In the first half of 2025, China's education sector witnessed a dramatic uptick in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity. No longer the sole domain of traditional education providers, the space is now attracting capital from automotive giants, technology platforms, vocational training groups, and family service conglomerates.

From Hanbo Technology’s RMB 502.5 million acquisition of vocational education leader Mayflower, to parenting brand Kidswant’s full takeover of Leyou International, to Chery Auto’s bold entrance into EdTech by acquiring a quarter of HiteVision—these strategic investments signal a powerful trend: education is no longer a standalone vertical, but a key enabler of industrial transformation.

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Hanbo Technology: Investing in the Vocational Pipeline

On February 10, 2025, Hanbo Technology made headlines by acquiring 100% equity in Sichuan Tezhui Mayflower Education Management for over RMB 500 million. With this move, Hanbo indirectly took control of publicly listed Century Dingli (300050.SZ), a company operating across telecommunications and vocational education.

Founded in 2023, Hanbo Technology positions itself as a comprehensive platform focused on smart manufacturing, AI, and industrial investment. The acquisition marks Hanbo's formal entry into the EdTech space, signaling its intent to accelerate vocational education, AI-powered teaching solutions, and international education expansion.

For Century Dingli—an early mover in education-communication integration—Hanbo's capital and technical capabilities could unlock a new phase of innovation in smart classrooms, 5G-enabled learning, and professional skill training.

Kidswant & Leyou International: Building a Full-Spectrum Family Service Ecosystem

On February 5, Kidswant Children’s Products Co., Ltd. (301078.SZ) announced the completion of its acquisition of the remaining 35% stake in Leyou International, a leading Chinese maternity and infant retail chain. This finalizes Kidswant’s full ownership after an earlier 65% stake acquisition in 2023.

The acquisition, valued at RMB 1.04 billion with a premium of over 227%, underscores the strategic significance of vertical integration in the parenting economy. Through this move, Kidswant strengthens its footprint in tier-1 and tier-2 cities, expands its service portfolio, and gains access to Leyou’s mature member-based retail system.

The deal also involved a RMB 560 million “M&A loan” secured by the acquired equity—a sign of growing financialization in education-adjacent industries.

Chuanzhi Education x Youyou Huilian: Closing the Loop in Cross-Border Talent Training

On February 12, Chuanzhi Education completed its acquisition of a 51% stake in Xiamen-based Youyou Huilian, a company specializing in training talent for cross-border e-commerce.

Best known for its coding bootcamps and digital skills training (e.g., “Black Horse Programmer”), Chuanzhi is expanding its reach into the global trade workforce. This acquisition is aligned with its vision to offer a full-stack education solution spanning youth enrichment, vocational skills, degree programs, and continuing education.

In addition, Chuanzhi acquired a 51% stake in Singapore-based Furen Holdings earlier this year, further reinforcing its international ambitions.

Chery Auto x HiteVision: Smart Manufacturing Meets Smart Education

On June 11, EdTech company HiteVision announced a landmark RMB 1.575 billion investment from Chery Auto’s private equity arm, Rui Cheng Fund. With this, Chery becomes the controlling shareholder of HiteVision—marking the single largest education M&A transaction in China so far in 2025.

HiteVision is a major provider of interactive education hardware and digital classroom solutions in over 100 countries. With China’s EdTech sector under pressure due to regulatory tightening and slowing hardware demand, the partnership aims to reposition HiteVision from a device manufacturer to a comprehensive EdTech service operator.

For Chery, the move is part of a broader strategy to build a skilled industrial workforce by integrating education directly into the automotive value chain. The company had already co-founded an industrial college with a local vocational school in 2024.

Conclusion: From "Education+" to the Battle for Systemic Integration

The surge in education-related M&As reveals a deeper trend: education is no longer a vertical—it's becoming infrastructure. Whether it’s retail, manufacturing, or technology, industries are racing to embed education within their ecosystems, not just as CSR or HR pipelines, but as growth engines.

In this new landscape, the winners won't be determined solely by teaching content or faculty credentials. Instead, companies that can integrate education into broader industry systems, leverage cross-sector synergies, and build collaborative platforms will be the ones to define the future of learning in China—and beyond.

For cross-industry investors, education is no longer an auxiliary sector. It’s a strategic entry point for innovation, influence, and long-term value creation.

How a boy from a third-tier college created an emotional consumption giant that’s winning over global youth

In today’s middle-class social circles, Labubu—the quirky, goblin-like figure from Pop Mart—is fast becoming a bigger flex than luxury handbags. As one viral joke puts it: “An Hermès bag without Labubu isn’t true luxury.”

This odd yet lovable creature is now a staple of urban life, popping up in closets, on phone cases, car dashboards, and social media profiles. Behind Labubu’s cultural takeover stands Pop Mart, the brand that turned “emotional consumption” into a global business.

