On October 31, the School of Economics and Finance of South China University of Technology (SCUT) hosted a significant academic exchange event. The event featured Professor Song Hai—Member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), former Deputy Secretary-General of the CPPCC, former Full-time Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic National Construction Association, former Vice Governor of Guangdong Province, and Founding Dean of the School of Economics and Trade (now the School of Economics and Finance) of SCUT—alongside Mr. Shi Junzhi, Director of the Monetary Legal History Research Center at the School of Economics and Finance, Research Fellow at the Institute of Finance of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and doctoral supervisor. They held an in-depth discussion with faculty and students.
They were accompanied by Wu Yechun, Member of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPPCC, former Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Zhaoqing University, and former Party Secretary of the School of Economics and Trade (now the School of Economics and Finance) of SCUT, and Zhang Xuefeng, Professor of the Literature and History Department of the Party School of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPC. The delegation was warmly received by Huang Guoqing, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School, and Ke Ning, Associate Dean, among other leaders.
Certificate presented to Mr. Shi Junzhi by Secretary Huang Guoqing
Before the symposium, a book donation ceremony was held. Mr. Shi donated his personal works and treasured book collection to the School. These books span multiple fields, including economics, finance, monetary history, and legal history, possessing significant academic and archival value. This generous donation not only enriches the School’s collection but also provides valuable resources for faculty and students engaged in learning and research. To express appreciation, the School established the “Professor Shi Junzhi Donation Bookshelf,” where these works are displayed collectively, aiming to benefit current scholarship and inspire future generations of learners.
Following the ceremony, Professor Song and Mr. Shi engaged in a warm and insightful discussion with representatives of faculty and students.
Professor Song Hai Shares His Experiences and Insights
During the symposium, Professor Song affectionately reviewed the School’s development since its founding—from the high-level vision and ambitious planning of its early days to the thriving momentum it enjoys today. As someone who personally participated in and contributed to the School’s development, he highly commended its rapid progress in discipline construction, talent cultivation, and scientific research innovation in recent years. His words reflected deep affection and sincere pride for this academic home.
Mr. Shi Junzhi Shares His Latest Research Perspectives
Mr. Shi shared his unique methodological approach and profound reflections on research from the perspective of monetary history. He emphasized that monetary history is not a mere dusty relic of the past, but a “discipline of the future” capable of illuminating the present and guiding the future. Drawing on historical experience, the discipline offers valuable insights for understanding today’s economy and promoting high-quality development. He encouraged students to dedicate themselves to building a strong academic foundation and to bravely venture into the “uncharted territories” where disciplines intersect. Driven by pure curiosity, he noted, scholars can ultimately contribute unique academic wisdom to China’s high-quality economic development.
Lively Student Interaction
During the open discussion, the atmosphere was enthusiastic. Graduate students eagerly raised questions on topics such as studying monetary history, developing interdisciplinary thinking, and cultivating essential qualities for young scholars. Professor Song responded with paternal sincerity, offering heartfelt advice regarding both academic development and life decisions. Drawing from his extensive experience spanning academia and government before returning to the academic sphere, he shared meaningful insights on navigating major life choices. He reminded students that diligence and deep commitment in one's youth are the only paths to a life without regrets.. Regardless of pressures and temptations, staying committed to integrity, kindness, and principles will always serve as an “unchanging anchor” that keeps one’s life on the right course. He also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving future society. Moreover, he highlighted the necessity of bottom-line thinking, urging students to maintain a clear conscience and moral integrity.
Experts Engaging with Faculty and Students
Drawing on his interdisciplinary background, Mr. Shi shared practical advice on breaking disciplinary barriers and achieving knowledge integration. “In an era of rapid knowledge iteration, logical competence is more fundamental than mastering any specific field of knowledge,” he noted. He particularly emphasized that logic serves as the cornerstone of academic innovation, stating that skills such as precise conceptual definition, rigorous demonstration, and clear-thinking frameworks will guide researchers in navigating the vast and complex ocean of academia. He advised young students to integrate logical training into their daily studies and, through systematic mental exercise, cultivate the ability for critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
President Wu Yechun Shares His Perspective
President Wu Yechun, drawing upon his dual mission of cultivating talent and steering disciplinary development, expressed high expectations for students regarding lifelong growth. He emphasized that in an era defined by uncertainties, only by maintaining a steadfast committing to lifelong learning and actively broadening one’s horizons can one stay ahead of the curve. He urged students to elevate learning from a task to a way of life, and to expand their perspectives from their desks to the broader landscape of national strategic development. Ultimately, he encouraged them to grow into pillars of talent capable of shouldering the great mission of national rejuvenation.
Group Photo
On behalf of the school, Secretary Huang Guoqing expressed sincere gratitude to Professor Song Hai, Mr. Shi Junzhi, and the accompanying delegation for their visit. He stated that the profound goodwill and meticulous guidance from these esteemed senior scholars represent an invaluable asset to the school. The school will cherish and fully utilize the donated book collection, systematically integrating it into its library resources and curriculum system. This ensures that this intellectual wealth will continue to nourish the development of students and inspire new insights in future teaching and research activities. He further emphasized the school’s commitment to fostering an open academic environment and building high-level platforms for exchange. These initiatives will provide strong impetus for the growth of both faculty and students, comprehensively propelling the school’s development to new heights.
