Recently, Tianjin University, the Changzhou Sheng Xuanhuai Research Association, and other institutions co-hosted an academic seminar in Changzhou to commemorate the 180th anniversary of Sheng Xuanhuai’s birth. Themed "Building a Strong Nation Through Education and Developing New Quality Productivity," the seminar aimed to explore the contemporary value of Sheng’s contributions to China’s modernization and to foster discussions on advancing productive forces.
More than 200 attendees participated in the event, including representatives from Tianjin University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, China Merchants Group, China Post Group, the Red Cross Society of China, and CITIC Special Steel Group, as well as scholars, researchers, and members of the Sheng family. Yang Xianjin, Secretary of the Party Committee of Tianjin University, and Yang Huan, a Standing Committee member of the Party Committee and Director of the Publicity Department of Tianjin University attended the seminar.
In his opening remarks, Yang Xianjin highlighted Sheng Xuanhuai’s legacy as the founder of Peiyang University, the predecessor of Tianjin University, and a key proponent of modernization during the late Qing Dynasty. Sheng’s commitment to serving China through industry and his pioneering spirit remain relevant and inspiring today. Yang also noted the historical connection between Changzhou and Tianjin University, citing prominent figures from Changzhou such as revolutionary leader Zhang Tailei, former Tianjin University president Shi Shaoxi, architecture pioneer Xu Zhong, and systems engineering founder Liu Bao—all of whom have enriched the university’s legacy.
Throughout the seminar, participants examined Sheng Xuanhuai’s lasting impact on education, industry, and national development, underscoring his vision of strengthening the country through science, education, and industrialization. In his address, Yang Huan noted that Sheng’s achievements in education and industry provide valuable lessons for promoting high-quality productivity and contributing to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
A notable aspect of the event was Tianjin University's innovative decision to appoint an entrepreneur, Liu Yi, as the dean of its Xuanhuai College, a school of innovation and entrepreneurship. Liu Yi emphasized the university's commitment to fostering a commercially oriented ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, aimed at accelerating the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements, all in line with Sheng Xuanhuai’s spirit of innovation.
The seminar featured new research on Sheng’s contributions. Former Jiangsu CPPCC Vice Chairman Luo Yimin presented a comparative study on Sheng Xuanhuai and Zhang Jian’s contributions to education. Yang Lin, Vice President of Changzhou University, discussed the integration of historic and modern educational practices in developing Changzhou as a national cultural landmark. These high-level presentations offered rich insights and provided historical context for discussions on enhancing productivity through innovative approaches.
More than 100 experts and scholars from diverse institutions convened for group discussions on Sheng Xuanhuai’s lasting influence. As they marked Sheng’s 180th anniversary, participants shared hopes that these academic insights would contribute to advancing quality-driven productivity.
By: Zhang Yifan
Editor: Qin Mian