But perhaps the most surprising part of this story? Pop Mart wasn’t founded by a seasoned executive or an Ivy League graduate—but by Wang Ning, a young man from a small city in Henan, China, with no elite education, no industry background, and no funding. Just instinct, grit, and a deep understanding of what drives people to buy.

Humble Beginnings: A Kid from a County Town

Wang Ning grew up in Huojia County, Henan Province. His parents sold CDs, watches, and fishing gear from a local shop. From a young age, he learned how to “sell” by helping out at the family store, absorbing the local entrepreneurial spirit.

After the college entrance exam in 2005, while others relaxed, Wang organized a summer soccer camp. He wasn’t a top student and ended up at Sias International University of Zhengzhou, considered a third-tier college. To many, this might have seemed like a dead-end. For Wang, it was the launchpad of his dreams.

At college, he started a small production studio, selling 1,000 documentary-style DVDs about campus life in a single day. Soon after, he opened a “cubicle store” across from campus, renting mini shelves to display and sell lifestyle products—a business model inspired by Hong Kong’s LOG-ON stores.

These ventures laid the groundwork for Pop Mart, even if he didn’t know it yet.

Building Pop Mart from Scratch—Literally

With no design team or startup funds, Wang opened the first Pop Mart in Beijing’s tech hub Zhongguancun. He hand-painted the walls, hauled inventory, and even cleaned the store himself. Business was slow, and at one point, there were more employees than customers. Most investors passed. His team walked out. Wang almost gave up.

But one thing caught his eye: a mysterious spike in sales from a Japanese blind box toy called Sonny Angel, which made up nearly 30% of sales. He realized that people weren’t buying toys—they were buying emotional relief, comfort, and surprise.

So, Wang flew to Hong Kong and secured a licensing deal with artist Kenny Wong, bringing Molly, Pop Mart’s first original IP, to life. In 2016, the Molly Zodiac Series sold 80,000 units in 20 days, pulling in over 5 million RMB and turning the company profitable for the first time.

That was the beginning of an emotional business explosion.

Global Domination, One Blind Box at a Time

Over the next few years, Pop Mart signed 350+ artists worldwide, launching IPs like Dimoo, Skullpanda, and the now-iconic Labubu. The company turned toys into collectibles, retail into experience, and blind boxes into lifestyle statements.

In 2020, Pop Mart went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, reaching a market cap of over HKD 100 billion. Wang Ning—the third-tier student once overlooked by elite investors—was now leading one of the most influential cultural brands in China.

Today, Pop Mart operates 500+ stores across nearly 100 countries. Its 2024 revenue hit 13 billion RMB, and its Hong Kong stock surged over 150% year-to-date, even amid a global slowdown.

Labubu has even charmed royalty and celebrities—Thailand’s princess shared her collection, and Rihanna was spotted carrying Labubu-adorned handbags during her pregnancy.

The Pop Mart Playbook: Intuition, Execution, and Emotional Value

Wang Ning often says he didn’t succeed because of talent—but because of timing, instinct, and action.

He wasn’t great at school—he even failed sociology. But while he struggled with theory, he was already practicing it in real life. From street stalls and DVD sales to pop-up stores and licensing deals, Wang’s entrepreneurial sense always kept him one step ahead.

As the company grew, he realized instinct wasn’t enough. From 2016 onward, Wang made a bold decision to focus only on designer toys, killing off non-core businesses to go all in on what no one else believed in at the time.

“Everyone has ideas,” he said. “But only those willing to stick with it for ten years will make something happen.”

Wang also later earned an MBA from Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management—proof that education matters, but action and experience matter more.

What Wang Ning’s Story Teaches Us

1. Start Early, Not Perfect

Wang’s edge was that he acted early—long before others found their paths. While his peers focused on grades, he built businesses and learned from real-world trials. His story reminds us that academic prestige isn’t everything. What matters is starting to build your judgment early.

2. Failure Is the Best Teacher

Pop Mart nearly collapsed—product flops, canceled IPs, and massive financial losses. But Wang didn’t give up. He pivoted, cut losses, restarted. His comeback wasn’t luck—it was the result of reflection and resilience. Young people should be allowed to fail—because the best learning often happens in the aftermath.

3. Real Education Is the Freedom to Try

Sias wasn’t an elite school, but it let students sell, organize, and create—an underrated blessing. True education gives space for mistakes and the freedom to experiment. That’s what nurtured Wang’s confidence and skills.

Parents and educators should recognize that hands-on experiences—not just grades—shape real growth. Let kids try, fail, and create.

Every Child Is a Blind Box of Potential

In his memoir Because I Am Unique, Wang reflects on how investors once dismissed him for lacking the “elite founder” profile. Years later, they admired his calm, rational temperament and consumer instincts.

Perhaps the very traits we overlook in children today are the ones that will power their success tomorrow.

Every child, like a blind box, holds surprises inside. You never know what brilliance is waiting to be discovered—until you give them a chance to open up.

