Institutions of higher education in Shanghai, like many others around the world, are taking proactive efforts to optimize their academic programs to align with global trends, said Mei Bing, a deputy to the National People's Congress and Party secretary of East China Normal University in Shanghai.

She emphasized the imperative for such institutions to adapt to the rapid advancements in technology, particularly in the realm of generative artificial intelligence, which is driving significant industrial and societal transformations.

The fundamental mission of universities is to cultivate talent for economic and social development. As the specific targets for talent development evolve, adjustments in academic programs become necessary, she said on Thursday on the sidelines of the ongoing national two sessions held in Beijing.

"Responding to current and future demands, universities need to phase out less relevant programs while introducing new, emerging, and future-oriented disciplines," Mei said.

However, it is acknowledged that some disciplines currently facing elimination were originally established to meet the needs of their time, she said, adding that the timely optimization of academic programs is a routine task for universities.

Mei also highlighted the diversity within the higher education sector, categorizing universities into research-oriented, applied, and skills-focused institutions.

"This year's Government Work Report also emphasized the need for differentiated reforms in the higher education sector. I believe that with the implementation of such reforms, universities will be able to address potential issues of homogenization resulting from adjustments in academic programs," she said.