rub-
Chinese in Southeast Asia to visit major
People’s Congress, Deputy-Chairman of
ber planting and processing. By 1925,
war zones and Chongqing and Yan’an.
the National People’s Political Consul-
Tan Kah-Kee had become famous as an
He had become disillusioned with the
tative Conference. In his later years, he
entrepreneur, known as one of the four
corruption within Kuomintang and the
continued to visit cities all over China,
founders of the “Malaya Rubber King-
dictatorship of Chiang Kai-shek, and
in order to understand the primary con-
dom” in Singapore.
became a firm supporter of the Commu-
cerns in life of the common people, and
nist Party as the force to save the people
devoted himself to the establishment
an Kah-Kee was a real patriot, and
and the nation from chaos. He was the
of the Chinese socialist society. He was
the “Jimei Schools”.
considered the revitalisation of the
leader of the Singapore Overseas Chinese
also a pre-eminent factor in bringing the
Chinese nation a responsibility. He met
Anti-invasion Union when the Japanese
Overseas Chinese together to support the
Sun Yat-sen and, one year later, joined
invaded Malaya, and even though his
development of their hometowns and the
the United League. After the liberation
life was in danger and he was forced to
nation as a whole. His final wish, even as
I
of Fujian in the1911 Revolution, Tan was
leave Singapore and seek refuge in Java,
he lay on his sick-bed was the unification
chosen to be leader of the Fujian Public
he never vacillated in sacrificing his own
of China. He died in Beijing on August
Security Committee, to raise money for
interests to the noble cause of the libera-
12th, 1961 at the age of 87, and was given
Sun’s revolution. He became the Chair-
tion of China.
a state funeral. His coffin was sent to his
T
man of the South Seas China Relief Fund
Union following the Marco Polo Bridge
Incident in 1937 — the incident thought
W
hen the Anti-Japanese War end-
hometown of Jimei, where it is buried in
the Turtle Garden.
ed in 1945, he returned to Sin-
of Liberal Arts, the School of Science, the
School of Law, the School of Economics
to move to Changting because of the
thropy in Singapore was equally
war, which the university survived in a
impressive. He founded a number of
manner that earned it the honorary title
schools of various kinds, and his endow-
“Strength of the South”. Following his
Jimei Primary School, followed by the
ments created an extensive, open educa-
permanent return to Jimei in 1952, Tan
endowment of Jimei High School, Jimei
tion system known by his name. In spite
Kah-Kee continued his efforts to raise
Normal College, Jimei Fishery School,
of the fact that his business was running
funds for the expansion of the university.
Jimei Navigation College, Jimei Business
into difficulties as a result of an econom-
School and the School of Agriculture,
ic recession, he still managed to raise
which came to be known collectively as
dedicated to educational philan-
n due course, Tan Kah-Kee realised
that there was not a single university,
neither public nor private, within Fujian Province — a province with a rather
large population — with a consequent
shortage of professional expertise in
both education and other fields. He also
realised that there was no possibility of
nary visionary. He was a firm advocate of
a government-funded university being
the overall development of the students,
set up in the province at the time, so, in
physically, intellectually and morally;
1921, he drew on his personal fortune to
he stressed the importance of vocational
found Xiamen University. Initially, he
education and teacher training; and he
saw to every detail himself: the selection
laid emphasis on the decisive role in edu-
of the President; the construction of the
money in every possible way so as to
cation of the university leadership and its
necessary buildings; and the recruitment
maintain the continued operation of his
academic staff.
of the academic staff; and, of course, the
schools. This commitment extended as
site for the university — with its back to
far as turning down flat, in 1932, a genwhich would have saved his business,
E
12
ways retained the deepest love for his
land who had suffered indifference and
life in Singapore, Tan Kah-Kee al-
motherland. As an alien in a foreign
discrimination, he felt the greatest sym-
T
an Kah-Kee also promoted social
development actively; he founded
the museum in the Turtle Garden and it
simply because there was a precondition
was he who proposed the establishment
of withdrawing his support for Xiamen
of the Xiamen Overseas Chinese Mu-
University and Jimei School Village. By
seum.
spring 1937, he could no longer keep it
ven though he spent much of his
B
ut Tan Kah-Kee was not merely
thropy; he was a far-sighted, extraordi-
erous offer from an overseas consortium
Devoting his all to education
versity in 1940, after it had been forced
an Kah-Kee’s educational philan-
up, having spent every penny of his fortune on supporting Xiamen University,
so the Government of the Republic of
China took over the university. Even af-
A
ccording to incomplete figures, Tan
Kah-Kee’s spent a total of 13.21
billion RMB between 1904 and 1931, including 8.37 billion directly on education
13
in the spotlight
earnings should be spent on public
that, between 1915 and 1948, Overseas
related to his educational funding, in all
causes, not on personal affairs.” His gen-
Chinese of Fujian Province origin set
92% of his total outgoings. In contrast,
erosity inspired many Overseas Chinese
up 48 high schools in various regions of
his monthly living expenses amounted
in Southeast Asia to follow his lead in
the Province, proof positive of Tan Kah-
to less than 1,000 RMB. He said, “My
supporting education. The figures show
Kee’s influence on education in China.
itself and 3.8 billion on interest charges
The Tan Kah-Kee spirit:
“Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection”
fame spread wide. His stories of untir-
inspire the students and staff of the Uni-
ingly pursued self-improvement were
versity to maintain a constant pursuit
even recorded. This appears in the Book
towards the grand goal of perfection and
of Rites compiled towards the end of the
excellence which is the essence of educa-
Tang Dynasty, where it says, “Tao Kan,
tion.
throughout his life was diligent and pursued self-improvement unremittingly”.
O
X
iamen University has now become
“S
programmes and courses in a wide range
persistent effort to pursue ulti-
of disciplines. It is the only high-level
mate perfection. It refers to the Daxue
national key research university in any
in 1921, Tan Kah-Kee gave it the
— “Great Learning” chapter of the Book
of China’s six Special Economic Zones
motto: “Pursue Excellence, Strive for
of Rites: “The way of great learning con-
which comes under the state key “211”
Perfection”.
sists in manifesting one’s shining virtue,
and “985” projects. Its location in Xia-
in loving the people, in only stopping
men facing the ocean on the southeast
ursue Excellence” refers to the
on achieving perfection.” Zhu Xi, a re-
coast of China gives Xiamen University
conscious, unceasing effort to
nowned Song Dynasty scholar explained
the unique geographical advantages of
improve oneself. The expression first ap-
the term “qin-min” as meaning “xin-
close proximity to Taiwan and easy ac-
pears in the Book of Changes: “As Heaven
min”, or “renovating the people” rather
cess to Southeast Asia and the outside
maintains its vigour through move-
than “loving the people”, emphasising
world.
ment, so the gentleman should pursue
the role of education in fostering people’s
self-improvement unremittingly.” Tao
inner good qualities. Zhu Xi also laid
Kan, the Governor of Jing Zhou during
stress on “persistence” and “perfection”
the Jin Dynasty made it his motto, and
in “only stopping on achieving perfec-
through his dedication became a power-
tion”. Tan Kah-Kee’s aim in basing the
ful, outstanding military figure, whose
university on ancient wisdom was to
“P
The sayings of Tan Kah-Kee: words of wisdom and truth
• “Education is the foundation of a nation, supporting education is the
responsibility of every citizen.”
people.”
• “In simple words, the goals of the University are, on the one hand to
not bring immediate success, it will at least preserve the nation’s culture
pursue scientific development through research, and on the other to pro-
and spirit for future revival.”
mote social progress so that China can become one of the strong nations
ment depends on education.”
• “A person can contribute the public cause within his ability at any time.
of this Earth.”
• “A student should always make the prosperity of his nation and the wellbeing of his fellow citizens his first priority.”
If you choose to wait until you are wealthy, you will never be a philan-
• “I would rather shut down my business than close the university.”
thropist.”
• “I would sell all my properties if need be to continue my support for Xia-
• “In spite of constant difficulties and frustrations, I am fully determined
14
to donate the fortune I have earned to education and the service of the
• “For me, education is the ultimate way to save the nation. Though it may
• “The wealth and well-being of a nation lies in its citizens, whose develop-
Prof. Pan Maoyuan
Prof. Wu Xuangong
Prof. Zhang Yichun
a comprehensive university offering
trive for Perfection” concerns the
n establishing Xiamen University
Pioneers in
Education
men University.”
Prof. Pan Maoyuan
Pioneering founder of Higher Education Studies
in China
Building the foundations of Higher Education:
seventy-five years in teaching
W
hen Professor Pan Maoyuan received his Honorary Doctorate from the University of Hull in the UK, he was described as a pioneering founder of higher education theories in China who, through his hard work and wisdom, had contributed extensively to the
reform of higher education in the country and played a major role in establishing China’s higher education research system.
S
A
ince first setting foot on the podium, in 1935, Prof. Pan has devoted his life to education in China, of which he feels most proud. Now
in his 90s, he is still active on the frontline of teaching. “If I was given a second life, I would once again choose to become a teacher.”
ceremony was held on October 9th, 2010 to celebrate his seventy-five years of devotion as a teacher at Xiamen University, which was
attended by nearly 500 guests from Departments of Education at various levels of government, higher education institutes and
universities. Prof. Pan received an “Award for Special Contributions to Higher Education Studies” by the Chinese Association of Higher
Education, presented to him by the Director of the Association, Professor Zhou Yuanqing.
• Starting Teaching at the Age of Fifteen.
P
rof. Pan has been teaching since he was
the time. He can still recall how it felt to be
balls of paper at each other and making a
15 years old, when he gave his first class,
standing on the podium for the first time:
racket. I finished everything I had prepared
standing in for his brother, who taught at
“Every time I turned my back to write on the
within the first 15 minutes, and then just
a primary school, and who was unwell at
blackboard, the students started throwing
stood there with no idea what to do next.”
• Studying at Xiamen University at the Age of Twenty-One
H
aving settled on a career in educa-
teacher-training course and on gradua-
Still a young man, he felt that he could
tion, Prof. Pan joined a high-school
tion became a teacher in a village school.
go still further in his career and applied
in the spotlight
in the spotlight
for a place on the education studies pro-
lack of transport, he was only able to go
and have a really quick meal so that they
gramme in Xiamen University. It was the
home once, for his mother’s funeral.
could secure a seat in the reading room
early 1940s, the time of the Anti-Japa-
A
nese War, when living conditions were
where they could study undisturbed.
t that time, despite the shortages
Besides their busy study timetable, the
of necessities and difficult living
students had their own free-time enter-
conditions, the people led a more peace-
tainments, including writing poetry and
choice but to walk for seven days from
ful and tranquil existence. Studying was
plays, and wood carving, which were
Jieyang to Changting in order to sign-up
unquestionably the top priority of every
very popular at the time.
and sit the entrance exam. During his
student. As Prof. Pan recalls, they had to
time as a student in XMU, owing to the
rush to the canteen after class every day
extremely difficult; with little transport
available, Pan and his classmates had no
• Twenty-two years exploring of Higher Education
A
cussing on studies of various domains
a well-known line of poetry, roughly
na, Prof. Pan was asked by Wang
within the university curriculum, a dis-
translatable as “I spent ten years sitting
Ya’nan, the President of Xiamen Univer-
cipline which later became Higher Edu-
on a cold bench, meaning being given the
sity, to put on a training course for staff
cation Studies. His proposal received a
cold shoulder.”
of higher education institutions around
lukewarm response, however, and its im-
the nation. However, educational stud-
fter the founding of the New Chi-
• Founder of the Xiamen University MBA
I
n 1982, the International Development
velopment of management programmes
for the first group to take part in the pro-
Bureau of Canada began funding de-
in China under the China-Canada Ex-
gramme, including Xiamen University.
change Programme on Management.
Prof. Wu was adamant that MBA courses
Outstanding Chinese students were
must be established in China to foster
selected to join MBA programmes in
management experts ourselves. Under
Canada, and Chinese teachers were of-
the efficient organisation and leadership
fered opportunities for short-term vis-
of Prof. Wu, the first MBA Centre in
its to business schools in Canada. Eight
China was founded at Xiamen Univer-
national key universities were selected
sity.
• Compilation of MBA Textbooks
E
arly MBA programmes under the
books which were adaptable for Chinese
China-Canada Project only used im-
reality. He organised a team consisting of
ported English textbooks, which, despite
young teachers with overseas education-
their up-to-the-minute theories, seemed
al backgrounds in the area, and together
portance was only finally acknowledged
far-removed from the reality of business
they produced top-level textbooks which
ies at that time only covered pre-school,
in 1978. Nowadays, Higher Education
practice in China. This made Prof. Wu
attracted intense attention from the do-
primary and secondary education. Prof.
Studies has become a mature academic
to think about the possibility of compil-
mestic circles.
Pan realised the vital need to establish
discipline, included on the course lists
ing and publishing a series of MBA text-
Higher Education Studies as a discipline.
of most universities across the country.
In 1956, he was the first person in China
Speaking of those years of unremitting
to propose an academic discipline fo-
efforts, Prof. Pan Maoyuan likes to quote
• Issuing the MBA degree
I
• Lessons from a life of ninety years
N
ow in his 90s, Prof. Pan considers
must be sufficiently strong-minded to
time pursuit in Higher Education Stud-
that line of poetry to be his motto.
put up with the cold shoulder from oth-
ies is living evidence of his strong-mind-
The key lesson from his life is strong-
ers, to insist on what you believe in, and
edness and indefatigable willingness to
mindedness: if you want to succeed, you
to accept your failures. Prof. Pan’s life-
confront failure.
n 1990, when the first group of MBA
ation ceremony was due to take place,
notification from the Ministry, author-
students was about to graduate, no of-
Prof. Wu spent one-hour on the phone to
ising it to issue the MBA and a Masters
ficial authorising document, defining the
the Ministry, explaining the entire pro-
degree in Economics. Xiamen University
qualifications and title of the degree, had
cess of the course, including application
was the first university in China author-
yet been received from the Ministry of
procedures and course structure. The fol-
ised to grant MBA degrees.
