From December 27 to 28, Harbin Engineering University (HEU) successfully hosted the Second National High School Principals Forum. The event brought together over 180 leaders and educator representatives from 112 high schools across the country, as well as provincial admissions officers from HEU. The forum provided an opportunity for participants to discuss innovative educational concepts aimed at nurturing top-tier talent and developing strategies for smoother transitions in education. President SONG Yingdong delivered a keynote speech online, while distinguished alumni such as SUN Jiliang, a 1980 graduate and expert in China’s nuclear energy sector, and ZHANG Yi, a 2008 graduate and the nation’s first female submersible pilot, also attended the event. Vice President ZHAO Yuxin presided over the forum and delivered the opening address.
President SONG Yingdong extended a warm welcome to all participants and expressed sincere gratitude to the high school principals for their long-standing support of HEU’s development. He provided a brief overview of the university’s educational traditions and key milestones.
In his remarks, SONG emphasized the importance of using the forum to strengthen collaboration between HEU and the participating high schools. He expressed hope that the discussions would deepen mutual understanding and inspire innovative efforts to nurture a new generation of talented, responsible, and creative individuals, prepared to contribute to national education reform and the development of socialist values.
Vice President ZHAO Yuxin urged educators to leverage their strengths, foster shared development, and collaborate to create win-win opportunities. He stressed the collective responsibility to cultivate outstanding talent for the nation’s future.
Alumnus SUN Jiliang encouraged attendees to inspire more young people to pursue careers in the nuclear energy sector, thus supporting the advancement of China’s nuclear power capabilities.
ZHANG Yi reflected on her educational journey and career, expressing deep appreciation for the influence of her alma mater. She discussed her understanding of the “HEU Spirit” and the university’s cultural legacy, urging the educators present to inspire more youth to dedicate themselves to marine development and contribute to the nation’s progress.
XU Hui, Principal of the First Affiliated High School of Central China Normal University, shared insights into his school’s experience with curriculum design, educational reform, innovation in examination and evaluation systems, faculty development, and effective talent cultivation strategies.
LOU Yanguo, Principal of the Shijiazhuang No. 1 High School Education Group, discussed the development of a nationally renowned high school, focusing on fostering innovative talent and promoting student strengths. He highlighted the importance of structured, systematic approaches to talent cultivation.
LIU Guoliang, Vice Principal of Rugao High School in Jiangsu Province, outlined six key areas of educational reform and distinctive practices: campus culture development, moral education curriculum design, classroom teaching model innovation, personalized student development, subject competition training systems, and platforms that support student growth.
On the afternoon of December 27 and the morning of December 28, attendees visited key HEU facilities, including the Military Engineering Memorial Hall, Technology Achievement Exhibition Hall, Engineering Culture Exhibition Hall, and several major laboratories. Provincial admissions teams also held discussions and awarded plaques to outstanding student source schools. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between universities and high schools, enhancing talent cultivation systems, and improving the quality of education.