At Amherst College’s 2025 commencement, dual-degree scholar Thomas Ye—majoring in Political Science and Mathematics—delivered a brief yet deeply moving address that left his peers laughing and wiping away tears. With infectious sincerity, he offered three guiding mottos for life beyond campus: “Stay Green,” “Be a Pickle,” and “Play Bridge.” Drawing on pandemic-era memories of green to-go boxes, his father’s courageous battle with cancer, and the unifying power of a bridge game, Thomas revealed how authenticity and courage define the Amherst spirit.

“Stay Green”: Preserving the Kindness of the Pandemic

In spring 2020, Amherst students could only dine safely outdoors in the signature green to-go boxes. Those boxes became more than mere containers—they were an icebreaker for nervous freshmen:

“I still remember carrying that green box across campus, spotting someone I didn’t know, and simply asking, ‘Hi—mind if I join you?’ That one question turned strangers into friends.”

For Thomas, that shared gesture symbolized curiosity and goodwill thriving even behind masks. As he reminded the Class of 2025, maintaining that “green” openness—an eagerness to greet newcomers and extend kindness—is essential long after caps are thrown.

“Be a Pickle”: Letting the Sour Forge Strength

Why a pickle? Thomas likened personal growth to the transformation of a cucumber:

• Time and patience: A cucumber must be sliced, salted, and steeped before it becomes delightfully tangy.

• Pain and perseverance: Recounting his father’s cancer diagnosis, surgery, and grueling recovery, he noted, “Each moment of pain was like brine working its magic—souring yet essential to the final sweetness.”

Without melodrama, Thomas showed that adversity “brines” our character, deepening resilience. He urged graduates to embrace hardships not as culprits but as the very process that matures and enriches life’s flavor.

“Play Bridge”: Building Partnerships That Last

As a sophomore, Thomas joined Amherst’s Bridge Club on a whim—and discovered a metaphor for teamwork:

“Winning a hand isn’t just about your own cards; it’s about trusting and interpreting your partner’s signals. After each game, we’d share stories—study tips, internship leads, even favors owed—and forge bonds stronger than any single strategy.”

Bridge demands communication, adaptability, and mutual respect—qualities Thomas argued are vital whether collaborating on research, launching a startup, or navigating life’s unexpected deals.

Choosing the Road Less Traveled

Quoting Robert Frost’s famous lines—“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by”—Thomas wove together his three lessons:

• Stay Green kept him courageously reaching out in uncertain times.

• Be a Pickle gave him the grit to weather family hardship.

• Play Bridge instilled a belief in partnership and shared success.

That “road less traveled” was not lonely but rich with warmth, risk, and connection. As Amherst’s Class of 2025 disperses into the world, Thomas’s parting wisdom reminds us that true growth blossoms where kindness, resilience, and collaboration intersect.

On May 19, Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science celebrated its annual Class Day. In a moment that will long be remembered, Valedictorian Andrew Yang (BS ’25) strode to the podium in full academic regalia, having just received both the Applied Physics Faculty Illig Award and his Valedictorian certificate. His address—equal parts laughter and reflection—resonated deeply with faculty, family, and fellow students. Andrew eschewed grand theatrical gestures in favor of genuine anecdotes: shining lasers on nanoscale mirrors, impromptu city explorations, and even a cameo in a video game costume. Through it all, he wove together technical insight and personal vulnerability, reminding everyone that “engineering for humanity” is as much about community as it is about equations.

About Andrew Yang

Andrew Yang graduated in 2025 with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, earning Valedictorian honors and the Illig Award. His research uniquely combines machine learning and materials science: alongside Assistant Professor Xuenan Li, he designed LSTM models to identify periodic singular structures, and with Professor Simon Billinge, he developed high-throughput diffraction algorithms to detect material changes—tools he has field-tested at beamline facilities across three continents.

A passionate educator, Andrew became the first Columbia undergraduate invited to speak at the Bruker-AXS/MIT Symposium. He co-taught CAD to local high-school students through the SHAPE program and served as a teaching assistant in courses on dynamical systems and machine-learning applications under Professors Li, Nakul Verma, and Billinge. This fall, he will begin his PhD at Caltech, where he plans to apply neutron diffraction and advanced machine-learning models of interatomic potentials to further unravel complex material behaviors.

Image from: Columbia University

Key Highlights from His Address

• Authenticity Over Showmanship
  Andrew opened with self-deprecating humor—“They chose the dork with the Among Us keychain”—and spoke candidly about his dual role as researcher and teacher.

• Waves as Metaphor
  He compared the microscopic ripples seen in laser-illuminated materials to the “ripples of interaction” on campus: orientation-week hellos, tearful goodbyes, and spontaneous adventures.

• Risk and Reward
  From near-misses with beaver fever to debate with a former sociology professor on a Los Angeles bus, Andrew championed stepping into uncertainty as the catalyst for growth.