Education. Two days before the gradu-
lowing day, XMU received a telegraphic
• Great love of teaching
P
Prof. Wu Xuangong
A leading figure in MBA education
8
0-year-old Professor Wu Xuangong was born in Jinjiang, in Quanzhou, and graduated from
the Xiamen University College of Foreign Languages and Cultures in 1951. He received his Mas-
rof. Wu always conveys great affec-
and demanding process. However, when
tion every time he talks about his 60
students truly benefit from your lectures
years as a university teacher. “Teaching
and put the knowledge they have ac-
is a process of self-improvement which
quired into practice, this rewards your
requires prior learning on the part of
hard work and brings you enormous de-
the teachers themselves. You should
light. It makes you eternally aware of the
prepare your lectures carefully, mak-
real value of teaching. That’s the reason I
ing them more detailed, specific and
have always felt a profound affection for
student-oriented, which is a laborious
my job.”
ters degree in Political and Economic Studies from Renmin University of China in 1960. Besides his
academic work, he held the posts of Head of the Department of Economics, Vice-President of Xiamen University, and University Party Secretary. He is a national expert in the theory of ownership
and property ownership and in Marxist Economics.
O
n November 20th, 2010, the University held a ceremony to honour his 60 years of devotion to
education, with 100 of his former students from political, business and academic circles join-
ing the celebration.
16
(Prof. Zhang Yichun)
17
in the spotlight
Prof. Zhang Yichun
A half century of nurturing talents
A
ceremony was held on November 13th, 2010, to honour Prof. Zhang, a nationally renowned
financial economist, and Director of the National Key Programme in Finance at Xiamen
University, for his 50 years of contributions to education. The ceremony was attended by over 200
former students of Prof. Zhang who are now working in the fields of politics, business and academia. At the same time, the ceremony marked the publication of an anthology of his writings,
and the launch of the Zhang Yichun Research Foundation.
P
rof. Zhang, who is now in his late 70s, was born in Lianjiang, in Fujian Province. After graduating in political economics at Xiamen University in 1960, he stayed on as a teacher, rising
later to the positions of Head of the Department of Financial Economics and then Dean of the
School of Economics. He is the founder and Dean of the Xiamen University Institute for Financial and Accounting Studies.
• Production of a Large Number of Bank Presidents
I
Chen Rongkai.
n his 50 years at the University, Prof.
People’s Political Consultative Confer-
Zhang has supervised 111 Master’s De-
ence Xiamen Committee and Professor
gree students, 74 doctoral students and
of Finance at Xiamen University; Zheng
countless of undergraduates. Many of his
Zhenlong, a member of the Discipline
former students have become important
Appraisal Committee under the State
figures in the finance industry and aca-
Council and Professor of Finance at Xia-
his students have even been known to
demic finance circles in China. They in-
men University. His former students also
fish around in his pockets for cigarettes
clude: Gui Minjie, the Deputy-Secretary
include political figures such as Member
during class breaks. Besides giving them
of the China Securities Regulatory Com-
of the Fujian CPC Standing Committee
academic guidance, Prof. Zhang takes
mission; Li Lihui, the President of Bank
and Secretary of the Fujian Politics and
very good care of his students, even to
of China; Dong Wenbiao, the Chair-
Law Committee, Xu Qian, Deputy Gov-
the extent of setting up blind dates for
man of the Board of China Minsheng
ernor of Guangdong Province, Liu Kun,
them. To his students, he is both a highly
Bank; Wan Jianhua, the Chairman of the
Deputy Governor of Hubei Province,
respected teacher and a good friend.
Board of Guotai Jun’an Securities; Jiang
Zhang Tong, and Secretary of the Xia-
Shuxia, Deputy-Secretary of the Chinese
men Municipal Committee of the CPC,
W
hile Prof. Zhang is a very distinguished teacher, outside class
he is extremely friendly and easy-going;
X
iamen University is located on the southern shore of Xiamen Island, in a city which is
• Prof. Zhang and the Stock Exchange
D
the latest information. There is a story
versity President Zhu Chongshi, Prof.
active on the academic stage, re-
that, when he was in hospital, he sneaked
Zhang’s operations on the stock-market
maining young and passionate at heart.
out to a nearby internet café to search for
constitute an example of putting theoret-
He follows every hot financial and eco-
some information.
ical studies into practice; to Prof. Zhang
A
nother story popular among his
himself, investing in stocks and shares
students and colleagues in Xia-
can be a driving-force impelling peo-
men University has it that Prof. Zhang
ple to learn about changes in the global
always the one to break the ice at a semi-
is an expert on the stock-markets with a
economy, in interest rates and exchange
nar or symposium, drawing the atten-
good eye for the potentially most profit-
rates, and in macro-regulation policies,
tion of everyone in the audience. At an
able stocks. He began writing books on
and therefore constitutes a good source
advanced age, he got into sending short
stock-markets in the 1980s, using the
of material for teaching.
messages, surfing on the internet and us-
information as course material for his
ing email to make sure he has access to
undergraduate classes. To Xiamen Uni-
merchant banking, stock-markets, or
even the recent financial tsunami. He is
18
widely recognised as the most liveable city in China. The University was a pioneer in pro-
espite his age, Prof. Zhang is still
nomic issue closely, whether it concerns
Overseas
Students
in XMU
viding educational opportunities for overseas students, and for many decades now it has been
warmly welcoming students from all over the world. Currently, some 1000 or so overseas students are pursuing regular courses at Xiamen University. The delightful environment on this
beautiful campus enables them to enjoy their life here as well as to make great progress thanks
to the excellent academic atmosphere provided by its excellent academic staff and superb research facilities. At Xiamen University, many overseas students develop a passionate interest
in Chinese and in China’s traditional culture. They can be seen participating in many cultural
activities in the University, and many of them leave the campus to enjoy the larger stage of Xiamen itself. Let us hear what they have to say about their life in Xiamen and their perceptions of
Xiamen University.
in the spotlight
in the spotlight
Magnus Bain
from Norway
Master’s student in Chinese Civil and Commercial Law
I
t is not easy to describe Xiamen Uni-
is a modern city with everything you
the moment very few people from over-
versity and our lives on this island
need.
seas have even a basic knowledge of Chi-
with a few words. I could focus on the
fact that Xiamen University is a famous
university in China, with a beautiful
T
o be honest with you, at times it can
on Chinese staff to do their legal work.
be hard to live in China. The culture
With a background in Chinese law you
is still different. The language is the big-
would be able to offer almost unique
gest barrier. Most people here speak some
knowledge about doing business in one
themselves. Instead I would like to say
English but in the end you are better off
of the most important economies in the
that this city has a relaxed atmosphere.
learning a few words of Chinese yourself.
world. It is a study choice for the future.
We live a comfortable life here. Xiamen
It is actually not that difficult to learn. At
Cendrawaty T.
from Indonesia
Master’s student in Literature
D
uring my stay in China I’ve visited
many places and cities; each has
its own culture and charm that stunned
and is one of the cleanest cities in China.
has already reached great heights and is
search papers published every year in re-
Xiamen is a coastal city, well-known for
one of the most famous universities in
nowned international journals. Thirdly,
its natural beauty, tourist attractions,
China. This is indeed a very beautiful
all the people of the campus are friendly!
and friendly people. Transport is very
university!
They are willing to talk with you and
convenient with bus routes linking all
help you. Fourthly, Xiamen is modern
locations. So I think Xiamen University
Elisa
nese law. Foreign companies mainly rely
am not going to. The pictures speak for
campus and long beaches nearby, but I
incomparable with many scientific re-
A
from Italy
Bachelor’s student in teaching Chinese as a foreign language
W
hen, in September 2008, I bravely
to be part of the Students Association
came 20th. If there had been 30 teams
or crazily arrived in Xiamen
and I am always happy to offer myself
we would have been the 30th! All the
without knowing a single word of Chi-
to help as class representative. This may
Chinese teams had been seriously train-
nese, the first days around the city were
also be because I’m not 20 years old any-
ing for weeks in the sports fields, but us,
pretty challenging to the point of being
more, and after about 15 years working
we didn’t even meet one time before the
hilarious — staring at the street signs in
in my country I am totally enjoying this
competition not even to try a few jumps.
mysterious Chinese characters and try-
plunge back into student life and want to
When our competitors were already
ing to use gestures to communicate with
live every bit of it. Xiada teachers are not
at the end of the race, our last member
the lovely and friendly Xiamen people. A
only professional and knowledgeable, but
would be still running in his sack strug-
few days later I set foot in the office of the
they also try to build a human relation-
gling to get to the end at least. We laowai
Xiamen University Overseas Education
ship with the students and are willing
also have a face to save! Anyway, what
s the city has a deep tie on me, it is
and students is pretty cool and informal
College and had a pleasant surprise…not
to help and give advice outside studying
was important that day for our team, a
pretty much understandable that
but with mutual respect.
only did the registration go smoothly, but
matters. A couple of times per semester
great mix of nationalities, 1 Italian (me!),
also many existing students were there
they arrange extra-class activities for us,
2 from Cape Verde, 1 from Thailand, 2
really feel at home at Xiamen Uni-
to assist the new and lost students by
such as trips to Zhanghou, Gulangyu,
from France, 1 from Pakistan, 2 from the
I chose Xiamen University to continue
me in many different ways. However,
my graduate programme. The campus
Xiamen is the one that has impressed me
speaks for itself, and indeed justifies my
the most. I fell in love with Xiamen the
true feeling for the city. Xiamen Univer-
moment I landed at this beautiful place.
sity is one of the most beautiful campus-
I
versity. One of the experiences that
translating and answering questions and
the Tulou, multiethnic lunches, delicious
Philippines and 1 from Russia, was hav-
I’ll never forget getting to know what
doubts. One of them really kindly ac-
dinners with KTV, bicycle trips, bowling
ing the chance to know each other more
“Bo Bing” is, a local dice game which is
companied me in searching for an apart-
days and many more. These extra-class
out of the classroom and to have a great
activities are really a great help for teach-
laugh. But next time we will win!
With the friendliest and warmest people
es I’ve ever seen, with its lakes, elegant
quite interesting and fun to play. Finally,
ment and helped me with the real estate
I’ve ever met in China, and delicious cui-
and classic buildings, and numerous sta-
thank you Xiamen for making my life
agency, then to buy a phone-card, and
ers and students coming from different
sine, Xiamen is really a recommended
diums. The atmosphere of study at Xia-
worth living.
showed me around the city and much
countries and various backgrounds to
place for anyone who wishes to have a
men University is also very stimulating;
more. I didn’t, at any time, get frustrated
get to know each other.
the relationship between the professors
about not being able to communicate
cosy, healthy life.
myself, and didn’t feel any culture shock
despite the differences between Italian
Mohammed Mahabubur Rahman
from Bangladesh
Master’s student in Ecology
I
20
came to Xiamen University in 2006 on
tion Ecology in the Department of Biolo-
a Chinese government scholarship to
gy. I feel very proud because I have found
study for a master’s degree leading to a
some rare characteristics here in this
PhD. Specifically I am a student of Pollu-
university especially in my research lab.
and Chinese customs. It’s probably also
A
part from that, there is also a very
interesting event in Xiada: the
Chinese Language Competition. Sadly I
S
oon af ter the karaoke competi-
haven’t been brave enough to participate
tion the University also organized a
so far; I’m just too shy. But I really appreciate the university organising all these
thanks to the simply beautiful Xiamen
events, and I would like to encourage
and positive vibrations all around the
other students not be as cowardly as me
city that I just felt immediately welcome
but to try instead and take part in all the
and at home.
possible activities, in order to meet new
friends, beat their fears, improve their
A
t first I hadn’t planned how long I
language skills, and get more self-confi-
would stay in China … maybe one
dent; to use their precious time in China
year, maybe two. I am now in my third
to absorb as a sponge as much as this fas-
ers, fellow students and the excellent
year and haven’t had enough yet of this
cinating culture can transmit to us.
learning environment. Secondly, the sci-
wonderful experience. This new adven-
sports competition…our team was the
entific research at this university is really
ture is absorbing me totally. So I agreed
only laowai team and out of 20 teams we
F
irst of all, I must mention my teach-
21
in the spotlight
in the spotlight
Martin
from Indonesia
Chinese language, songs, and arts
A
lthough I have nearly finished my
and became not only fascinating, but
diences. Chinese music and drama help
final year at college, actually I have
also a meaningful culture which con-
me to revise the material that had been
tains a lot of wisdom.
told in the class.
realised that I am just beginning the process of recognising Chinese culture, my
dream ever since the first time I came
here. Unfortunately, I was not able to
master the Chinese language quickly,
M
y enjoyment of a Chinese song
and music led me to be interested
in Chinese culture. At that time, I did
which is the most important requirement
not understand the meaning of the lyrics
to learn Chinese culture. Since my Chi-
but I could feel its soul. When I listened
nese language has improved, it can help
to it, I felt as if I was in a different and
me to recognise the beauty, the values,
magnificent world, which was created
and the meaning of Chinese culture. But,
from the relationship between humans
at this point, I have nearly finished my
and nature. I asked someone who can
study and should leave China and work
speak Chinese the meaning of that Chi-
in Indonesia.
