Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng visited Southwest Jiaotong University (SJU) and Southwest University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) on June 22, to review their work in serving national strategic priorities, improving talent cultivation, and advancing academic research.

During his visit to SJU, the minister urged the university to define focus areas for its development for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, which begins in 2026, in line with national strategic needs. He especially emphasized the need to intensify research in high-speed rail, maglev transportation, and intelligent manufacturing. He also called for efforts on multiple fronts: reforming the way it nurtures innovative talent; optimizing the structure of academic disciplines related to the national strategy of building an integrated transportation system; enhancing the programs for training outstanding engineers; and boosting organized research and the application of research outcomes.

At SUFE, Huai encouraged the university to increase economic research based on China’s unique and successful practices in economic development, as well as research in emerging areas, e.g. tech-finance, namely the financial system dedicated to supporting innovative hi-tech startups. In addition, he stressed the need to cultivate high-caliber financial talent who can adapt to and even help drive modern industrial systems.

During the visits, Huai also underscored the importance of strengthening Party leadership. He demanded that leaders of these institutions play a stronger leadership role in cracking down on corruption, balancing the needs for development and security, and facilitating the employment of college graduates.