• Community Commitment
  Despite Columbia’s rigorous labs and lucrative internships, he emphasized that what truly unites engineers is their dedication to one another—embodied in the school’s motto, “Engineering for Humanity.”

Image from: Columbia University

Full Speech (Original English)

Thank you! Dean Morrison.

Every good ceremony places its best speeches at the beginning and the end which is why I'm speaking in the middle of our class day.

And to be honest, that’s fair. When I look at this crowd, I see students pioneering clean energy. Ridding plastic from our oceans. We have a real-life Stark lab featured recently in a Veritasium video.

Students using machine learning to explore the quantum world. And working with NASA to launch a freaking satellite to space.

Despite all of these amazing people who could be up here today. They chose the dork with the Among Us keychain—that you’ve probably never seen outside of class.

For those of you who've had me as a T.A. though, watching me yap up here probably isn’t strange. You know I love lecturing and could very well spend the next 45 minutes glazing Euclidean distance matrices.

But the best part about teaching here at Columbia is seeing how we all interact so differently with the same material. And I think this is representative of Columbia as a whole.

Now, don't fact-check me but not only does our class represent all 50 states, we represent almost half the countries.

We come from the biggest cities to the smallest towns and a fifth of us are the first in our families to even attend—let alone graduate—university.

Yet together as one class. We struggled through introductory physics, bared through the insane heat waves in our dorms, pulled all-nighters to finish our Art of Engineering projects and spent hours in Butler how to add just one more page to our Music Hum essays.

So I want to share a bit about my background and how it shaped my perspective here. Now I know we're all excited to graduate and finally be free of classes. But unfortunately, I'm going to put you through one last lecture.

My research is all about how materials look on the nano scale. So current microscopes aren't powerful enough to see the individual atom, so we have to be a little more creative and we shine lasers on them.

So it's kind of like when you shine a laser on a mirror and the direction the laser bounces tells you the angle the mirror is oriented.

But no real-world mirror is perfectly smooth so if you turn off the lights and use a strong enough laser, you can see not only a bright dot where the reflected light lands but also small fluctuations in light.

These minute ripples tell us what atoms compose our mirror and where the defects are.

The tiniest waves are the most important—waving hi in orientation week to some of your now closest friends, tearful waves goodbye to your family after convocation—who have hopefully rejoined you on this day.

Shout out to my mom, dad, my grandfather, my grandmother, and my sister Annie who’s just starting high school—no pressure, alright!

Sound waves of applause at our amazing performers and learners from waving flags to wavy tides at the free kayaking sessions downtown. We make these waves every day from the interactions and time we spend with each other.

In 1807, Joseph Fourier showed how waves can combine to form beautiful functions. Our interactions combine to form this beautiful community.

When you think back at the time you spent here, what's going to stick with you?

Well. Sure, the horrors of a machine learning midterm are probably never going to leave you.

But I'm certain it's also filled with unplanned urban explorations, watching sunsets on the Brooklyn Bridge, losing four buy-ins in five hands of Hold'em, and making an Among Us-shaped candle for white elephant.

All of these with friends by your side.

While we have some of the most rigorous courses, access to lucrative internships and the best research laboratories, what really makes us us is our commitment to each other.

After all, our slogan is not just engineering, but engineering for humanity.

And Columbia engineers—engineers—are particularly well versed in the humanities.

So I'm going to Caltech for my PhD—shout-out to Brent's lab who are hopefully on live right now.

And when I went to visit LA I got lost late at night looking for Union Station and I asked a stranger at the bus stop for directions and ended up sitting next to him on the bus.

We chatted a bit before our conversation turned to the syllogisms and the Nicomachean Ethics and he was impressed that Columbia taught us so well about Aristotle that he offered to take me out for dinner and, well, sure!

I could have ended up without my kidneys and in an ice bath it turns out he was a former sociology professor and we engaged in one of my most exciting debates about what it means to belong somewhere all because I went screw it, I'm in.

Which brings me to my final point—the importance of taking risks splashing through the ripples of uncertainty.

While this mindset has led to unpleasant situations like being detained in Japan during midterms week and googling symptoms of beaver fever after drinking water from a creek—hear me out.

I wanted to try the cold spring up at Cold Springs so I...don't do it,

but taking these risks has also allowed me to explore amazing physics across the Pacific Ocean, become the first undergraduate speaker for the Bruker / MIT Symposium, and wear a video game costume for graduation speech!

Thank you.

One more—despite all of this, sorry.

Now, more than ever, it feels difficult to take risks, especially when it feels like the whole world is watching and there's always something we can lose.

Despite this I'm confident our class is exclusively qualified to overcome any hardship.

During our end stop, our campus flooded from the rain but rather than hiding away we brought out a boat and Sea of Thieves’d our way outside of John J.

We survived a pandemic stood with our families abroad and braved events other students may never face in their lives.

We even spent a good portion of college without generative AI like. Is it crazy like we started our journey without Claude or Perplexity,

and now lolms have dominated our oh sorry... ehh...GPT says I'm out of free credits so I guess I have to close things off.

