江苏留学网

University's innovative programs focus on entrepreneurship, leadership and problem-solving skills

Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, is incorporating the field of artificial intelligence into its innovative teaching plan.

Over the past two years, XJTLU, which was founded in 2006 by Xi'an Jiaotong University in Shaanxi province and the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, has striven to create a new model of "Syntegrative Education", a name given by the university to describe its program of cultivating future industry-focused experts and leaders.

Xi Youmin, executive president of XJTLU, said Syntegrative Education focuses on providing not only a quality or general education, but also industry knowledge, management ability, cross-cultural leadership and entrepreneurship.

Students at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University practice using virtual reality equipment. Photos Provided to China Daily

"The global network and the pace of technological change have led to the evolution of traditional education," he said, adding that universities are no longer simply offering students existing knowledge but focusing on their abilities to keep learning throughout their lives.

The Syntegrative Education model can be broken down into three types: The "Industry and Enterprise Tailored Education" program created last year and two upcoming models - "Entrepreneur College" and "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Community" - that will be developed by faculty, working hand-in-hand with enterprises and local government.

The Industry and Enterprise Tailored Education model enables students to pick a course as the degree program and work together with high-potential enterprises to learn industry knowledge through related courses designed by the sector insiders. The students will be trained in the real business context in courses taught jointly by university professors and those insiders.