18.09.2024 Universities in China change course to meet government’s need for hi-tech workforce
President Xi Jinping leads the call for more trained-up professionals in AI, circuitry, quantum tech, cybersecurity and other hi-tech areas.
More than a dozen Chinese universities are overhauling their engineering and technology majors in favour of hi-tech areas such as AI and big data to answer a government call for more talent.
By July 31, a total of 19 universities had suspended or completely removed 99 majors, news portal The Paper reported on Thursday, citing its own tally. For example, Sichuan University was considering removing 31 majors, including animation, acting and applied physics, and setting up a new major in biomass science and engineering, the report said. The university said the major would replace “light chemical engineering” amid hopes it would not only support traditional industries such as tanning and papermaking, but would adapt to future needs of the emerging biomass industry.
Source: South China Morning Post