We came here maybe not knowing about what the future would hold and definitely not knowing what these four years would bring, but we made it with the invaluable support of our friends and family.

After weathering so many tides, we've made it to the crest of our college careers.

Look among us, class of 2025, we are seas and we're gonna make waves.

Clap a little longer so I can put my robe back on.

Thank you class, best class ever in the university, thank you, thank you, Ok, that's enough, alright, thank you so much sorry for the cheesy send off, but if you wanted a professional speaker you would have looked in the college.

Now I'd like to invite Reid Ellison, class of 2008 and president of the Columbia Engineering Alumni Association to the podium.

How did a “zero-product, zero-user” startup command such excitement? The answer lies in Hong’s extraordinary credentials and Axiom’s laser-focused technical vision.

From Guangzhou to Stanford: A Nonstop Ascent

Carina Hong discovered her passion for mathematics in middle school via a free Olympic math training program. By high school, she was one of only four girls representing Guangdong province at the China Mathematical Olympiad. In 2018, at age 17, she entered MIT as a double major in Mathematics and Physics, completing both degrees in three years while coauthoring nine research papers on topics ranging from modular elliptic curves to pop-stack sorting algorithms.

Hong earned top honors at MIT—such as the Alice T. Schafer Prize for outstanding female mathematicians—and, in 2021, became one of four Chinese Rhodes Scholars, studying neuroscience at Oxford. She then chose Stanford over other Ivy League offers, pursuing a PhD in Number Theory, Combinatorics, and Probability while also minoring in Law. At Stanford, Hong continued her research in combinatorics (e.g., pop-stack sorting) and began exploring AI for mathematical proofs within the Gatsby Unit at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre.

Hong has been critical of existing large language models (LLMs) when it comes to formal proofs: although some LLMs score above 95 percent on multiple-choice math contests, their accuracy often falls below 10 percent when asked to produce a complete, machine-verifiable proof. “Pattern matching is not the same as logical deduction,” she notes. “AI must learn to prove, not just answer.”

Axiom’s Mission: AI That Actually Proves

Founded this year, Axiom aims to build AI systems trained on formal mathematical proofs—proofs encoded in systems like Lean, Coq, or Isabelle—so that models learn genuine mathematical logic rather than mere textual patterns.

• Data and Preprocessing: Axiom collects and standardizes proof scripts from public formal proof libraries, annotating inference steps and normalizing syntax across different proof assistants.

• Model Training: Its neural models predict intermediate proof steps, suggest lemmas, and verify target statements. Fine-tuning focuses on math areas essential for quantitative finance—such as probability, algebra, and number theory.

• Enterprise Integration: Rather than a consumer-facing app, Axiom packages its proof engine as an API for hedge funds and trading desks. When financial firms need to validate complex pricing formulas or risk models, they can query Axiom for a machine-checked proof instead of assembling large in-house research teams.

By teaching AI to “prove,” Hong envisions dramatically accelerating model validation and innovation in quantitative finance. Instead of waiting weeks for human-crafted proofs, firms could obtain rigorous, verifiable solutions in minutes.

Why Investors Are Betting Big

Axiom’s recent $300 million valuation is startling given its early stage, but several factors explain investors’ confidence:

1. Founder Credibility

   • Hong’s track record—nine published papers before age 22, Rhodes Scholar, dual MIT and Stanford alumni—signals a clear edge in both mathematical depth and AI research. Few founders possess comparable expertise in formal proof systems.

2. Vertical Focus

   • While many AI startups chase broad LLM applications, Axiom’s sole focus on “formal math for finance” carves out a niche with clear enterprise demand. Quantitative firms routinely spend millions on mathematics research; Axiom offers to replace that multi-person effort with an API.

3. Proof-of-Concept Demonstrations

   • Although no production product exists yet, Axiom has demonstrated prototype models that autonomously construct short formal proofs on benchmark theorems. These demos have impressed quant researchers who prize correctness and speed.

4. Market Timing

   • Specialized AI applications are in vogue. Investors have grown wary of generalized LLMs and are keen to back teams that can tackle high-value, vertical problems. With major AI labs still focused on broad models, Axiom’s dedicated approach appears timely.

B Capital, known for backing Perplexity.ai, is reportedly leading Axiom’s $50 million round. Despite the lack of a fully built product, investors are wagering that Axiom can outpace larger labs in this niche.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the buzz, Axiom faces notable hurdles:

• Data Scarcity: Formal proof corpora are limited. Converting traditional math papers into machine-checkable scripts is laborious, and Axiom must rapidly expand its dataset to cover finance-relevant domains.

• Generalization: Proving known theorems is one thing; tackling novel, finance-specific conjectures (e.g., new pricing formulas) requires zero- or few-shot reasoning abilities that remain an open research challenge.

• Talent Competition: Recruiting top mathematicians and ML engineers is fierce. Axiom must attract experts who might otherwise join well-funded AI labs or hedge funds.

• Integration Complexity: Deploying a formal proof engine into existing quantitative workflows demands robust tooling, well-documented APIs, and professional services to ensure seamless adoption.

However, the potential rewards are enormous. If Axiom can reliably deliver machine-verified proofs for high-stakes financial problems—whether pricing exotic derivatives or verifying risk-measurement models—the platform could reshape quantitative research.

Outlook: A New Paradigm in Financial Innovation?

Carina Hong’s rise—from a Guangzhou math prodigy to a Stanford PhD launching a $300 million-valued AI startup—illustrates how deep domain expertise can trump early product traction. Axiom’s success would demonstrate that, in AI, narrowly focused tools with rigorous foundations can deliver outsized value compared to broad, generalist models.

As Hong succinctly puts it:

“We’re not building another chatbot that mimics solutions. We’re teaching AI to prove theorems. That’s a fundamentally different challenge—and one worth pursuing.”

Whether Axiom can convert its academic prowess into a robust enterprise offering remains to be seen. But for quantitative finance firms seeking airtight mathematical validation, a formal-proof AI could prove invaluable—and that possibility alone has already won over investors.

Image from: CCTV

A 17-Year-Old’s Everest Triumph: More Than a Personal Feat

Li Haorong is no stranger to extreme-altitude mountaineering. In recent years, he had already scaled Siguniang Mountain (5,025 m), Africa’s Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), and China’s Yuzhu Peak (6,178 m). In October 2024, he became the youngest Chinese male under 18 to reach the summit of Cho Oyu (8,201 m). Li’s Everest expedition lasted 46 days and entailed navigating sub-zero temperatures, oxygen deprivation, and fierce storms. Every step tested not only his physical strength but also his mental resilience.

But raw determination alone wasn’t enough. According to China’s national mountaineering coach Ciren Zaxi, a safe ascent of Everest’s North Face requires at least ¥500,000 (approximately US $70,000) in baseline expenses—permits, logistics, guides, oxygen, and basic supplies. Once high-end gear, specialized training camps, insurance premiums, and teams of safety consultants are added, the total cost can climb far above that figure.

Moreover, Everest permits are fiercely limited: only around 300 climbers can secure a spring-season slot each year. To get chosen, a candidate needs not only exceptional physical fitness but also a well-credentialed support network, a rigorous, months-long conditioning program, and, crucially, the financial backing to underwrite the entire operation. What appears to be an individual quest for glory is, in reality, the product of a large, well-oiled family apparatus dedicated to giving the child an “uncommon life starting point.”

Image from: Weibo

High-Net-Worth Education Spending: An Unmatched Advantage

Li’s Everest accomplishment quickly became fodder for parents and netizens alike: “Imagine how much weight that résumé carries when applying to elite universities,” one Weibo user commented. Others noted that Li’s national-level athletic credentials could hypothetically earn him bonus points on China’s gaokao or even a recommendation-based admission at Peking University or Tsinghua. (So far, Tsinghua’s admissions office has confirmed no special plan exists for such athletes.)

This episode highlights the broader phenomenon of wealthy Chinese families deploying staggering sums to secure opportunities that go far beyond standard academic tutoring or extracurriculars. The 2024 Hurun China High-Net-Worth Family Education Report—surveying 500 ultra-affluent households with an average net worth of ¥26 million (US $3.6 million)—reveals just how vast this gap has become:

• Number of Affluent Households: China has about 5.14 million families with net assets over ¥6 million (roughly US $840,000) and 2.08 million families with over ¥10 million (roughly US $1.4 million). Among them, 55,000 families boast net assets exceeding US $30 million.

• Geographic Concentration: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou top the list of regions with the highest number of high-net-worth families.

• Average Education Expenditure: These families spend an average of ¥5 million (US $700,000) per child on education—nearly seven times the national average household cost to raise a child from birth through a domestic bachelor’s degree (¥680,000, per the 2024 China Childbearing Cost Report). In first–tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai, ordinary families usually invest around ¥1.1 million per child; high-net-worth households in those same cities often exceed ¥4.7 million.

In practical terms, a single-year overseas undergraduate education can run over ¥200,000 (US $28,000) in tuition alone. Many affluent parents set up dedicated “education funds” years in advance, earmarking capital for preschool, K–12, and higher education—even postgraduate studies. By contrast, an average Beijing family’s cumulative spending to raise a child from kindergarten through college pales in comparison to what a wealthy household pours into a single year abroad.

Source: 2024 China High Net Worth Individuals' Family Education Report

Beyond Dollars: A Holistic, Long-Term Strategy

High-net-worth families don’t merely open their wallets. They emphasize character education and comprehensive ability development—values that translate into selecting high-impact experiences like Everest expeditions. According to the Hurun survey:

1. Character Traits Prioritized:

   • Optimism and Confidence (47%)

   • Honesty and Integrity (46%)

   • Creativity and Innovation (43%)

2. Core Competencies Cultivated:

   • Leadership and Innovation (each 45%)

   • Collaboration (44%)

   • Judgment (43%)

   • Analytical Thinking (41%)

3. Preferred Developmental Pathways:

   • Participation in Social and Public-Service Activities (46%)

   • On-the-Job Training or Real-World Practicums (43%)

   • Deep Immersive Travel Experiences (41%)

The goal is to expose children to diverse, real-world challenges—whether climbing a technical mountain route or spending a semester at a top global university—so that they hone resilience, critical judgment, and a broad worldview. In many cases, this requires hiring teams of experts—coaches, tutors, child psychologists, and family-office advisors—to map out multi-year plans that integrate academic, athletic, and character-building milestones. Yet ironically, 36% of these same affluent parents report they can spend face-to-face or video time with their children only one to two times per week, due to career demands. Thus, they compensate by purchasing premium services—boarding schools, global exchange programs, and elite summer camps—to fill the “time gap.”

Source: 2024 China High Net Worth Individuals' Family Education Report

The Educational Equity Conundrum

By the time a 17-year-old has Everest on their résumé, this truly isn’t about the child’s “effort” alone—it’s about lifelong institutional support, deep-pocketed family trust funds, and access to elite networks. In regions like Beijing and Shanghai, high-net-worth households invest approximately 4.3 times more in each child’s education than the average local family; nationally, the ratio is about 7.4 to 1. For the top 25% of these families—those spending over ¥10 million—the gap can reach 15 to 1 or more.

What does this disparity mean?

• Starting Line Inequality: Children from privileged backgrounds begin life with a wider array of options—from private international schools to specialized training academies—while hundreds of millions of less affluent students remain subject to local-school quality and underfunded public resources.

• Access vs. Merit: As affluent families create bespoke, high-value experiences (like climbing Everest) that carry weight in elite-school admissions, they effectively redefine “merit.” The child who spent years preparing for an ultra-endurance feat suddenly has both a powerful personal narrative and state-level honors—advantages unattainable for the average student.

• Long-Term Impact: These investment strategies are not one-off transactions but multi-decade gambits. For example, more than 50% of high-net-worth families expect their children to earn at least a master’s degree (30% aim for a master’s; 24% for a PhD). Only 7% regard a bachelor’s degree as the end game. Nearly 74% are already planning for their child to study overseas, with 40% preferring to send them out as early as high school (average age: 17.6). The destinations? Top Western institutions in the U.K., U.S., Canada, Germany, and Singapore.

Source: 2024 China High Net Worth Individuals' Family Education Report

Conclusion: Redefining “Education” and “Equity”

In decades past, educational success in China tended to be measured by gaokao scores, and later by SAT/ACT results for those targeting foreign universities. Today, the conversation has shifted: It’s no longer enough to excel in exams. Instead, affluent parents are crafting “life portfolios” of experiences—clinical internships at biotech labs, front-row seats at Model UN conferences, and yes, summiting Everest—so that their children stand out in a hypercompetitive global pool.

By showcasing a 17-year-old’s Everest summit, we glimpse a reality in which “killing it” often hinges on a family’s insulation from financial constraints. While Li Haorong’s personal perseverance is admirable, his story also spotlights an urgent question: How can China (and the world) preserve educational equity when extreme, out-of-reach investments become the new baseline? After all, true education should open doors for all, not only those whose families can afford to rewrite the definition of “merit.”

Background: An Unprecedented Profile

• Academic Credentials: SAT 1590/1600; weighted GPA 4.42 with extensive AP coursework.

• Competitive Achievements: Top 1% in USACO; Google Code Jam semifinalist; second place in MIT Battlecode.

• Entrepreneurship & Industry Recognition: Founded RabbitSign, a free e-signature platform; received a full-time “L4” software engineering offer from Google at age 18—typically reserved for PhD-level candidates.

Despite this résumé, Stanley was turned away by institutions including Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, and Cal Poly. He ultimately enrolled at UT-Austin, but the string of rejections prompted his family to seek legal recourse.

The Legal Challenge: Probing Admissions Practices

In February 2024, Stanley and his father, Nan Zhong, filed pro se lawsuits against:

1. University of California system

2. University of Washington

3. University of Michigan

4. Cornell University

They argue that, despite the 2023 Supreme Court decision barring race-based affirmative action, highly qualified Asian-American applicants face hidden hurdles. The suits cite:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the California Constitution’s equal-protection clause.

• Statistical Evidence: UC’s Asian-American admission rate fell from 38% in 2009 to 32.2% in 2022, while Hispanic and Black rates climbed without comparable test-score gains.

• Transparency Demands: Independent oversight of admissions data, public apologies, and mandatory anti-bias training for admissions officers.

A preliminary hearing in the Cornell case is set for June 25, 2025; other institutions face staggered court dates through the year.