nese song’s lyrics, and I became more in-
I
like arts quite a lot. Besides learning
Chinese, I use my free time to sing
terested in and amazed by Chinese. Up
Chinese songs. I have also entered the
he study of Chinese literature and
till now my first impression of Chinese
karaoke competition in the university
culture have inspired me on how
culture has never changed, because there
almost every year. Besides that, I also
the Chinese people give a meaning to
is a spirit in Chinese culture which is in
enjoy Chinese paintings and Chinese
their life and appreciate their life. In my
line with my own dream.
calligraphy; I had the opportunity to join
T
heart I admire and have a deep impres-
in calligraphy competitions too. In my
W
hen I learned the Chinese lan-
opinion, calligraphy balances the Chi-
guage, I experienced exhaus-
nese learning journey that is sometimes
tion because I felt that I could no longer
stressful and tiring. It is this harmony
experience sorrow and shed their tears
see the beauty of the Chinese language.
in music and calligraphy that really in-
but does not leave a deep scar in their
Therefore, in that situation I tried to
terests me. The values of wisdom and the
heart. Moreover, it also teaches me the
listen to Chinese music and tried to
beauty of Chinese culture will always at-
harmony between people and nature
translate the lyrics. I also repeatedly lis-
tract me. I am grateful that the Overseas
which leads to peaceful, beautiful, and
tened to my favourite Chinese songs and
Education College gave me the chance to
enjoyable life. Nature does not only pro-
learned how to sing them. Besides that,
learn Chinese arts. I hope that one day, I
duce crops but also teaches us to be wise,
I really like to watch Chinese drama se-
will have one more chance to learn not
and the beauty of nature can satisfy our
ries. They are interesting because the
just the language, but the Chinese arts
souls. From a bitter life full of challenge
stories show the reality of life and the
and culture more deeply.
and difficulty, Chinese culture was born
messages from the story educate the au-
sion of how Chinese culture makes people experience joy and happiness, but it is
not overwhelming. It also makes people
across were “Ni”, “Hao, “Ma” — mean-
confidence. That was because one of my
confident. I responded to any question
ing “Hello” — and “Yi’, “Er”, “San” —
Chinese friends told me the names of the
quickly, whether I understood it or not.
“one”, “two”, “three”. I found it very in-
two singers: one was Lee Hom Wang; the
Many people on the Internet supported
teresting and asked my mother whether
other was Jay Chow. He also told me that
me for my performance and I became the
I could go to China. To my surprise, my
many Chinese people did not understand
most popular competitor online. Actu-
mother agreed without a second thought;
what they were singing, either.
ally the ranking was not that important
it seemed she believed I was kind of simple-minded that I would not be accepted.
But, as it turned out, I was. Besides, one
I
to me; coming first did not mean your
met many excellent “talent scouts” in
Chinese was the best, and it was just a
the Overseas Education College. One
TV programme. I had taken part in it
of them was my teacher Ms. Zhang Li.
as an opportunity to practise and meet
had once studied at Xiamen University,
She discovered both my talent and my
others. I wanted to master the Chinese
which was very beautiful, as soon as you
love of performing. She was convinced
language by the time I graduated and
went out the gate you were by the sea. At
that I was quick-witted, thoughtful, and
then pursue postgraduate studies. My
the beginning of 2008, I came to Xia-
a good performer. Ms. Zhang gave me
interests are in performance and arts
men University myself with high expec-
a lot of support and set up an opportu-
management. I want to stay in Xiamen,
tations, even though I only knew a few
nity for me to take part in a well-known
but that still depends on whether I get a
Chinese characters. I can still remember:
programme on China Central Televi-
good opportunity. This place has become
it was past eleven in the evening when I
sion. Although my Chinese was still not
my second hometown. I don’t like eating
arrived at Xiamen Gaoqi Airport. See-
good at that time, I still thought it would
western-style food any more, and, apart
ing the pitch-darkness outside, I was
be a good opportunity to practise. I had
from Sea Worm Jelly — a local special-
so scared that I could not even find the
chaired many competitions and events in
ity — my eating habits have become even
courage to step out of the door and de-
Xiamen University and my Chinese had
more local than those of the locals.
cided to sleep in the airport lounge, until
improved greatly.
of my high school seniors told me that he
two o’clock when I was woken up by a security guard.
W
hen I came to Xiamen, I was ea-
I
have taken part in the CCTV programme “Chinese Bridge” twice and
have become a familiar face for many
ger to learn the Chinese language
people. In 2009, I reached the semi-final,
well. At first, I dared not open my mouth
but came 31st. The sad thing was that
to speak Chinese; I felt my Chinese was
only the first thirty competitors go on to
awful, just like a kid in kindergarten.
the final. At the time, my teachers and
Later, one of my friends told me that lis-
classmates all thought I could make it,
tening to Chinese songs would help with
and I am a person who wants to do well
learning Chinese. I went to Zhongshan
in everything, so I preferred to say that
Road and bought two CDs. But, good
I came first of those who did not make
heavens, I could not understand even a
it to the final. In 2010, when I took part
single word of the songs. Chinese was so
in the competition again, I was more
difficult to learn, but I soon began to gain
familiar with the rules and much more
Martin Wiley Woods
from the US
The most popular participant in Chinese Bridge 2010
I
22
come from Louisville in Kentucky;
US. One of my high school teachers was
bit about the Chinese writing system and
it’s one of the less-known cities in the
keen on Chinese culture and taught us a
language. The first expressions I came
23
people
people
Xiamen University Vice-President
Professor Wu Shinong
cial distress forecast model, consisting
method helps uncover some important
carry out further research into financial
of 18 warning indices, enabling the over-
factors leading to financial distress for
management, looking at practical prob-
all analysis of the state of growth, asset
a company. He believes that problems
lems and using methods of applied psy-
turnover, profitability, balance sheet, as-
caused by the international financial cri-
chology, sociology and other behavioural
sets liquidity, and cash generation ability
sis have shown that corporate manage-
sciences.
of a company. Prof. Wu’s forecast model
ment is closely linked to selfish behav-
proved superior to that used by foreign
iour on the part of company executives
scholars in both applicability and effec-
resulting in financial distress for the
tiveness.
company. Modern financial management
research should therefore be combined
I
n 2006, Prof. Wu proposed a further
with studies of corporate executive be-
forecast model based on value crea-
haviour as well as the political and social
tion, which introduced corporate gov-
environment outside an enterprise. Pro-
ernance variables into the model. This
fessor Wu says that he and his team will
The key to the Chinese capital market is efficiency
P
Wins 2010 Fudan Management Awards
O
n November 15th 2010, a presen-
sie University as a PhD student under
tation ceremony was held in the
the Canada-China Project and returned
Concert Hall of the Xiamen University
to Xiamen in 1992 with a PhD in Eco-
Science and Arts Centre for the 2010
nomics. He spent the 1994-95 academic
Fudan Management Awards. Professor
year as a Fulbright Scholar at Stanford
Wu Shinong of Xiamen University was
University. In 1991, Professor Wu was
one of three people to be so honoured.
appointed Chief Director of the Xiamen
Prof. Wu was given the award for his
University MBA Centre, followed by ap-
contributions to the field of Business
pointment as the Dean of the Xiamen
Management.
University School of Management. He
State Council.
O
University, a member of the committee
University School of Economics in
of the National Natural Science Foun-
1982, Professor Wu joined the faculty. He
dation of China, Vice-President of the
went to Dalhousie University in Canada
Chinese Society for Management Mod-
in July 1984 to study for his MBA, and
ernisation, and convenor of Business
returned to Xiamen University in 1986.
Administration Review Group of the
In early 1990, he went back to Dalhou-
Academic Degrees Committee under the
B
agers had no monitoring system or
forecast model appropriate for studying
Chinese corporate financial distress.
Furthermore, there was even no agreement on the definition of or criteria for
24
establishing corporate financial distress.
P
small investors. He also proposed a set of
paper entitled Effectiveness of the Shang-
extensions within the theory of Anchor-
ment of a company and the external
hai Stock Market: an Appraisal based on
ing Effects, including dynamic vs. static
capital market are interactive; a financial
an empirical analysis of financial data on
anchors and high vs. low anchors. In this
manager cannot afford to know nothing
listed companies. In it, he stated that it
way, Prof. Wu developed a method for
was necessary for China to ensure the ef-
assessing the reform to the division of
fectiveness of its capital market and that
equity in China.
factors, from which, using an effective
scientific analysis of the prices, the distribution of capital resources could be
optimised.
comparing and contrasting financial
data of Chinese enterprises, Professor
ry he re-defined and optimised the con-
Wu and his team finally set up a finan-
through his follow-up survey of financial
data on listed companies. He believes
rom then on, Prof. Wu has focussed
that for any capital market, of no-matter
market regulations and prioritise effec-
forward the concept of market risk, and
tiveness.
its financial policies.
showed that classic western investment
theories did not apply to China’s stock
rof. Wu was the first management
markets. Since 2005, he has carried out
scholar to pay attention to China’s
a series of studies on the reform to the
capital market. Already in the early
division of equity in China. He says that
1990s, he realised that China’s stock
China should carry out such a reform so
markets fluctuated radically, which re-
as to improve market effectiveness and
vealed a problem of effectiveness in the
to improve legal protection for Chinese
Research is to be based on China’s actual needs
companies, and on that basis proposed
and effective solution to these prob-
fectiveness within the stock markets
enced by the capital market in terms of
cept of financial distress used by foreign
lems. Using a dynamic, three-stage theo-
been continuing to monitor ef-
what type, the crucial thing is follow
P
that financial distress is predictable. By
or over a decade now, Prof. Wu has
on effectiveness within China’s capi-
opment of a company is inevitably influ-
rof. Wu’s research provided a timely
F
F
tal market. During 2003 and 2004, he put
about the capital market, and the devel-
The financial distress is predictable
efore 2001, Chinese enterprise man-
markets. In August 1994, he published a
that the internal financial manage-
stock prices should ref lect all relevant
is currently a Vice-President of Xiamen
n graduating from the Xiamen
rofessor Wu has long held the view
P
rofessor Wu insists on two principles
benefit China. In the early 1990s, he felt
ognised that, in such a situation, if Chi-
for any research: it should be based
strongly that international scholars paid
nese scholars didn’t base their research
on the actuality in China; and it should
no attention to Chinese scholars. He rec-
on the actuality of China and its needs,
25
people
people
it would simply be a case of who pays the
Governance: an International Review,
piper calls the tune. Furthermore, he is
and at international conferences. In ad-
his research program in the field of Chi-
of the opinion that one of the major tasks
dition, he has written 30 books, four as
nese academic humanities and social
confronting China’s scholars is to popu-
sole author and 10 either as a contribut-
science. Professor Wu won “The Best
larise management theories in a way that
ing author or as translator, and has been
Paper Award” in the 13th and 15th TCFA
allows policymakers, entrepreneurs and
Editor-in-Chief on 16 textbooks.
Annual Conference in 2007 and 2009 re-
students to understand, master and apply.
2006 saw him win the first prize with
spectively.
I
n 1995, Professor Wu was awarded
“Outstanding Teacher in Fujian Prov-
T
hose two principles are the founda-
ince”. Two years later, he was cited by
tion on which Prof. Wu’s research
the State Education of Commission and
has been built. He has published over 80
the Ministry of Personnel with “Award
heart bounded with joy at the sight.”
papers in key academic journals, such as
for Outstanding Personnel Returning
the Economic Research Journal, Journal
from Abroad”. In the year 2001, he won
of Financial Research, China Account-
the award “Chinese Excellent Teachers
ing and Finance Review, and Corporate
in Universities and Colleges”. The year
T
Xiamen: Magic Place, Magic People
By Professor Bill Brown
provincial-level autonomy has helped the
evolving into a modern city where life is
city to boldly pioneer numerous green
almost like a vacation—except that vaca-
development practices. Xiamen had Chi-
more generous feeling, predominant at
tions get old, whereas life on the garden
na’s first daily air quality forecasts, and
Amoy, towards foreigners, and traders, and
island of Xiamen only gets better as the
was a pilot city for national environment
visitors, than at other parts of China …”
city continues to evolve. In fact, my wife
protection. We had China’s first ISO-au-
and I sometimes take a weekend vacation
thenticated garden, and Gulangyu Islet
and stay right here in a Xiamen hotel just
was the country’s first ISO-authenticated
so we can appreciate our rapidly chang-
administrative district. Xiamen greenery
ing hometown from a visitor’s perspec-
has grown from 13% to almost 40%, new
author wrote that Xiamen’s Gulangyu
tive.
communities have at least 30% green
Islet had the wealthiest square kilometre
of its great concentration of both wealth
because of its natural beauty, idyl-
lected as a United Nations Development
and talent, and the uniquely close co-op-
Project demonstration site.
eration between Chinese and foreigners.
1988, I had already lived in over 30 cit-
country, but nowhere compared with Xi-
with Scotland, and the serene gardens
of the best in the world), and strategic
ies, and certainly had no intention to stay
amen as a place to actually live and work.
and picturesque beaches. My wife and I
taking in the bracing sea air while watch-
love to travel, and each year visit cities
ing the massive merchant ships, the sam-
around China and the rest of the world,
pans and junks, and the sailing yachts,
I’ve come to realise that while many plac-
and admiring the beauty of Xiamen bay
es are nice for a visit, there really is no
and the majestic Great Southern War-
place like home, especially if that home
rior peak. I can relate to young Miss Jane
is Xiamen.
