Academia

From exception to rule: Top scientists reshape China’s party leadership

Academicians from China’s top scientific bodies, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), are increasingly entering the CCP’s leadership, reshaping elite governance and driving the country’s rapid, innovation-led technological rise, observe academic Li Cheng and pre-doctoral fellow Zhao Xiuye of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World in Hong Kong.

Li Cheng

[Big read] Li Zexiang: The professor behind China’s drone boom and its future engineers

When DJI CEO Frank Wang’s undergraduate project failed, most would have turned him away. But Professor Li Zexiang, a leading innovator in China’s engineering education, recognised his potential and took him under his wing. Han Yong May, deputy editor-in-chief of SPH’s Chinese Media Group, sits down with Li as part of Lianhe Zaobao’s Future 365 interview series, to find out how his new engineering education system is building a new generation of engineers.

Han Yong May

DEI turns coercive: How sinologist Perry Link was punished

When renowned sinologist Perry Link questioned race-based hiring at UC Riverside, he faced censure, public shaming and erased data. His case reveals how America’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, once a tool for inclusion, can be wielded to punish dissent and suppress academic freedom, notes commentator Tao Ray.

Tao Ray

Harvard’s training ground for global leaders — why did China’s participation end?

Most leaders from developing countries take pride in having attended the Harvard Kennedy School. However, the situation in China is different, remarks commentator Qinglian He.

Qinglian He

The end of the American education dream for Chinese students?

Amid visa uncertainty, geopolitical tension and rising costs, Chinese students are increasingly questioning the prestige of an American university education. Attracted by factors such as affordability and stability, many are now setting their sights on universities in places like Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, signalling a decisive shift in the global academic landscape.

Caixin Global

Why a Harvard graduation speech hit a nerve in China

Even as the Trump administration targets Harvard University and Chinese students, a Chinese student at Harvard University has come under the spotlight for her speech at Harvard’s commencement, with questions about her connections and how she got into Harvard. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk explores the speculation and discussion.

China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao

How the US–China education crackdown is fracturing the future

Amid the recent flurry of activity among US universities with regards to foreign students, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken aim at Chinese students, announcing aggressive actions to revoke visas. Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu looks at the possible consequences.

Yang Danxu

Trump’s attack on Harvard could benefit China

As Harvard refuses to bow down to US President Donald Trump, the Trump administration is ratcheting up its pressure on the Ivy League institution. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan notes that all this is probably going to benefit China instead.

Yu Zeyuan

Why US sanctions can’t stop China’s AI rise

US tech sanctions have failed to curb China’s AI rise. With shrinking gaps in model performance, open-source dominance and industry-driven innovation, China is now at parity — and poised to lead. The AI race has changed. Technology expert Yin Ruizhi tells us more.

Yin Ruizhi

How US suspicion is pushing Chinese researchers into Beijing’s arms

Amid worsening China-US relations, many beleaguered Chinese academics and researchers targeted by the US government are choosing to return to China. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing tells us more about what this means for academia in both China and the US.

Chen Jing

China’s battle for the narrative on Qing history: A matter of national rejuvenation

Despite several attempts to compile Qing History (《清史》), efforts by Chinese historians continue to see setbacks, with China’s ideological security on the line. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk takes a look at the controversy surrounding this mammoth task.

China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao

Is the ‘American dream’ still alive for Chinese students under Trump?

How will Donald Trump’s second term as US president impact Chinese students studying — or hoping to study — in the US? Professor Yong Chen from University of California, Irvine, shares his views with Lianhe Zaobao news correspondent Lim Zhan Ting, and tells us why he thinks the US will remain a top destination for Chinese students.

Lim Zhan Ting