On November 8, Shenzhen University successfully held the "Symposium on Chinese-Style Modernization and the Innovative Development of Marxist Theory and the Inaugural Conference of the Institute for Reform and Opening-up Studies." Twelve prominent experts in Marxist theory, deans of Marxism schools from across the country, and three international experts from the University of Pennsylvania, University of London, and University of Helsinki joined faculty and students from Shenzhen University’s School of Marxism. Together, they discussed further implementation of the spirit of the 20th Party Congress’s Third Plenary Session and President Xi Jinping’s important address at the National Education Conference. They also provided insights to support the further development of Marxist studies at Shenzhen University, aiming to establish a distinctive brand in Marxist theory. The conference was attended by Li Qingquan, Party Secretary of Shenzhen University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Mao Junfa, President of Shenzhen University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Professor Zhang Xiaohong, Vice President of Shenzhen University; and Professor Wang Hong, Party Secretary of the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University. The opening ceremony was hosted by Professor Liu Zhi, Dean of the School of Marxism.
At the opening ceremony, Mao Junfa delivered a welcome address. He stated that the "Symposium on Chinese-Style Modernization and the Innovative Development of Marxism and the Inaugural Conference of the Institute for Reform and Opening-up Studies" marks a significant milestone in the development of Marxist studies at Shenzhen University, symbolizing a new chapter in Marxist theory research and talent cultivation. Achieving the university's strategic goal of building a model university for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era requires a strong foundation in Marxist studies. Shenzhen University has consistently prioritized Marxist theory, striving to advance theoretical research and cultivate high-level talent with social responsibility and innovative spirit.
In recent years, the Marxist theory discipline at Shenzhen University has achieved notable results. In 2023, the School of Marxism was recognized as one of the first key Marxist schools in Guangdong Province, and several papers were published in leading journals such as Chinese Social Sciences. Going forward, the university will continue to increase investment in Marxist theory, strengthen faculty development, and improve research conditions. The goal is to elevate Marxist studies to a higher level within three years, promoting innovative development of Marxist theory in the new era.
At the opening ceremony, the plaques for the "Institute for Reform and Opening-up Studies at Shenzhen University" and the "Marxism Research Institute at Shenzhen University" were unveiled. The plaques were unveiled by Li Qingquan, Party Secretary and Academician; Mao Junfa, University President and Academician; Professor Ai Silin of Tsinghua University; Professor Luo Yuting of Wuhan University; Professor Wang Shuyin of Beijing Normal University; and Professor Yang Xiaohui of Northeast Normal University. Additionally, the university held the inauguration ceremony for the Strategic Advisory Committee on the Development of the Marxist Theory Discipline. Li Qingquan presented appointment certificates to the committee experts.
To fully implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress’s Third Plenary Session and President Xi Jinping’s important address at the National Education Conference, Shenzhen University established the Institute for Reform and Opening-up Studies and the Marxism Research Institute with the full support of the university. This initiative aims to strengthen the university’s role in building a model university for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, highlight the leading position of Marxist studies, and enhance the distinctive advantages of Shenzhen’s dual-zone strategy.
The "Institute for Reform and Opening-up Studies at Shenzhen University" and the "Marxism Research Institute at Shenzhen University" are university-level research institutions established with the School of Marxism at their core, integrating resources across the university. Their goal is to serve as a prominent base for academic research on China’s reform and opening-up and Chinese-style modernization, recognized both domestically and internationally. The institutes have three main functional focuses:
Conducting Theoretical Research on Reform and Opening-up: The institutes will consolidate research directions from various disciplinary perspectives and coordinate faculty to form research centers or teams for collaborative research. Their aim is to summarize and distill the successful practices and lessons of Shenzhen’s 40-plus years of reform, developing a theoretical system of reform with Chinese characteristics. This will contribute to building a Chinese philosophical and social science discourse system and establish the “Shenzhen School” in Marxist theory research.