Edkins, who on April 20th, 1860, wrote to
her brother Simon:
I
“H
It is hard for an inveterate wanderer
ere we are at Amoy … We an-
to settle down, so I explored the rest of
chored outside, on a beauti-
China, just to be sure. In 1994, my family
ful moonlight evening. The scenery all
and I drove our van over 40,000 kilome-
round was enchanting. Noble hills of
tres around China, from Xiamen up the
rocky brown overhung the entrance,
coast to Beijing and Mongolia, through
crowned by pagodas, etc. Rocky islands,
the Gobi desert to Tibet, and back to
Xiamen via Southern China. We were
amazed by the sheer scope and variety of
X
iamen’s most obvious attraction
the abode of wild fowl, encircled us. The
is of course its natural beauty. For
sun poured his last mellow rays o’er the
centuries, foreign visitors have been
delightful scene as we entered, and my
tries, and an international settle-
ment so successful that in 1900, a foreign
on the planet. Xiamen prospered because
granite crags which many compared
still be here 22 years later. While I still
X
iamen had consulates for 14 coun-
now the green heart of the city, was se-
liness and hospitality throughout the
We walk the boardwalk each morning,
our embassies and expeditions
have uniformly found a kindlier spirit, a
space, and our Yuandang Lake, which is
to Xiamen (the former Amoy) in
never have imagined our family would
esides the natural advantages…
iamen has grown rapidly in part
enchanted by its green hills, the rocky
certainly appreciate the island’s beauty.
“B
in environmental protection. Xiamen’s
chanting 19th century beauty while
China’s natural beauty, and the friend-
in Xiamen longer than a year or two. I’d
wrote of Xiamen in 1843,
oday, Xiamen has retained its en-
hough I was only 32 when I moved
did not come to that decision easily.
26
ment for cities its size, but also second
X
T
only number one in economic develop-
lic climate, deep natural harbour (one
W
Xiamen had 20 educational institutes,
hen Xiamen entered the UN-
and Chinese and foreigners working to-
sponsored “Nations in Bloom”
gether helped pioneer China’s modern
competition in Germany in 2002, the six
medicine, modern education (especially
not sacrificed our environment. Dur-
judges voted unanimously for Xiamen,
for women), sports, art and literature,
ing one 20-year period, Xiamen was not
noting that Xiamen was not only number
and music. Gulangyu Islet was home to
one but far ahead of number two. And in
such famous Chinese as Lin Qiaozhi,
2004, Xiamen received the coveted “UN
“Mother of modern obstetrics”, John
Habitat Scroll of Honour Award”. But the
Ma, pioneer of China’s modern sports,
secret of Xiamen’s success is found not
world famous pianist Teng Hiok Chiu,
just in its natural beauty and economic
internationally acclaimed pianist Ying
strategies but in the spirit of its people.
Chengzong, Lu Zhuangzhang, “Father
coastal location between Hong Kong
and Shanghai, and facing Taiwan. But
fortunately for us, the rapid growth has
C
of Pinyin”, and others. Xiamen is also
enturies before Hong Kong or
recognised internationally as the “Home
Shanghai were on the map, Xia-
of Modern Tropical Medicine”, thanks to
men people had a reputation for bold-
the discoveries here of Sir Patrick Man-
ness, business savvy (they were dubbed
son, the “Father of Tropical Medicine”.
the “Yankees of China”), and integrity.
The list of famous Xiamen residents,
Most overseas Chinese emigrated from
both Chinese and foreign, continues to
the Xiamen area, so Xiamen people had
grow. Last year I received a letter from
contacts with relatives abroad, and they
the son of the famous American artist
were open to foreign trade, travel, and
Horace Day, who said his father was born
exchange of ideas. Allom and Wright
to missionary parents in Xiamen in 1909,
27
people
people
and his South Fujian upbringing was a
of course very beautiful, I’d have never
great influence upon his award-winning
noticed had a factory worker not asked
art.
to give me a brief tour of Xiamen dur-
A
sand words, but a visit is worth ten
thousand pictures. Visit Xiamen and
ing my first trip here. It was that man’s
discover first-hand why over 5,000 long
he “Xiamen spirit” that won for-
enthusiasm for his hometown, and the
term foreigners, and tens of thousands of
T
Developing a Health Shield
picture may well be worth a thou-
eigners’ respect, trust and co-op-
bit of history I read from one of your
Overseas Chinese, are proud to say there
eration for so many centuries continues
books, that moved me to do more busi-
is no place like home, especially when
even today to enchant foreign visitors
ness in Xiamen. Although Shanghai,
that home is Xiamen!
seeking not only an excellent business
Canton and Beijing are of course larger,
and investment environment but also
and I have more contacts there, Xiamen’s
a high quality of life. A few years ago, a
modern transportation and communica-
foreigner with 20 years business experi-
tions help compensate for that, and I love
ence in China who had just visited Xia-
the big city convenience and small island
men for the first time asked me out to
atmosphere of Xiamen. Xiamen really
breakfast. I was told, “To foreign busi-
is magic. “I could not have said it better
ness people, all Chinese cities are alike.
myself. Xiamen is indeed the largest little
We see the airport, the hotel, the fac-
island on the planet.”
Feature Story of Professor Xia Ningshao
O
n January 14 th, 2011, a ceremony
pregnant women. The Institute’s dis-
They have an 80% share of the Chinese
was held in the Great Hall of Peo-
covery of this antigenic determinant
market, and are available in 23 other
ple in Beijing for the presentation of the
has led to the development of a geneti-
countries and regions, including the
2010 National Science and Technology
cally engineered antigen, which is now in
US, the UK and France, with total sales
Awards, the highest national award in
large scale production. The Institute has
of over 9 million units. Prof. Xia and
the field. Among the 2010 laureates was
developed three types of reagent kit for
his team have developed a strong shield
Professor Xia Ningshao, of the
to protect huma n’s hea lt h
National Institute of Diag-
through their extraordinary
nostics and Vaccine Develop-
research achievements.
ment in Infectious Diseases at
X
Xiamen University, represent-
tory, and go home. Though Xiamen is
ia Ningshao is a professor
ing his team, who received a
in the Biology Depart-
second-class award for their
About Prof. Bill Brown
B
ill Brown is a professor at the Xia-
addition, he maintains his own website,
men University MBA Centre. He
http://www.amoymagic.mts.cn/, and
graduated from Walden Univer-
I
n 1990, he was awarded the Fujian
Provincial Friendship Award, and
two years later he was the first
sity with a PhD in Administra-
foreigner in Fujian Province to
tion and Management, and has
be granted permanent residence.
been teaching business studies
In 1993, he was presented with
to graduate students for over 20
the National Friendship Award
years. He has written textbooks
by Premier Li Peng. In 2002, Bill
on Organizational Behaviour
Brown represented Xiamen at the
and Business Strategy, together
international “Nations in Bloom”
with over 60 articles for a wide
competition, helping Xiamen to
range of journals and newspa-
win its category. In 2003, he was
pers, several television documentaries, and a number of books in-
ment of Xiamen University
discovery of an effective con-
where he supervises doctoral
formational antigenic determi-
candidates, and is concurrently
nant for the Hepatitis E virus
Director of the National Insti-
and its applicability in diag-
tute of Diagnostic and Vaccine
nosis. The presentation fills a
Development in Infectious Dis-
gap in Xiamen’s record in this
eases at Xiamen University. He
national award. The research
started research career in 1990,
results were published in the prestig-
the diagnosis of three varieties of infec-
and joined Xiamen University in 1995 as
ious medical journal, The Lancet, and
tion: hepatitis E acute infection, previous
an Associate Researcher at the School of
received high praise from Dr. Scott D.
infection and animal infection, which
Life Sciences, and went on to become a
Holmberg, the Chief of Epidemiology
they have successfully industrialised and
full professor and doctoral supervisor.
for the Centres for Disease Control and
launched internationally. The institute
He was appointed Director of the Fujian
Preventions Division of Hepatitis Pre-
has been awarded Good Manufacturing
Provincial Research Centre on Medical
vention. Such international recognition
Practice and Certificate of Pharmaceuti-
Molecular Virology at Xiamen Univer-
puts China among the global leaders in
cal Product certificates, and have been
sity in 2003, and has been Director of
voted one of “Top Ten Movers
research into Hepatitis E vaccines.
granted three domestic or international
the National Institute of Diagnostics and
in Xiamen”. Bill Brown is well-
H
cluding Amoy Magic—Guide to Xiamen,
writes two blogs, http://offthewallchina.
known among local people who refer to
Mystic Quanzhou—City of Light, Discov-
blogspot.com/ and http://oldchinapho-
him as “Lao Pan”.
er Gulangyu, Magic Fujian, and Xiamen
tos.blogspot.com/ as platforms for intro-
University—Strength of the Nation. In
ducing Xiamen and China.
patents for their kits. The products have
Vaccine Development in Infectious Dis-
epatitis E is the principal form of
received two certificates of licensing as
eases at Xiamen University since 2005.
acute hepatitis resulting in death
new drugs or treatments and have been
among the middle-aged and elderly and
approved for the CE mark of the EU.
Academic achievements
P
P
lying in the development of genetically
cle using e-coli. He has applied for three
engineered antigens, vaccines, diagnos-
international patents in respect of his de-
tic antigen kits and studies on molecular
velopments, and his Hepatitis E recombi-
virology and immune system.
nant vaccine, has already passed stages I
rof. Xia is a major researcher in
molecular virology and genetic en-
gineering, with his principal interests
28
rof. Xia was the first to identify two
neutralising epitopes of the Hepati-
tis E virus, and to express the HEV parti-
29
people
and II of the clinical trials to be licensed
as a national class-one new drug.
people
P
rof. Xia developed the world’s first
more sensitive than other available test
test kit for the rapid diagnosis of
kits.
A Rising Star in Chemistry
Highly Pathogenic Avian Inf luenza in
A
recombinant HIV antigen and the
co-operation with researchers at Univer-
third-generation diagnostic rea-
sity of Hong Kong and Shantou Univer-
gent kit developed by Prof. Xia match the
sity, launched on November 11th, 2004. It
standards of the best kits currently avail-
was awarded funding from the Special
able internationally. The kit has had a
HPAI Prevention and Treatment Pro-
market share of 20% for two consecutive
gramme under the National Scientific
years, putting it in first place domesti-
Key Project in 2005.
cally. In 2002, the kit was listed among
the National Key New Products by six
ministerial level institutes, including
the Ministry of Science and Technology,
Professor Zheng Nanfeng
L
ing and only leaves very late in the even-
kit for the rapid diagnosis of the Infludetection of currently known Influenza
Project award by the National Develop-
A viral strains responsible for infections
ment and Reform Commission.
among humans, including the currently
returned to Xiamen University as a Spe-
the Lujiaxi Building early in the morn-
team succeeded in developing a test
it was given the Model Industrialisation
Professorship at UC Davis, Prof. Zheng
perity of chemistry in China.
Professor Zheng arrives in his office in
n 2009, Prof. Xia and his research
enza A virus. The kit can be used in the
colleagues for the development and pros-
the Xiamen University School of
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
I
and in 2003, the research project behind
ike many other diligent teachers in
left for the US in August 2000 to study
latest research results from both China
for his PhD in Chemistry at UC River-
and overseas on multi-functional nano-
side, graduating in June 2005. He went
materials, and in teaching students, both
on to post-doctoral research at UC Santa
undergraduates and graduates, devoting
Barbara and then, in August 2007, hav-
his time and energy to working with his
ing turned down an offer of an Assistant
P
he National Institute of Diagnostics
terviewed by the media, the first thing
approval certificate for the third-stage
and Vaccine Development in Infec-
he says is, “Research is a team effort; if
clinical trial for a new national class-one
tious Diseases at Xiamen University has
you want to write this, write it about our
drug. He has applied for 26 patents, ei-
team.”
ther national or international, of which
O
ceived two Fujian Province Scien-
tific Progress Second-class Awards, one
Xiamen Municipal Scientific Progress
30
rof. Zheng’s research areas cover
by fellow researchers worldwide. To date,
Angewandte Chemie International Edi-
large chalcogen nano-structures and
he has had some 40 papers published in
tion, four in Chemical Communications,
their assembly and structurally control-
first-rank journals, including a cover
two in Chemistry of Materials, and oth-
lable nano-catalysts and bio-materials.
paper in Nature, sixteen in Journal of
ers in journals of equal renown, such as
His achievements are highly respected
the American Chemical Society, six in
Science.
Careful experimenter
he has been granted seven to date.
O
n January 14th, 2010, Prof. Xia was
one of 15 national model workers
given an opportunity to meet President
P
rof. Zheng declined the job offer
and whose approach to teaching imbues
dedication to research makes him a role
from UC-Davis in order to join Xia-
his students with new ideas and the abil-
model for his students not only in terms
men University as he felt his research
ity to think independently. During his
of the exploration of science, but more
would contribute the development of the
weekly teacher-student meetings, Prof.
importantly, also in terms of responsibil-
College of Chemistry and Chemical En-
Zheng does not merely ask general ques-
ity and commitment.
tions on his students’ research goals, pro-
Major Contribution Award. Of the over
Hu Jintao. He was dubbed the luckiest
60 papers, of which Prof. Xia was lead
person by the press, as he was always to
author or co-author, published in do-
be seen standing next to the President
mestic and international journals, over
during the reception, the photography
gineering and its chemistry programme.
30 were in prestigious, Science Citation
session and even during the firework dis-
Index-listed journals. He was awarded
play. He also had the longest discussion
a special government allowance by the
with President Hu, for nearly 20 minutes.
P
State Council in 1993, and an Outstand-
He graduated with a BSc in Chemis-
try from Xiamen University in 1998, and
Higly accomplished scholar
Professional reputation
ver recent years, Prof. Xia has re-
rof. Zheng was born in April 1977.
ing. He spends his days searching for
rampant H1N1 virus. It is 10,000 times
T
P
cially Appointed Professor.
F
urther to this, Prof. Zheng follows
American practice in teaching his
rof. Zheng made the progression
undergraduate courses. Some 100 stu-
from being a student to becoming
a teacher within a brief period of time.
dents are attracted by the great quantity
The project of one of the doctoral stu-
of the latest information and research
dents under his supervision was chosen
results to join his courses in solid-state
as an “Outstanding Doctoral Candidate
chemistry. However, only 20 or survive
Project”, and many of his Master’s stu-
the intense pressure of his strict regime
dents have had papers published in well-
of evaluation based on attendance, and
known journals and magazines both
performance in class quizzes, writing pa-
been granted many first-class honorary
ing Individual award by the Ministry of
titles for its many outstanding scientific
Science and Technology on the 15th An-
achievements; these include Fujian Prov-
niversary of the 863 Project. In 2004, he
ince Vanguard Team for the New March,
was selected for the National Talent Pro-
Fujian Provincial and Xiamen Munici-
ject for the 21st Century, and awarded
pal Pioneering Workers Team, Fujian
the Fujian Provincial May 1st Movement
Province May 1st Pioneering Team, and
Medal and the title of Top Ten Outstand-
Chinese and international.
Xiamen University Nanqiang Outstand-
ing Young Workers. In 2005, he was
ing Research Team. Prof. Xia therefore
honoured as a National Model Worker.
has received extensive media and public
He has received a total of ten licences
coverage. However, whenever he is in-
for new drugs he has developed and one
H
gress, current data and research results;
pers and examinations and stick it out to
rather he asks thought-provoking ques-
the end. His classes are often occasions
e is a devoted and careful scientist
tions concerning their various research
of heated discussion and the sharing and
who has inf luenced many of his
areas, and checks the validity of their
exchange of ideas.
students through his attitude to research,
experimental data. His seriousness and
31
people
A scholar with a sense of humour
O
n July 5th, 2010, for the first time,
an event was held in a lecture hall
on Zhangzhou Campus at which distin-
with a video of his college roommate.
P
tougher, but the very competitive environment provided the impetus needed to
rof. Zheng believes that people
achieve success. Finally, Prof. Zheng re-
should choose to pursue what they
assured the students about the strength
are capable of accomplishing, since no
of Xiamen University in research, and
terviewed. Prof. Zheng was the first to be
one can be a master of everything, that
encouraged the undergraduates to pur-
interviewed. The audience of nearly 200
the key to scientific success is genuine in-
sue further development domestically,
students were deeply impressed by his
terest and that the way to manage social
encouraging them to maintain their aca-
guished teachers of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering were in-
easy-going attitude, wise but humorous
demic ambitions, enthusiasm and hope
language, and rich experience of life.
in confronting their future challenges.
P
P
and encouraged the students to appreci-
each question with patience. He pointed
rof. Zheng first spoke on the im-
rof. Zheng’s wisdom and humour
portance of the chemical sciences,
won rousing applause. In the Q&A
which are of immense value to mankind,
session which followed, he answered
ate the real beauty of chemistry. He gave
out that essentially chemistry was an ex-
the audience a taste of the delights of sci-
relations is an essential that can only be
ploration of the unknown, and that the
entific research, creating a glamourous
learnt from society. Speaking from his
ultimate secret to success was dedication.
word-picture of an enthusiastic scientist;
experience of studying overseas, he told
He ended by encouraging the undergrad-
he impressed them with his abilities in
students that leaving China was merely
uate students to be co-operative team
independent research, his serious atti-
the start of struggles and hard work to
players, to be independent thinkers, to be
tude to science, and his constant pursuit
come; they should not think of going
hard-workers and to become able scien-
of perfection. While retailing anecdotes
abroad to study as a chance to relax. The
tific researchers.
of his life, he raised a gale of laughter
educational environment overseas was
Xiamen
University
Gathering Outstanding Talents and
Building Academic Strength
O
ver recent years, the main thrust of Xiamen University’s development has been building the University into a high-level
university well-known both at home and abroad. To this end, the University has attached great importance to develop-
ing talents and has put considerable effort behind a plan to build up its academic strength through a strategy of attracting
academics of the highest level of talent and creativity. It has implemented a range of measures aimed at encouraging them
to join the University, including creating beneficial conditions for their development and encouraging a favourable climate
for their work. Over the period of the 11th Five-year Plan, the University estimates that over 740 high-level talents in various
fields were attracted. These included more than 110 professors:
• 16 through the “Recruitment Programme of Global Experts”;
• 6 Chief Scientists under the National Basic Research Programme — also known as the 973 Programme;
• 7 Distinguished Professors under the Chang Jiang Scholars Programme;
• 4 winners of National Science Fund awards for Distinguished Young Scholars;
• 6 listed in the National Hundred, Thousand and Ten Thousand Talent Project;
• 59 under the “New Century Excellent University Talents” programme of the Ministry of Education;
• 34 Distinguished Professors under the Minjiang Scholarship scheme.
T
he accession of these renowned scholars has enabled Xiamen University to make considerable progress in the development of disciplines, the training of experts and in teaching and research and has made Xiamen University a place for
gathering expertise, and become an incentive for attracting more top scholars.
32
special edition
special edition
• Measures to attract talents
so long ago, Prof. Hong was a professor
the Wang Ya’nan Institute for Stud-
able support in terms of policy, funding,
at Cornell University. For Xiamen Uni-
ies in Economics was founded in 2005,
and its environment, without which the
A
versity, he was an alumnus and a Visit-
Prof. Hong recognised that, to achieve
Institute would not have been able to
ing Professor. However, in 2005 Prof.
sustainable development, the Institute
achieve so much.”
Hong was invited to Xiamen University
needed to step up the training of young
to become the Dean of the Wang Ya’nan
scholars: “At the time of its foundation,
Professor Li Ning
t the age of 30, Professor Li Ning
thing great” in the field of energy devel-
was appointed a Life Fellow of the
opment. The exciting prospect of nuclear
Los Alamos National Laboratory in the
energy developments in Fujian Province
US, and went on to become the first Nu-
was a major reason for choosing Xiamen
clear Industry Fellow at Los Alamos and
University, while the University’s want-
principal researcher of the civilian nu-
ing to make energy research a new area
clear programme. He was concurrently
of growth exactly met his requirements.
the Asian Director of the Terra Energy
Corporation, founded and funded by Bill
Gates. Professor Li, now 46, is one of the
globally-recognised, leading experts on
Institute for Studies in Eco-
B
efore Professor Li joined Xiamen
University, energy research at the
University was limited to basic research
and applied basic research, with a gap in
and in materials science, having been re-
nuclear energy research. After only one
sponsible for a number of breakthroughs
year under the leadership of Professor
in the industry. He has been awarded the
Li, research into clean energy technol-
US National Laboratory Achievement
ogy had come into full blossom. The
portunity to talk with them when they
Award and was the recipient of the 2006
School of Energy Research had achieved
visit Xiamen University, exchanging
Asian American Engineer of the Year
much in attracting and building a tal-
ideas and trying to help find solutions to
Award.
ented team, together with developing the
their difficulties and problems. Many Xi-
discipline and the teaching. The School
amen University teachers have stories to
n 2008, Professor Li Ning was on holi-
also meets the planning and technology
tell concerning two leaders’ sincerity and
day in China and took the opportunity
needs of enterprises, local government,
enthusiasm towards talented scholars.
to visit Xiamen University, where he re-
and Fujian Province, and has established
ceived a warm welcome. The University’s
a model of development and approach to
leaders asked him for his advice on the
engineering technology.
development of energy studies as a discipline at the University. During the discussions, Professor Li Ning came to un-
retain them and help them de-
modern economics teaching
velop. In any new discipline or
and research institute, not only
Institute, you will find a well-
in China but in the whole Asia-
k nown name: Professor Li
Pacific region.
Ning, the Dean of School of Energy Research; Professor Hong
n 2008, the Quarterly Jour-
Yongmiao, the Dean of the
nal of Economics showed
Wang Ya’nan Institute for Stud-
that Xiamen University ranked
ies in Economics; Professor Lin
the third after Hong Kong Uni-
Boqiang, the Director of China
versity of Science and Tech-
Centre for Energy Econom-
nology and Wuhan Univer-
ics Research; Professor Zhang
sity reported that of the papers
Xiaokun, the Dean of Institute
it was essential to send young teachers to
for Biomedical Research — these are all
study abroad.” Although the University
experts and leaders in filed. The new aca-
2007, the majority had been produced
has regulations covering length of ser-
demic disciplines and Institutes at Xia-
by the Wang Ya’nan Institute which was
vice before a young teacher can be sent
men University have been designed and
I
only established in 2005. In December
abroad, to Prof. Hong’s surprise, he was
established specifically as a platform for
2009, the establishment of the Ministry
able to persuade the relevant leaders and
them.
of Education Xiamen University Econo-
departments to support his needs. In
hile Professor Li’s main reason
of the top scholars who have joined Xia-
metrics Key Laboratory was approved,
mid-2005, the first group of new teachers
for joining Xiamen University
men University over the past five years,
the first key laboratory in economics to
were selected for studies overseas, and
combine both the sciences and the arts,
set off. In the Institute’s first three years,
opening new channels of exchange and
15 young teachers were sent to study in
in order to keep these talents, Xiamen
communication with foreign counter-
foreign universities. In due course they
University needs to establish a career
parts and raising the strength and global
returned to Xiamen University and have
platform for them on the basis of their
reputation of Xiamen University in tra-
become the backbone of teaching and re-
disciplinary and other requirements.
ditional economic research.
search in economics.
Xiamen University has abandoned the
W
n this way, Xiamen University has
made itself more attractive to out-
standing talents. The figures show that
179, representing a quarter of the total
also has other attractions for talented
number, came from well-known univer-
the University’s plans for an academic
scholars, including personal relations,
sities and research institutions. The list
discipline in Energy Studies. The Uni-
the working environment, and finan-
includes Professor Han Jiahuai, a win-
versity leaders maintained their contact
cial reward. Professor Zhu Zhiwen, the
ner of the Chang Jiang Scholar Award,
with Professor Li and finally offered him
Chairman of the Xiamen University
Professor Yuan Li, the Chief Scientist of
an “olive branch”. In February 2009,
Council, and Professor Zhu Chongshi,
the National Basic Research Programme,
Professor Li had the courage to quit his
the President, are well known for their
Professor Zhang Xiaokun and Professor
job in the world’s top laboratory and re-
appreciation of talents. The professors
turn to China to become a Distinguished
Professor and the Dean of the School of
Xu Huaxi, from the Burnham Institute
X
L
in the various schools and colleges fre-
in California, Professor Lin Boqiang, the
quently recommend outstanding schol-
eminent energy economist, and Profes-
a special policy area in economics. When
tute many special rights and consider-
Energy Research. He said he wanted to
ars in their fields to the two leaders, who
sor Liu Qinghuo from Duke University.
“think, undertake, and achieve some-
remember their names and seize the op-
iamen University has made a point
of giving the green light in teaching
and research to such scholars and set up
P
resident Zhu Chongshi says, “They
come to Xiamen University because
they want to achieve something great. So,
traditional approach, that of attracting
ooking back, Professor Hong says,
scholars and assigning them to existing
“Over these years, Xiamen Univer-
teams, like filling in blanks.”
sity has given to the Wang Ya’nan Insti-
• Encouraging a favourable climate for research
• Creating beneficial conditions for development
Professor Chen Xiaodong
Professor Hong Yongmiao
34
talents, but it is essential to
the Institute up into the best
in English published between 1998 and
may have been his career, the University
O
not sufficient to attract such
nomics. Since then, he has built
listed on SSCI cited economics journals
of nuclear energy in Fujian Province and
derstand the plans for the development
men University in this is that it is
I
heavy liquid metal cooling technology
I
O
ne of the principles applied by Xia-
n midsummer afternoons, Profes-
the Wang Ya’nan Institute for Studies in
seen sitting and talking with a couple of
sor Hong Yongmiao, the Dean of
Economics of Xiamen University, can be
dozen doctoral candidates. However, not
P
rofessor Chen Xiaodong graduated
from the University of Canterbury in
tralian Academy of Technological Sci-
from Tsinghua University and re-
New Zealand. He is Fellow of the Royal
ences and Engineering. At the beginning
ceived his PhD in chemical engineering
Society of New Zealand and of the Aus-
of 2010, Professor Chen Xiaodong was
35
special edition
one of the second group to return to Chi-
edge of Bio-mimetic Chemistry, which
needs of the talents. Xiamen University
na under the “Recruitment Programme
has broadened our horizons and greatly
has formulated, on the basis of current
of Global Experts” to become Dean of
raised the overall level of chemistry re-
national policies, a series of plans for the
the Xiamen University Department of
search at Xiamen University.”
recruitment of top experts with the rel-
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.
