Author: Zheng Fan 

Publisher: External Liaison Office

Date: March 28, 2025

On March 23, 2025, Jinan University convened the 2025 Guangdong Council Symposium at the Clifford Group Center, bringing together university officials and board members for a productive dialogue focused on the institution's advancement.

（At the Guangdong Council Symposium）

The symposium featured prominent attendees including Lin Rupeng, the Secretary of the Education Working Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee, who also serves as the Secretary of the Party Group and Director of the Provincial Department of Education, alongside Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jinan University. Other board members present included Song Xianzhong, Peng Panji, Ye Huiquan, Kong Jianmin, Liang Zhongjing, Cen Zhaoxiong, Mai Zhaoping, Zhang Yi, Lai Ningchang, Xie Bingzheng, Hu Zhirong, Wu Wenjie, and Yang Guoqiang, representing Chen Chong. The meeting was chaired by Liang Yan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department at Jinan University, with Secretary Sun Yu and President Xing Feng also in attendance.

In his remarks, Sun Yu emphasized the vital role that the board of directors plays in the university’s growth, highlighting their contributions to funding education, fostering industry-university collaborations, and enhancing external exchanges. He noted that the upcoming 120th anniversary of the university presents a unique opportunity to consolidate the insights and strengths of Jinan alumni worldwide, as the institution aims to emerge as a top-tier, globally recognized university.

Sun encouraged collaboration among the board members and various sectors of society, urging a unified effort in open education, discipline development, technological innovation, and campus expansion to elevate the university's standing.

Xing Feng provided an overview of recent achievements, stating that Jinan University anticipates notable advancements in talent cultivation, discipline enhancement, teaching staff development, scientific research, and international cooperation in 2024. He outlined plans for dynamic adjustments in academic structures, emphasizing the importance of developing emerging disciplines and implementing a targeted talent introduction mechanism to attract strategic scientists and innovative teams.

During the symposium, board members engaged in meaningful discussions about cultivating consensus and collaborative strategies for the university's progress. Peng Panji, Chairman of Clifford Group, lauded the university's long-standing contributions to society since its establishment in 1906, stressing the board's unwavering support for the university’s initiatives. He affirmed the Clifford Group’s commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment for students and expressed confidence that the symposium would enhance exchange and cooperation, steering Jinan University toward new heights.

All board members reiterated their dedication to corporate and social responsibility, expressing commitment to supporting the university's development and the advancement of overseas Chinese higher education. Together, they aspire to enhance the legacy of this century-old institution as Jinan University embarks on its next chapter in celebrating its 120th anniversary.

Representatives from the university’s external liaison office, Hong Kong office, and board office were also in attendance at the meeting.