Going global

Apart from launching the innovation hub, the university has been increasing its efforts to internationalize the scope of its education over the past few years to help its students improve global competence - the capability to learn, work and live with others from different cultural backgrounds - and embrace future opportunities.

"We all live in an interconnected and interdependent world full of uncertainties and challenges," says Gao.

"Students need new skills to thrive, and globalizing our education system is one of the best ways to build such platforms."

Meanwhile, Tsinghua, in collaboration with the Shenzhen government and UC Berkeley, established the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute in 2014.

The institute, which is supervised by faculties from both universities, tackles global challenges including new energy technology, data science, precision medicine and healthcare.

Separately, a highly interdisciplinary dual master's degree engineering program has been set up by both universities. The institute also established an international academic industry advisory board to develop industry connections.

In 2016, Tsinghua welcomed the first batch of students in the Schwartzman College with three academic tracks - economics and management, public policy, and international studies - with the aim of equipping the next generation of global leaders.