US firm launches talent cultivation program

As the entrepreneurial and innovative flame burns bright in China, United Technologies Corp, the United States' multinational high-tech conglomerate, is deploying more resources and manpower from China's top-tier cities to rural areas to promote talent cultivation and technological innovation through its designed programs.

United Technologies is hoping to inspire more Chinese youth to embrace science through its STEM program, a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines - science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.

Rather than teaching the four disciplines as separate subjects, the program integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

Xie Liping, president of United Technologies' China aerospace and government relations unit, said the company will support the development of the next generation of engineers, scientists, and researchers by sponsoring primary schools to university-level programs that spark students' interest and inspire innovation.

"With its economic growth and social development, China is experiencing a significant transition from 'Made-in-China' to 'Innovated-in-China', which requires the cultivation of interdisciplinary and innovative talent, particularly in science and technology," said Xie.

However, science is often treated in a way that is seen as old-fashioned in China's education system, from which some newer and more practical science-related topics were absent, meaning that many young people were losing interest in this field.

The US company's next task is to advance STEM education in China through moves such as fostering collective impacts via establishing online and offline STEM education platforms with educational, academic and community partners, as well as enhancing science educators' capacity through training, grants and recognition.

According to the schedule, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hongan county in Hubei province will be the first four areas to accept such an integrated course, which has been applied in Europe and the United States for years.

Xie said STEM education will be accessible to rural and under-privileged communities through voluntary activities, as well as distributing educational materials and toolkits. Key research and manufacturing facility visits and dialogue with scientists, researchers and engineers will also be organized.

United Technologies has sponsored 3 million 5th grade students in 48 nations and regions. In 2014, it supported 89 high school robotics teams from the US, Canada and China with team grants and more than 180 employee mentors.

Zhou Wenxia, a professor of human resource management at Renmin University of China in Beijing, said as both local and foreign companies continue to expand their footprint in China's massive market, quality professionals with innovative spirit and related work practices will be in high demand.

"The country's new generation would create unprecedented business development models, technological breakthroughs in various areas, and energy-saving solutions," said Zhou. "These are key elements to ensuring and strengthening the nation's growth ability in the future."

zhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn