PHBS Dean Hai Wen was invited to share insights on an online panel of CGTN World Insight. CGTN  (China Global Television Network)  is an international media organization, which brings a Chinese perspective to global news. The special TV program panel "Shenzhen 40 Years on" aired yesterday, focusing on the policies and opportunities that lie ahead for Shenzhen .

Southern China's Shenzhen marks 40 years since it became a special economic zone, the spark of the nation's opening-up, in 2020. A tribute took place in the city on this Wednesday, with Chinese President Xi Jinping laying out his vision for the city's future. Xi called on Shenzhen to keep contributing to the nation's journey to become a strong modern socialist country. Now, with a population of over 12 million, it's home to several big Chinese tech companies – including Huawei, Tencent, and ZTE. Bordering Hong Kong, it is part of the China Greater Bay Area development plan, which connects key cities in southern China. So what makes Shenzhen so attractive? What risks and opportunities lie ahead for this "miracle" city?


Professor Hai maintained that opening up for human capital held the key to the future development of Shenzhen, as the new development would be based on hi-tech industries and modern service. As for the indigenous innovation in China, he suggested two long-term strategies: companies should recruit talent and invest more in R&D to develop key technologies by themselves; on the other hand, there will be more universities in Shenzhen, which could promote the development of basic technologies. In addition, he talked about the Great Bay Area growth, saying that the biggest challenge is the synergy of Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao.