China’s economic growth in less than three decades amazes the world. What took the West 200 years to industrialize and spread its benefits to their citizens took barely 30 years in China. Although there are still wide disparities between rich and poor, between urban and rural areas, between coastal and interior provinces, and corruption is rife in government and private business, China has raised over 400 million people out of poverty. It has relaxed its formerly militant socialist ideology, and has become more open to outside influences and contacts. Apart from 180-degree turn of government economic policy, these astounding changes can also be attributed to the proliferation of personal computers, access to the Internet, ease of travel and most importantly educational reforms. From the 1980’s Chinese universities offered advanced degrees primarily in the sciences and technology. Thousands of Chinese students were sent to the best universities abroad to obtain advanced and sophisticated education and training. Many of them have returned and work in China’s industries and research institutions. China continues to build up its intellectual capital in order to undertake continuing research and development required by the competetive world economy. Continue reading...

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