He often says with deep emotion, “Xiamen is the home of my grandparents and
Xiamen University is their Alma Mater.
evant regulations to accelerate reform to
P
rof. Chen wanted to bring his teach-
and research achievements to China,
Even though many years have passed
with the aim of fostering more excellent
since the 1930s, I have a special affection
scholars for China’s universities and to
for this place. I chose Xiamen and hope
contribute to the reform and develop-
to be able to contribute to its construc-
ment of higher education in China. He
tion and development.”
also wanted to make use of his strengths
P
its systems and to improve the evaluation
ing experience, academic guidance
in industrialisation, teaching, and re-
rof. Chen has injected fresh vitality
search for the benefit of China’s enter-
into the Xiamen University College
prises to improve their competitiveness
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
around the world. Prof. Chen says that
not merely in the light and elegant offices
in returning to China, it was important
and laboratories, which he designed, but
to him not only to bring his personal
in the field of Bio-mimetic Chemistry
abilities and expertise in innovation
system. The Director of the University
he instituted. Bio-mimetic Chemistry
and starting a business, but also to bring
Personnel Division, Mr. Lin Peisan says
is an emerging, inter-disciplinary field
a team of scholars with him to Xiamen
that, through these practices, Xiamen
with great potential for application. As-
University and to attract other outstand-
University is providing outstanding tal-
sociate Professor Xiao Zongyuan, Prof.
ing scholars from both home and abroad.
ents with more extensive room for devel-
Chen’s assistant, insists, “Prof. Chen has
He has invited experts from around the
opment.
brought us the most advanced knowl-
world to Xiamen University as visiting
scholars and has recommended Xiamen
University scholars for visits abroad.
Such exchanges enrich the scholars’
X
iamen University Chairman, Professor Zhu Zhiwen says, “The com-
ing decade will be an important period
experience, while, at the same time,
for Xiamen University’s development.
Xiamen University can benefit from the
We will devote an exceptional amount
learning, research and teaching experi-
of enthusiasm, effort, and measures to-
ence of other countries.
wards attracting top scholars to the Uni-
X
versity. In this, we will be able to move
iamen University has taken the ini-
forward in the process of making Xia-
tiative to innovate in both systems
men University a high-level university
and mechanisms, and to explore new
well-known both at home and abroad.
approaches to organising and manag-
We will be able to provide the intellec-
ing such talents, with the aim of estab-
tual support and the surety of expertise
lishing a long-term, effective, guarantee
needed for the economic development of
mechanism to meet the development
Fujian Province and China as a whole.”
The Second
Executive
Workshop
for
Confucius
Institute
Directors
2010
Learning from each other and
making progress together
36
special edition
“
special edition
Opening ceremony:
Professor
Deng Liping:
”
Directors of Confucius Institutes get together at Xiamen University
“
China’s economy yesterday, today,
and tomorrow
O
O
n 9 August 2010, the Second Executive Workshop for Confucius
Institute Directors 2010 was held at Xiamen University, attracting some 70 Local
Directors from Confucius Institutes in
25 countries and regions including the
US, Britain, Germany, Russia, France,
Japan, Korea, Argentina, and the Hong
Kong SAR. They came together to learn
more about Chinese culture, to exchange
ideas on running Confucius Institutes, to
discuss making development plans, and,
in sum, how to achieve the sustainable
development of the Confucius Institutes.
T
th
his workshop was co-organised
by the Hanban — the Confucius
Institute Headquarters — and the Xiamen University Southern Base of the
Confucius Institute Headquarters. It offered an opportunity for the Directors of
Confucius Institutes around the world to
share their insights and opinions from
the perspective of international co-operation, and was designed to promote the
future development of Confucius Institutes. During the one-week workshop,
the participants took part in extensive
discussions on the history of Chinese
civilisation, Sino-foreign cultural exchanges, Sino-foreign foreign policies,
economic policies, laws and regulations,
co-operation in education and marketing strategies for Confucius Institutes.
Most of the Directors were experts in
both their native language and Chinese,
and had great interest in and knowledge
of Chinese culture.
T
he welcoming address at the opening ceremony was given by Xiamen
University Vice-President Wu Daguang.
He extended his welcome and gratitude
to the Directors and guest speakers at the
workshop, and gave a brief introduction
to the history, current status, and future
goals of Xiamen University. He hoped
that the workshop would contribute
further to cultural exchanges between
China and other countries. Papers on
various themes were given by experts in
different fields, including: Distinguished
Professor Ge Jianxiong, Librarian of
Fudan University; Director of China International Publishing Group, Associate
Professor Zhou Mingwei; Writer-in-Residence at the Central Research Institute
of Culture and History, Professor Shu
Yi; well-known expert in strategic management, Professor Mo Shaokun; Vice
President of the Foreign Affairs University, Professor Zheng Qirong; Director of
Xiamen National Accounting Institute,
Professor Deng Liping; Dean of the Xia-
clear example of the advantage of macro-
concept and connotations of the social-
ping delivered a paper entitled
ist market economy with Chinese char-
A Note on the Chinese Economy as part
acteristics on the basis of an analysis
men University School of Law, Professor
Xu Chongli; Deputy Director-General of
the National Centre for Education Development Research of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Zhou Mansheng; and Dean of
the Peking University Enterprise Business College Research Centre, Professor
Lai Weimin.
of the discussion of China’s reform and
of the socialist system, market mecha-
opening up and economic policy at the
nisms, opening to the outside world and
workshop. His paper was divided into
phases of development. In his discussion
four parts: an overview of China’s econo-
of the fundamental economic elements
my; the fundamental economic elements
of contemporary China, he explained
every effort to promote global govern-
of contemporary China; the adjustment
that China’s urban-rural structure and
ance and win-win co-operation, one
and further reform of China’ economic
unbalanced regional development were
fruit of which was the Confucius Insti-
structure after the financial crisis; and
economic issues resulting from condi-
tutes. Economic globalisation was mak-
T
facing the new world economic order
tions specific to the country. He said only
ing our world ever smaller. We lived in
from the perspective of China.
by understanding China’s economy in
a “global village” with different cultures
the past was it possible to have a better
and values. This was the purpose behind
rof. Deng gave a brief introduction
understanding of its economy today and
the existence of the Confucius Institutes;
to the development of China’s econ-
look to its future in a composed, optimis-
they promoted communication and un-
omy since the founding of the PRC and
tic, reasonable and clear manner. During
derstanding between different cultures,
evolution of its economic reform after
the financial crisis of the previous year,
with the ultimate aim of contributing
the launching of the Reform and Open-
China had taken effective measures to
further to world peace.
ing-up policy. Prof. Deng explained the
reform its economic structure. This was a
he workshop focussed on preliminary investigations and developing
features of Confucius Institutes, and, in
addition to the theme papers, included
case studies, discussions and the sharing of ideas, cultural experience events,
and site visits. The discussions covered
the managerial situation, long-time development, operating model and policy
direction of Confucius Institutes, furthering the Director’s understanding
of the construction of the Confucius
Institute Headquarters and related policies. The workshop also shed light on the
problems faced in operating Confucius
Institutes, and put forward solutions to
help the Directors in policy-making and
leadership. It laid a solid foundation for
the sustainable development of Confucius Institutes by improvements to their
quality and standards.
P
“
economic control in tackling the financial crisis.
P
rof. Deng finished by saying that
China maintained a relaxed attitude
towards the open world. It had made
Professor
Xu Chongli:
A legal system with
Chinese characteristics
O
n Au g u st 10 t h , Professor Xu
substantial justice and procedural jus-
Chongli gave a paper entitled The
tice. China’s legal system emphasised
Comparison of Laws between China and
Foreign Countries during the session of
the workshop of China’s laws. He began
both of these.
H
”
on the collective interests of the country
and society. Professor Xu illustrated the
differences between the laws of China
and those of other countries by looking
e said that western legal culture
at mandatory punishment, administra-
was characterised by individual-
tive law, and civil and commercial law.
ism while that of China was based on
On the basis of this detailed comparison
a combination of a common law system
collectivism, national interests and social
of the legal systems of China and other
and a civil legal system. Laws were en-
interests. In legislation, western coun-
countries, Professor Xu concluded that
acted in respect of two values or goals,
tries emphasised public choice, whereas
China’s legal system was a modern sys-
formal justice and positive justice, and
China’s laws placed great importance
tem with its own characteristics.
by discussing the basic types of legal
system, saying that China’s system was
38
”
n August 10 th, Professor Deng Li-
39
special edition
special edition
“
Professor
Lai Weimin:
Creating new values –
the distinctive development of
Confucius Institutes
O
”
n August 11th, Professor Lai We-
the needs of “consumers”, and suggested
imin spoke on The Marketing
that the Directors should investigate
Strategy, competitive advantage, and
the reasons and needs which led their
through such means as collaboration in
sustainable development at the session
students to study at their Confucius In-
publicity, regional exchanges, and the
on marketing and financing of the work-
stitute. At the same time, the Directors
sharing of experiences among Con-
shop, on the basis of a comprehensive
should also conduct a sample-survey of
fucius Institutes working in the same
SWOT analysis of the development of the
those who did not study at the Confucius
language and region. Communication
Confucius Institutes.
Institute to find out their unmet needs.
and co-operation among Confucius In-
said that co-operation among Confucius
Institutes should also be strengthened,
He stressed that the development of the
stitutes should not only be about find-
rofessor Lai began by briefing the
Confucius Institutes should be based on
ing out about each other’s management
audience on SWOT analysis, ex-
catering to the needs and unmet needs of
experiences, but should also result in the
tensively used in strategic research and
“consumers” in order to create new val-
benefit of saving resources and improv-
competitive analysis. He said that the de-
ues.
ing efficiency to create new values. Given
P
velopment of a Confucius Institute could
be compared to that of an enterprise, and
be analysed in the same way in terms of
internal advantages and disadvantages,
and external opportunities and threats.
that Confucius Institutes were dotted
P
fucius Institute should start by formulat-
Confucius Institutes. Professor Wacho-
before their taking up the post; thirdly,
ing clearly its own rules and regulations
wicz Stuart, Director of the Confucius
and that the funding for the project fund
Institute at Edmonton in Canada said
should cover all the expenses involved;
that Confucius Institutes should play to
the second was that the Hanban could
their own strengths and try to gain the
set up mechanisms in each country or
support of the local schools and commu-
region to pass on the experience of estab-
nity in their areas. Ms. Nora Yao of the
lished Confucius Institutes, and that lo-
University of Auckland in New Zealand
cal conferences should be held on a regular basis to reinforce the relationships
summed up the discussions. Four points
in the experience of running Confu-
the promotion of good interpersonal re-
between the Hanban, the Confucius In-
cius Institutes were brought out: firstly,
lations; fourthly, clarifying job respon-
stitutes and the local Chinese embassy.
“
Closing ceremony:
”
Learning from each other and making progress together
T
he Second Executive Workshop for
Institutes are our common concern, and
Confucius Institute Directors 2010
that in their future development, we will
came to a successful close on August
be taking co-operation to a global level.”
C
onfucius Institutes are examples of
Sino-foreign co-operation in educa-
tion. Each Confucius Institute has two
that the Confucius Institutes should
ommended that Confucius Institutes of
the Hanban Professor Wang Yongli and
said that the Hanban had done every-
appointed by the local university, the
take full advantage of China’s strengths,
different regions should build their own
former Executive Vice-President of Xia-
thing it could to resolve the questions
other the Chinese Director designated
its traditional culture, the attraction of
characteristics based on the local condi-
men University, Professor Pan Shimo,
concerning textbooks, but that, at the
by the Chinese university. This impor-
tions.
spoke at the closing ceremony, which was
same time, the Confucius Institutes were
tant workshop was held for the Local
chaired by the Dean of Xiamen Universi-
encouraged to develop their own text-
Directors. Since 2004, the Hanban has
ty Overseas Education College, Professor
books to reflect their own needs. On the
established over 310 Confucius Institutes
Zheng Tongtao.
question of teaching staff, he said that
and 340 Confucius Classrooms around
there were to be major changes in the
the world. In the years since, the Confu-
n his address, Professor Pan Shimo
training to reflect the differences in envi-
cius Institutes have become a centre for
expressed his great appreciation of
ronments, educational approaches, and
citizens of those countries to learn the
the workshop, commenting that it was
countries. In addition, he said that the
Chinese language and about Chinese
a high-level event, with the participants
Confucius Institutes would shift their
culture. They provide a platform for the
including experts in different fields and
focus to primary and middle schools and
cross-exchanges of Chinese and foreign
Directors from the five continents. He
that the individual Confucius Institutes
cultures, and a bridge for friendly co-
also expressed his gratitude to the Han-
should take the lead in building strong
operation between Chinese and foreign
ban, the Directors, the experts and the
relations with their local primary and
peoples, and the Confucius Institutes
staff and volunteers. In his address, Pro-
middle schools.
have been welcomed warmly by the peo-
Group discussion:
”
T
he Asian group discussion focussed
sity in Japan spoke on three matters: co-
on three questions: firstly, that Con-
operation between Chinese Director and
fucius Institutes needed to be positioned
Local Director; collaboration between
tors 2010 was held on August 12th. The
in terms of teaching the Chinese lan-
the Chinese university and the local uni-
Directors were divided into two groups:
guage and academic activities; secondly,
versity; and the sustainable development
an Asian group and a non-Asian group.
how to attract more students; and thirdly,
of the Confucius Institutes. He suggested
They exchanged ideas on their experi-
the development of textbooks in Chinese,
that, in the coming years, much more
ences of co-operation and discussed fully
English and the local language. Professor
attention should be paid to the brand-
the problems their Institutes faced.
Koh Hockkia of Nanyang Technological
ing and trademarking of the Confucius
University, Singapore shared his experi-
Institutes, to connections between Con-
ence in running Confucius Institute. Its
fucius Institutes of different regions, and
activities came under three headings: ac-
textbooks in minority languages.
ademic research; lectures, performances,
and exhibitions; and language teaching
in primary and middle schools. Professor Zhang Weixiong of Sapporo Univer40
suggestions. The first was that each Con-
Local Directors in policies of the Hanban
Directors, one being the Local Director
Open communication to shape a better future
Workshop for Confucius Institute Direc-
ministrative abilities; secondly, training
Director; and the financial concerns of
In speaking of the textbooks used, he
omy, to further their development. He
experiences at the Second Executive
ties of the Chinese Director and Local
13th . The Deputy Director-General of
in successful marketing was to know
T
sibilities. Ms. Yao also put forward two
all around the world, Professor Lai rec-
its language and its fast developing econ-
he discussion session on sharing
strengthening Chinese Directors’ ad-
rofessor Lai finished by proposing
He said that the most important thing
“
ties; secondly, the different responsibili-
I
fessor Wang Yongli said “The Confucius
ple in their respective countries.
T
he non-Asian group discussion included three main sections: firstly,
communication between different par41
special edition
special edition
Teatime Symposia
Sipping Tea and Savouring Life
T
he “Teatime Symposia” are a series of events set up by the Xiamen University Youth League and Graduate School, as a way of establishing an efficacious environment in which teaching staff can exchange ideas and share their experiences both as academics and
in life with students. To date, nine members of the academic staff have been invited to take part in the symposia. They are Professor Zhou
Yanwu Playing Field, over 130-hectares
thanks to his determination and insist-
tions from the students about the con-
in area, from the government of the time.
ence, “Our motherland weighs more in
tributions of the well-known writer Lu
Prof. Zhu pointed out that Xiamen Uni-
the heart of her overseas children.” He
Xun to Xiamen University, the research
versity was the only one of China’s long-
was convinced that this Tan Kah-Kee
in sinology, and the sense of identity of
established universities which had never
Spirit was bound to be maintained for
Xiamen University alumni. He ended his
changed its name. He told the story of
the future. The Symposium was relaxed
Symposium by reciting an ancient Chi-
how Tan Kah-Kee argued with govern-
and comfortable, giving the students a
nese poem, leaving yet more for the stu-
ment and insisted on it being called
good opportunity to chat with an emi-
dents to savour and think about.
Xiamen University. Prof. Zhu said that,
nent teacher. Prof. Zhu answered ques-
Changle, Professor Zhu Shuiyong, Professor Jian Jinyi, Professor Zheng Xiaoying, Academician Tian Zhaowu, Professor Pan Maoyuan,
Dr. Bill Brown, Professor Deng Ziji and Academician Zhang Qian’er. They were warmly welcomed from the audience of students and other
teachers, who greatly appreciated their contributions, which helped foster a more invigorating atmosphere in academic research at Xiamen
University.
Professor Zhou Changle on the Dao of life and doing research
n 14th March 2009, Professor Zhou
personalities, morals and ethics of the
ties.” He hoped that the students in the
Changle of the Xiamen University
students. He said that improving the
audience would stick to their principles
School of Information Science and Tech-
thinking and inner qualities of the stu-
and pursue their dreams. Prof. Zhou also
nology was the guest at the first Teatime
dents was not merely dependent on the
entered into deep discussions with the
Symposium. He has dedicated his exten-
efforts and teaching of the institution,
students on his research into artificial
sive learning and academic abilities.
but was also inevitably linked to the hard
intelligence, and on poetry and Zen phi-
work and diligence of the students them-
losophy.
D
uring his two-hour Teatime Sym-
selves. This was reflected in the motto of
posium Prof. Zhou took the con-
Xiamen University: “Pursue Excellence,
cept of the “Dao” and applied it to aca-
Strive for Perfection”. When it came to
demic life and research. He quoted the
the Dao of life and doing research, Prof.
Confucian classic the Great Learning
Zhou insisted that one should follow
“The Dao of the Great Learning is in il-
one’s truly heartfelt interest, rather than
lustrating illustrious virtue” to expound
merely going with the flow. “If everyone
the importance for universities of pay-
sacrificed their dreams merely to earn a
ing greater attention to fostering the
living, then there is no hope for universi-
42
explanations, he gave a detailed analysis
ing people to think about the origin and
of the thinking of the two sages, leaving
was invited as guest of honour at the Tea-
growth of life, and reach a better under-
a strong impression on his audience. In
time Symposium to talk about the histor-
standing of how to live and treasure life.
doing so, Prof. Jian emphasised the im-
ic dialogue between Laozi and Confucius
To that end, the thinking of Laozi and
portance of cognition. “Learning has its
with an audience of over 30 students and
Confucius were the best topic.
roots in comparison and cognition; only
teachers.
P
rof. Jian began by considering the
true essence of harmony between
“I
the second Teatime Symposium, tracing
Prof. Zhu Shuiyong said with a smile. He
the glorious and unforgettable story of
wound the clock back to tell the story of
Xiamen University. His work principally
P
then can we become enlightened.”
rof. Jian expounded the nature of
“Dao” and “De”, starting from a con-
sideration of natural phenomena in the
nature and human beings, saying that,
universe. He spoke on the Tao Te Ching
to him, Chinese culture was so extensive
of Laozi and the Analects of Confucius
and profound. Research into sinology
using quotations and stories to show the
and understanding the teachings of the
relevance of their thinking to modern re-
ancient sages was something we should
alities. Using incisive language and vivid
P
O
College of the Humanities took part in
not put off, so he had set about encourag-
Jinyi of Taiwan Tunghai University
Zheng Xiaoying on a life in music
Professor Zhu Shuiyong on the story of Xiamen University
Shuiyong of the Xiamen University
n 17th June 2009, Professor Jian
• Symposium four:
• Symposium two:
n 18 th April 2009, Professor Zhu
Professor Jian Jinyi on the historic dialogue between Laozi and Confucius
O
• Symposium one:
O
• Symposium three:
rof. Zheng Xiaoying was the first
versity on 26th November 2009 to take
chestra, which has performed hundreds
woman orchestra conductor in the
part in the Teatime Symposium. White-
of concerts both at home and abroad, is
People’s Republic of China and consid-
haired, and yet full of energy, Prof.
one of the ten important distinguishing
ered one of the best women conductors
Zheng entertained an audience of more
features of Xiamen.
in the world. As Artistic Director and
than 40 students of Xiamen University
with the story of her career in music.
’m here to tell stories. The spirit
Prof. Zhu expressed enormous appre-
Principal Conductor of the Xiamen Phil-
of humanities in a university can
ciation for the courage and vision of Tan
harmonic Orchestra, she is still active
be ref lected, I think, in a short story”,
Kah-Kee, as seen is his obtaining the
as a conductor even though she is in her
80s. Prof. Zheng came to Xiamen Uni-
P
rof. Zheng founded the Xiamen
P
rof. Zheng told the students that she
hoped that more and more of them
would go to concerts and enjoy the mu-
Philharmonic Orchestra in 1997
sic. “Music can teach you the spirit and
at the invitation of Xiamen University.
culture of a nation; it can inspire your
Tan Kah-Kee’s founding of Xiamen Uni-
The first few years were really difficult,
imagination and enrich your life.” With
involves teaching and research into mod-
versity. “He was a leader of the Overseas
as most people in Xiamen had little
great good humour and a smile, she said,
ern and contemporary Chinese literature
Chinese and a true man of South Fujian,
knowledge of orchestral music. However,
“Our tickets are the most inexpensive
and comparative literature, especially
whose dream it was to establish a ‘king-
she upheld the spirit of Tan Kah-Kee in
in China.” When a student asked her
theories of modern and contemporary
dom of education’ in southern China.”
the conviction that, sooner or later, the
whether her baton had been made spe-
Chinese literature, and the comparative
Tan Kah-Kee stood firm against great
people would come to appreciate great
cially for her, Prof. Zheng said, “The ba-
study of Chinese and western novels.
pressure to found Xiamen University.
music.” The Xiamen Philharmonic Or-
ton does not matter; it is the conductor
43
special edition
special edition
the students present that the pursuit of
tion was ephemeral, while true happi-
that I am a teacher. If I had a second life,
symposium, the audience showed their
happiness was a matter of perseverance;
ness came from the lifelong pursuit of
I would choose to be a teacher again.”
great appreciation for Professor Zheng’s
happiness brought by money or promo-
one’s career. He concluded that, “I’m glad
who counts.” And continued “I love eve-
duct it well.” Throughout the two-hour
ry work that I have conducted. It is only
if I love a piece of music, that I can con-
long career in music and rich experience.
• Symposium five:
• Symposium seven:
Academician Tian Zhaowu on life as a fraction
T
he 5th Teatime Symposium, on 8th
much from other people and society. He
the direct relationship between policy-
April 2010, was the turn of Acade-
hoped that the younger generation, who
making in finance and trade and na-
mician Tian Zhaowu to share his experi-
had better learning conditions than he
tional development. Institutional reform
ence of studies and life with his audience.
had had, would also have a sense of duty
and innovation also needed to be jump-
P
Prof. Tian is an eminent chemist, and
to pay back society. Prof. Tian shared his
started by the Social Sciences. And yet,
Academician of the Chinese Academy of
motto for life with the audience: “Aspira-
he said that both the Social and Natural
Sciences and Professor at Xiamen Uni-
tion; Hard-work; Innovation; Practical-
Sciences in China had a long way to go
versity College of Chemistry and Chemi-
ity”, explaining that to be innovative re-
in order to reach international levels.
cal Engineering. In spite of the drizzly
quired being able to “abandon one’s own
Prof. Tian called on the students, saying
weather, a warm and comfortable atmos-
original ideas” and practicality had to be
that “Whatever major you have chosen,
phere reigned during Prof. Tian’s talk.
based on social reality.
I hope you will work hard to contribute
more to our country.”
rofessor Bill Brown of the Xiamen
children to Xiamen. After four-months
tors an even more enjoyable sightseeing
University MBA Centre took part in
studying Chinese, he began his teaching
tour.
the seventh Teatime Symposium on the
career at the Xiamen University MBA
5 May 2010. Prof. Brown said “I’m a Xi-
Centre.
th
amenese from far away. I’ve lived here for
a very long time, and I have the deepest
love for Xiamen.” and entertained his audience by accompanying himself on his
tor is what we can contribute to it.” He
Sciences and the Natural Sciences. Prof.
said the reason he was still working in
Tian’s answer that while the Natural Sci-
the front line of teaching and research
ences made a tremendous contribution
was that he wished to repay his debt to
to life and society, the Social Sciences
society, adding that he had received so
were fundamental, giving as examples,
• Symposium six:
Professor Pan Maoyuan on exploring education and thinking about life
O
n the 16 April 2010, Professor Pan
out of control and making a lot of noise
education. He concluded that it was es-
Maoyun was the sixth guest invit-
whenever his back was turned. This fail-
sential to establish a discipline of Higher
ed to share his understanding of life with
ure set Prof Pan thinking about how to
Education Studies, and in 1965, he put
students at the Teatime Symposia. Prof.
teach and the best way to pass on knowl-
forward his first proposal. It was only
Pan founded the discipline of Higher Ed-
edge, thinking which led to his choosing
22 years later that the proposal received
ucation Studies in China, and is Honor-
education as his career.
a favourable response. If it had not been
th
ary Director and Honorary Dean of the
Xiamen University Institute of Education Research Institute of Higher Education Science.
P
P
for Prof. Pan’s perseverance, the current
rof. Pan began his research into
rapid development of higher education
higher education and founded the
would not be possible. Prof. Pan also told
discipline of Higher Education Studies in
China following from another perceived
rofessor Pan Maoyuan began his
failure in teaching. He had been teach-
talk with an account of his first ex-
ing education theories to Party cadres at
perience of teaching, covering for his
Xiamen University. However, all the re-
elder brother, a primary school teacher.
search into education that he was study-
He was still only 15, but had no option
ing concerned nursery, primary and
but to take his place on the podium. His
middle school education; there were no
first class was a disaster with the pupils
education theories on university-level
the means to help more people learn
students present would master a foreign
the astonishing changes over the
past two decades to populous China.
ies in China, but Xiamen still was the
and the relationship between the Social
is what we get from society; the numera-
rof. Brown said he was witness to
He had visited more than half of the cit-
T
of the academic assessment system
P
about his story with China and Xiamen.
