The third K2 Forum was held at Xiamen University on October 20, 2024, organized by the Tan Kah Kee Science Award Foundation, hosted by Xiamen University, and co-sponsored by the Bank of China’s Xiamen branch. This year’s forum centered on the theme “The Integration of Education, Technology, and Talent: New Drivers for Developing Productive Forces.” Key figures such as Fang Zhong, the 2024 recipient of the Tan Kah Kee Mathematical Sciences Award and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Yang Yuliang, director of the academy’s Committee for Science Popularization and Education; Zhu Shining, the 2024 winner of the Tan Kah Kee Technological Sciences Award and also an academician; and Chen Weidong, director of the bank’s research institute, delivered keynote speeches.
Dignitaries in attendance included Wan Lijun, president of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Wang Keqiang, vice president of the academy and vice chair of the Tan Kah Kee Science Award Foundation; Bian Jidong, general manager of the investment banking department at the Bank of China and a director of the foundation; Jiang Erxiong, vice governor of Fujian Province; and Zhang Zongyi, president of Xiamen University, who all spoke at the opening ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by Wang Dujin, director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Division of Academic Affairs and secretary-general of the Tan Kah Kee Foundation.
In his speech, Wang Keqiang emphasized that building China into a technological powerhouse has been a long-standing aspiration of the nation, echoing the lifelong pursuits of pioneers like Tan Kah Kee. He noted, “Xiamen, the hometown of Tan Kah Kee, provides a beautiful setting as we host the third ‘K2 Forum’ at Xiamen University, which Tan helped to establish. This holds significant meaning.”
In 2003, under the direct guidance of the State Council, the Tan Kah Kee Science Award Foundation was established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Bank of China, aiming to reward outstanding scientists contributing groundbreaking innovations in China. This initiative not only promotes high-quality development in the nation’s scientific and technological sectors but also aids in realizing the goals of national strength and rejuvenation. Naming the award after Tan Kah Kee reflects a commitment to upholding the spirit of “loyalty, integrity, diligence, and innovation” and accelerating the construction of a technology-driven nation. In 2010, the foundation introduced the Tan Kah Kee Young Scientist Award to recognize young talents under 40 making significant original contributions in China.
The Tan Kah Kee Science and Young Scientist Awards prioritize original achievements and collaborate closely with the Chinese Academy of Sciences to bestow awards in areas including mathematical sciences, chemical sciences, life sciences, earth sciences, information technology, and technological sciences. By 2024, more than 40 exemplary achievements and nearly 100 distinguished scientists have been honored with these awards. Notable scientists such as Ye Duzheng, Zheng Zheming, and others have, after receiving the Tan Kah Kee Science Award, gone on to receive the highest scientific and technological honors in the nation. The Tan Kah Kee Science Awards strive to become a leading symbol in China’s science and technology community, promoting originality and the scientific spirit.
During the event, Bian Jidong expressed his honor in participating in the third K2 Forum at Xiamen University. He reflected on how the Tan Kah Kee Science Award Foundation encourages original innovation and foundational research, noting that over the past two decades, it has inspired a growing number of scientific workers to engage in technological innovation, contributing to rapid advancements in China’s scientific landscape.
The forum focused on the integration of education, technology, and talent. Bian shared insights on the development of new productive forces, emphasizing three key points:
First, technological advancement drives national prosperity, and only through innovation can the Chinese economy achieve stable, long-term growth. For years, China has actively implemented innovation-driven development strategies, leading to breakthroughs in foundational research and significant achievements in high-quality development. Reinventing traditional industries and fostering emerging ones lays a robust foundation for transforming into a technological powerhouse.
Second, innovation is a defining characteristic of new productive forces. Talent is the engine of this innovation, and higher education institutions play a critical role in fostering the integration of education, technology, and talent. As a major state-owned bank, the Bank of China aims to facilitate a positive cycle between these elements to foster new productive forces through diverse financial services.
Third, fostering a supportive financial ecosystem is crucial for advancing tech-driven economic development. Financial innovation must align with technological advancements, requiring a proactive approach to provide tailored services that respond to the unique needs of innovators and enhance the sustainable transformation of scientific and technological achievements.
Zhang Zongyi, president of Xiamen University, echoed these sentiments, stating that technological innovation is essential to developing new productive forces. He asserted that universities should leverage their strengths in foundational research and technological breakthroughs to synergize education, talent, industry, and innovation chains, thereby strengthening China’s competitiveness in the global economy.
The Tan Kah Kee Science Award Foundation established the K2 Forum as a prestigious academic platform to celebrate and encourage original scientific breakthroughs and in-depth foundational research. This year, Xiamen University proudly partners with the foundation to mark another chapter of the forum.
Additionally, Chen Weidong, the director of the Bank of China’s research institute, highlighted the pivotal role of new productive forces in transforming traditional industries and fostering new sectors. He spoke to the importance of the patriotic spirit exemplified by Tan Kah Kee, emphasizing that his commitment to education and national progress continues to inspire modern society.
During the afternoon, two sub-forums were held, focusing on “Systematic Reforms in Education, Technology, and Talent” and “Opportunities and Challenges in Tech-Enabled Economic Growth.” Esteemed scholars, such as academicians Zheng Lansun and Guo Chuanjie, presented their research and insights, engaging in fruitful discussions with representatives from various institutions on how to adapt to new development concepts that nurture productive forces and explore the innovative value of finance and education in advancing scientific technological growth.
For reference, the Tan Kah Kee Science Award was the successor to the Tan Kah Kee Prize, originally established in 1988 to honor the contributions of Tan Kah Kee in advancing science and education in China. After several iterations and underpinned by significant support from state authorities, the Tan Kah Kee Science Award Foundation was formally established in 2003. Its purpose remains steadfast: to reward outstanding scientific contributions and support the growth of China’s scientific and technological sectors, thereby contributing to the nation’s aspirations for renewal and greatness.