Fostering National Identity among Youth in the Greater Bay Area: The institutes will systematically organize and present the practical and theoretical achievements of reform and opening-up to youth in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, exploring new models for national identity education among youth in this region.
Establishing a National Think Tank: Based on research findings from the institutes on reform and opening-up, the institutes will host high-level academic conferences and seminars, facilitate scholarly exchange, and publish high-quality academic papers and research reports. These activities aim to provide advisory input for national reform and opening-up policy development.
After the opening ceremony, the first meeting of the Strategic Advisory Committee on the Development of the Marxist Theory Discipline was held, chaired by Professor Ai Silin from Tsinghua University. Professors Luo Yuting from Wuhan University, Wang Shuyin from Beijing Normal University, Du Yuhua from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Lin Jinping from Sun Yat-sen University, Qin Xuan from Renmin University of China, Li Ran from Fudan University, Xiang Jiuyu from Wuhan University, Wu Hongzheng from Jilin University, Yan Lianfu from Xi’an Jiaotong University, Zhang Shihai from Shandong University, Yang Xiaohui from Northeast Normal University, and Ai Silin from Tsinghua University spoke in turn. The experts unanimously agreed that the establishment of the Institute for Reform and Opening-up Studies, the Marxism Research Institute, and the Strategic Advisory Committee on Marxist Theory would synergize efforts. The institutes will focus on Shenzhen's reform and opening-up, research on Chinese-style modernization, and studies on advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization in the new era. This will contribute to the "dual-zone" development and comprehensive advancement of Chinese-style modernization in the new era and new journey. The committee also offered insightful and valuable suggestions for the development direction, distinctive positioning, key breakthroughs, talent cultivation, team building, course development, and resource support for Shenzhen University's Marxism discipline.
Professor Zhang Xiaohong delivered the closing remarks. She expressed her gratitude to the leading experts in Marxist studies nationwide for their strategic advice and visionary insights in guiding the development of Shenzhen University’s key Marxist programs and disciplines. She emphasized that this conference is a milestone event for the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University. With a strong foundation, rich heritage, and unique character, combined with the advantage of its location at the forefront of reform and opening-up, the School aims to implement the experts’ valuable suggestions in talent development, scientific research, social service, international exchange and cooperation, and cultural heritage. The goal is to tell the story of the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University with a distinct Chinese, Shenzhen, and Shenzhen University character.
In the afternoon, an international forum on “Global Perspectives on Youth Education” was held, chaired by Professor Liu Zhi. Professor Michael Nakkula from the University of Pennsylvania delivered a keynote speech on "The Language of Possibility Development: How We Talk Ourselves into Action." Professor Jerome Yamate from the University of London gave a speech on "How Can Education Diminish Inequalities." Professor Kirsi Tirri from the University of Helsinki presented "Combining Excellence and Ethics in Education: A Global Perspective." Professor Jiang Fei from Northeast Normal University spoke on "International Perspectives and Empirical Interpretations of Values Education," Professor Feng Bo from Jilin University presented "Data Structures and AI Models in Contemporary Youth Moral Education Research," and Professor Jiang An from Shenzhen University shared "Reflections on International Political Education." The speakers offered rich insights and in-depth discussions, providing both international perspectives and profound theoretical analysis. Their presentations included case studies utilizing advanced technology as well as theoretical research grounded in humanistic values, expanding the participants' global view on youth education.
Professor Liu Zhi stated that the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University will take this symposium and inaugural ceremony as an opportunity to advance the discipline. The School will adhere to the principles of combining "a solid foundation with distinctive features," "ambitious goals with practical steps," and "internal development with external collaboration." It will focus on strengthening Marxist theory, pursuing an intensive development path, refining major research directions, producing high-quality research, and nurturing skilled talent. The School aims to contribute to national strategic needs and regional economic and social development, supporting the growth of Shenzhen University’s School of Marxism as a high-quality discipline.