P
is like a fraction: “The denominator
rof. Tian was asked about his view
P
rof. Brown added that language was
more about China. He hoped that all the
guitar and singing a song he had written
P
rof. Tian told his audience that life
44
Prof. Bill Brown, an arrival from afar who is staying forever
most beautiful in his eyes. “The citi-
hree days before, Prof. Brown had
zens of Xiamen are friendly to foreign-
been at the Shanghai Expo as a guest
ers and open-minded.” He has written
on the Xiamen promotion stand. He told
many books, including Amoy Magic,
everyone proudly that Xiamen was a rap-
The Fujian Adventure, Magic Siming,
idly developing city, yet delightful to live
Magic Fujian, Discover Gulangyu, Mystic
language. After two-hours of talk in Eng-
in with a deep cultural heritage. This was
Quanzhou—City of Light, and Xiamen
lish, he said in fluent Chinese, “I love the
not the first time he had promoted Xia-
University—Strength of the Nation. These
wisdom of Confucius and Laozi. I also
men. Prof. Brown was the first foreign
have become both essential reading for
love The Art of War, which is so full of
permanent resident of Fujian Province,
foreigners visiting China and a source
wisdom in just a few thousand charac-
and has long been an “old China hand”
for Chinese people on Fujian Province
ters.” Perhaps it is his understanding and
and spokesman for Xiamen. In 1988, Dr
and Xiamen. “Chinese cities seem all
identification with Chinese culture that
Brown was a Vice-President of First Fi-
the same to foreigners, but I dig out in-
has helped his integration into Chinese
nancial Securities of America, but when
teresting historical and cultural features
society.
he heard that overseas students could
to show them what lies behind and be-
learn Chinese at Xiamen University, he
neath.” He not only describes the scenery
resigned and brought his wife and two
but tells traditional stories, giving visi-
• Symposium eight:
Professor Deng Ziji on being a teacher, not a guru
O
n 5 th November 2010, Professor
Deng Ziji was the guest at the Tea-
time Symposium sharing his life story
H
owever he said, “I’m not a guru
thority but an ‘old learner’.” Prof. Deng
but a teacher. I’m not a leading au-
Ziji was born into a poor family, and
he lost his parents while he was a child.
with over a hundred students. He is a
He maintained himself through mid-
well-known economist, and an experi-
dle school and university. In 1950, Prof.
enced educator in the Social Sciences, a
Deng became a student of Wang Ya’nan.
finance guru within China, and a student
On graduation, he devoted his life to
of Professor Wang Ya’nan, the former
teaching and research. Prof. Deng claims
President of Xiamen University.
two things have stayed with him since
45
special edition
Voices
his years as a student: laying a solid foun-
fessor Deng has trained thousands of
confusion in learning and reform of the
dation and studying to improve theories.
finance experts, including over 100 doc-
post-graduate training system. Profes-
toral students. He is still teaching at the
sor Deng Ziji told them that they should
rof. Deng said that he had preserved
age of 88 and said, “Students are both
maintain a down-to-earth attitude to-
ten catch-phrases from Prof. Wang:
something we shape and something we
wards their studies, and hoped all the
“Disseminate knowledge; Educate stu-
serve. Every one of my students is my
students would study well and be good
dents; Create research results; Nurture
child.” During the discussion that fol-
people.
useful talents.” With this in mind, Pro-
lowed, the students talked about their
P
Academician Zhang Qian’er on perseverance in the pursuit of truth and living optimistically
rofessor Zhang Qian’er was a favour-
He said that post-graduate students were
studies and theoretical studies, Profes-
ite student of Prof. Lu Jiaxi, one of
not employees and their teachers should
sor Zhang responded that some students
the founders of Physical Chemistry and
help them to find their own way in re-
would no doubt choose applied subjects
Structural Chemistry as a discipline in
search rather than merely making use of
in order to meet the reality of today’s job
China. In spite of a life full of suffering,
them. A spirit of criticism and innova-
pressures, but he hoped that they did not
he is still involved in scientific research.
tion should be encouraged.
bring personal interests into their aca-
He says, “I just like what I am doing
now” Prof. Zhang Qian’er is a quantum
chemist and Academician of the Chinese
Academy of Sciences. He took part in the
On July 2nd, Professor Hao Zhifeng gave a lecture entitled The Thoughts and Methods of Mathematic Modelling at the invitation of XMU
School of Mathematical Sciences.
Professor Hao used simple language and vivid examples to illustrate mathematics, building mathematical models of problems in daily
life to find solutions. In this way he explained mathematical modelling in daily life from the setting of modelling indicators, to basic
concepts and theorems, and the modelling process in clear and comprehensive terms.
Speaker: Professor Lin Xiaodong, of the University of Toronto Department of Statistics and Member of the
• Symposium nine:
P
Speaker: Professor Hao Zhifeng, Vice-President of Guangdong University of Technology and member of
National Mathematic Modelling Committee
I
demic research; the progress of science
n 1954, Professor Zhang received his
and society was dependent on people
Master’s degree from the Xiamen Uni-
of ability undertaking fundamental re-
Teatime Symposium on the 22 Decemnd
search.
P
ber 2010.
Education and Research Section of the Society of Actuaries in North America.
On July 12th, Professor Lin Xiaodong, an alumnus of XMU, gave a talk on the Actuarial Profession and Actuarial Research at the invitation of XMU School of Mathematical Science.
Prof. Lin gave an introduction to actuarial science, including the functions of actuaries and their work and different approaches to the
work. He also spoke authoritatively on the methods of assessment and qualifications for becoming a member of the Society of Actuaries
in North America, and put forward many constructive suggestions for the establishment of a major in actuarial science here in China.
Speaker: Professor Ma Shengrong, Vice-President of Xinhua News Agency and Dean of the Chongqing
University College of Literature and Journalism.
On July 12th, Professor Ma Shengrong gave a talk on The Coverage of Major International Emergency Events to students on the XMU
Zhangzhou campus.
Professor Ma Shengrong began by explaining how Xinhua News Agency had covered the Iraq War and illustrating it with stories of the
journalists covering war. He then discussed the importance of breadth of knowledge and professionalism in covering global emergencies.
rofessor Zhang Qian’er had had a
difficult life. As a child, he had had
P
to walk for three days to get to school.
rofessor Zhang says modestly, “I am
In his 80s, he was involved in a serious
not famous as a teacher; my three
car accident. But he survived, thanks to
teachers were.” He was admitted to Xiamen University in 1947 and studied un-
versity College of Chemistry and then
his determination and optimism and to
der three famous chemists: Professors Lu
devoted the next 40 years to research
the help of the medical staff: Prof. Zhang
Jiaxi, Tang Aoqing, and Cai Qirui. Under
into quantum chemistry and structural
through and through, a man who has
their influence, Professor Zhang learnt to
chemistry. He made many research
never abandoned his pursuit of the truth
be very strict when it comes to academic
achievements which were well received
and smiles even in the face of difficulties.
requirements, and stresses the impor-
both at home and abroad. He was asked
tance of honesty in academic research.
about the choosing between applied
Speaker: Dr. Shih-Liang Tu, environmental expert at the Asian Development Bank
On August 14th, Dr. Tu Shih-Liang visited XMU China Centre for Energy Economics Research at and gave a talk on Leading towards
Climate Neutral Networking: Financing Clean Energy in Asia, an ADB/Private Sector Perspective.
Dr. Tu gave an introduction the history and structure of the Asian Development Bank, which was set up to eradicate poverty in developing countries and promote social and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region. He discussed the building of climate neutral
networks from the perspective of the private sector.
Speaker: Professor William C. Kirby, T. M. Chang Professor of China Studies and Spangler Family Professor of Business Administration at Harvard University.
On September 15th, Professor Kirby gave a talk on Chinese and American Universities in the 21st Century at the invitation of the XMU
School of Management.
Professor William C. Kirby said he believed that only through prioritising breadth of education and a humanitarian approach could
universities produce the talents that met the needs of the times. He said that it had taken long history of development before Harvard
University became one of the world’s prestigious institutions, and that China’s universities were now putting in place a range of reforms
to lay the foundations for nurturing talents.
Speaker: Professor Chen Wen-Tsuen, former President of Tsinghua University of Taiwan
The “Teatime Symposia” will continue to invite further highly regarded teachers
to share their teaching and life with students in a relaxed atmosphere.
46
On September 21st, Professor Chen Wen-Tsuen gave a lecture on the current situation and future of the communication of information
in Taiwan.
Prof. Chen began by reviewing the development of information communication in Taiwan and expressed confidence in the prospects of
the industry. The coming focus for the information communication industry would be 4G broadband, combining radio, tele-communications and the Internet. He hoped that there would be more academic exchanges across the Strait, which would lead in turn to a globally
leading level of information communication on either side of the Strait.
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Voices
Voices
Speaker: Professor Curtis Suttle, Associate Dean of the University of British Columbia Faculty of Science
On October 14th, Prof. Suttle gave a lecture entitled Viruses – the Most Diverse Life Forms on Earth and the Drivers behind the Global
Ecosystem.
Professor Suttle illustrated the enormous influence of viruses on ecosystem, using various types of marine virus and their huge biomass
as examples, to present the importance of research into viruses. Viruses, he said were the fundamental driving force behind the energy in
matter on the Earth and were an indispensable part of the life-cycle. Viruses comprised a rich source of human genetic material and were
essential to the survival of the human species.
Speaker: Professor Li Xuesong, Researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
On October 18 , Professor Li Xuesong gave a talk on China’s 12th Five-year Plan, its Economic Forecast and Strategic Choices for 2020.
Prof. Li’s thesis was in three sections: the opportunities and challenges facing China; predicting China’s economic aggregate and structural changes between 2011 to 2020; and the development strategy behind China’s 12th Five-year Plan. He analysed the direction of economic policies in developing countries in the post-crisis period, and explained problems in China’s economic structure and the nation’s
growth potential over the next ten years.
th
Speaker: Professor John Whalley, of the University of Western Ontario
On October 29 th, Professor John Whalley visited XMU and gave a lecture entitled The Potential Global and Developing Country Impacts
of Alternative Emission Cuts and Accompanying Mechanisms for the Post Copenhagen Process, at the invitation of the XMU Centre for
Macroeconomic Research.
Prof. Whalley first briefed the audience on the different methods and positions in research into climate policies from the perspective of
macro-economics. He then explained the results of the Copenhagen Climate Conference held in December 2009, especially the roles
played by China and the US in the fight against the global climate change.
On November 26th, Professor Meng Jie gave a lecture on the Zhangzhou Campus entitled Nuclear Physics in the 21st Century – Particle
Accelerators and the Physics of Strange Particles.
Prof. Meng began by explaining in basic terms the relation between cosmogony, the structure of matter, and origin of life on the one hand,
and nuclear and particle physics on the other. He explained the development process and working principles behind modern particle accelerators, and the research status of many countries, including China, in the field.
Speaker: Professor Li Mingbin of the Peking University Russian Department
On December 6th, Professor Li Mingbin gave a talk on contemporary Russian literature at the invitation of XMU School of Foreign Languages and Culture.
Prof. Li explained that literature can be understood in different ways on the basis of different literary theories, and that this was the
reason for the diverse development of contemporary Russian literature. He said that literary output was a mirror of a country’s culture
and conditions. Advances in information technology meant that reading its literature was still the best way to understand the society and
culture of a country.
Speaker: Professor Yang Deren, Director of the Zhejiang University Semiconductor Materials Institute and
Director of the State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials.
On December 8th, Professor Yang Deren gave a talk on The Status and Development of Solar Photo-voltaic Cells.
Prof. Yang asserted how important it was to promote solar energy, given major global and domestic issues. He described the state of development and associated research issues in the solar cell industry both in China and overseas, and concluded that the further development
of the industry needed the appropriate government subsidies and support policies.
Speaker: Professor Wang Xingtian, General Manger and Chief Architect of the Shanghai Nikko Architec-
Speaker: Professor Chad Mirkin of Northwestern University, and member of the US National Academy of
On November 6th, Professor Wang Xingtian, a well-known architect, gave a talk on synthesising different architectural styles, for the
students and staff of the XMU School of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
Professor Wang said that architecture had its roots in the imaginations of people and the imitation of nature. It was consciously created to
regulate the living environment. Architecture was not the same as buildings; architecture involved aesthetic meanings and characteristics
which were the fusion of many patterns, such as those of thinking and culture.
On December 13th, Professor Mirkin, a chemist and a renowned nanoscience expert, gave a lecture on Nanoenabled Energy Technologies:
Nanogenerators, Nanopiezotronics and 3D Solar Cells.
Professor Mirkin is known for his development of nanoparticle-based bio-detection schemes, the invention of Dip-Pen Nanolithography,
and contributions to supramolecular chemistry, nanoelectronics, and nanooptics. Currently, he is the most cited chemist in the world of
the last decade, with the second highest impact factor, and the most cited researcher in nanomedicine.
tural Consultation Co., Ltd.
Speaker: Prof. Wei Xinghua, Honorary Professor at the Renmin University of China.
On November 21st, Professor Wei Xinghua, an eminent economist a leader in research into the theory of capital in China, gave a lecture on
The Theoretical and Practical Problems in Modes of Transforming Economic Development.
Professor Wei discussed the problems facing China’s economic development as seen from the viewpoint of Marxist political economics.
He said that in order to solve the problem of increasing social inequality, China should raise the overall percentage of state-owned assets
within the economy, and regulate and improve the economic role played by foreign investment and private enterprises.
Speaker: Professor Cheng Enfu, Director of Marxism Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Social
Sciences.
On November 21st, Professor Cheng spoke on New Opening Theory and Policy - Western Financial and Economic Crisis and China’s Economic Development Mode Shift.
Professor Cheng explained the theories of the Neo-liberal Economics, the New Keynesian Economics, and the Modern Marxian Economics schools of thought on the reasons for the western financial and economic crisis. He proposed that China must change its mode of economic development in response to the international financial crisis in order to safeguard the sound development of the national economy.
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Speaker: Professor Meng Jie of Peking University, Distinguished Professor under the Chang Jiang Scholars
Programme.
Sciences and National Academy of Engineering.
Speaker: Professor Zhuang Guotu, Director of the China Southeast Asian Research Association and Director of the XMU Centre for Southeast Asian Studies.
On December 22nd, Professor Zhuang Guotu presented the 35th XMU Dean Forum and gave a talk on East Asian Community and current
Sino-Japanese relations.
Professor Zhuang Guotu explained the importance of establishing an East Asian Community, which would bring about the biggest change
in international relations of the last 500 years. He said he had great confidence in such a community, asserting, “In light of the accelerating
globalisation and deepening of relations among East Asian countries, the East Asian Community is taking shape.”
Speaker: Academician Zhang Ze, of Chinese Academy of Sciences
On December 27th, Academician Zhang Ze, an expert in materials science visited XMU and gave a lecture entitled The Cultural Quality
and Base for Technological Innovation.
Professor Zhang explained the role of technological innovation in changing national destinies and people’s lives, illustrating his talk with
events in the histories of China and foreign countries and the life histories of famous scientists. He said that technological innovation
required interest, exploration, perseverance and devotion. Only through maintaining an interest in science rather than appealing to authority, and through the unremitting pursuit of scientific theories and research methods was technological innovation possible.
49