AI and the “David vs. Goliath” Dynamic

Without formal legal representation, the ZHONGs turned to artificial intelligence to draft complex legal briefs. “AI may be the sling that levels the playing field against well-funded universities,” says Nan Zhong. Their approach highlights broader access issues—not only to elite education but to the tools of justice itself.

Broader Implications for Admissions Equity

1. Data Transparency Is Imperative
   Institutions should regularly publish anonymized, aggregate applicant and admittee data by race, SAT/GPA, and extracurricular profile.

2. Holistic Review Under Scrutiny
   “Comprehensive review” must be audited to ensure no group is disproportionately disadvantaged by subjective criteria.

3. Policy Impact Monitoring
   Diversity initiatives require ongoing evaluation to detect and correct unintended impacts on high-achieving applicants from any background.

Looking Ahead

Stanley remains at Google and has paused his college plans. He may reapply when admissions processes become more transparent and equitable. Meanwhile, his case has motivated other Asian-American families to demand accountability. For admissions officers, the Zhong lawsuits serve as a warning: transparency and fairness are no longer optional—they are essential to institutional credibility.

A Courtroom Victory and a Commencement Like No Other

Earlier that morning, the U.S. District Court in Boston ruled that the Department of Homeland Security could not alter Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification until the case reached a final decision. The injunction ensured that all admitted international students—including those from China—would retain their visas and legal status, allowing them to walk across Harvard Yard that afternoon without fear of deportation or disenrollment.

Humanity, Not Politics, at the Heart of Her Message

Representing all graduating students, Jiang became only the second Chinese delegate in nine years—and the first Chinese woman ever—to deliver Harvard’s student commencement speech. Under the title “Guarding Our Humanity,” she eschewed grand political narratives in favor of personal vignettes that illustrated our shared global destiny:

“Last summer, I was interning in Mongolia when classmates in Tanzania called me with an urgent question: how do you use a washing machine whose labels are all in Chinese? An Indian and a Thai student dialing a Chinese student in Ulaanbaatar—because we all study together here at Harvard.”

She reminded her peers that true solidarity transcends borders and ideologies:

“If any girl is forced to leave school because she cannot afford a sanitary pad, my dignity is diminished. If a child dies in a war he did not start, part of me dies with him—because we can still feel each other’s pain.”

In closing, she spoke in Mandarin of her program’s guiding principle—Humanity:

“We do not rise by proving each other wrong; we rise by refusing to let one another go.”

The Yard fell silent, then erupted in a sustained standing ovation.

A President’s Words, a University’s Stand

Harvard President Alan Garber, who has twice led the University in lawsuits against the administration, offered a brief response from the stage:

“Welcome, Class of 2025—from across the United States and around the world—just as it should be.”

His assertion drew another minute of applause, underscoring Harvard’s conviction that international scholars are indispensable to its academic mission.

The Broader Context: Higher Education Under Fire

This Commencement marked the end of Harvard’s most turbulent academic year in decades. Beyond the threatened SEVP revocation, the administration had frozen some $3 billion in federal research funding and publicly denounced the University as an “ideological hotbed,” even proposing that international students be capped at 15 percent of the student body.

Yet in the face of political pressure, Harvard’s leadership and community reaffirmed their commitment to global engagement. At the Kennedy School of Government, nearly half of all students hail from overseas; in the School of Public Health, international students account for more than 40 percent. Across graduate programs, scholars from around the world form the backbone of Harvard’s research and teaching enterprise.

A Resonant Call for Parents and Future Scholars

Jiang’s speech resonates far beyond Cambridge. For families weighing the uncertainties of study‐abroad plans, her words are a powerful reminder: although political storms may rage, the doors of education need not—and will not—close permanently. As long as students, parents, and institutions continue to advocate for openness and mutual understanding, the promise of a truly global education endures.

图源：Fox News

At home, Gree Electric chairwoman Dong Mingzhu sparked controversy when she declared she would refuse to hire any “returned overseas graduates” because “there are spies among them.” This sweeping statement has chilled the ambitions of countless students. Many who once planned to come back and contribute to China’s booming tech and research sectors now worry they will be branded security risks. Employers may hesitate to select candidates with overseas study experience, leaving returnees struggling to find work. The very expertise that China needs—in fields like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and biotechnology—is slipping away as talent delays its return or chooses to stay abroad.

In the United States, the mood is no less tense. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to “accelerate” the revocation of visas for Chinese students linked to certain backgrounds or enrolled in so–called “critical” fields. At the same time, future applicants face tighter social-media checks and deeper background reviews. These measures build on earlier restrictions and come amid a sharp drop in Chinese enrollment at American universities—from around 370,000 in 2019 to roughly 277,000 in 2024. For many students, the fear of losing their visa has already upended study plans and research projects.

Image from: Twitter

Both countries risk serious damage by treating all Chinese students as potential threats. In China, distrust of returnees could drain the talent pool and slow innovation. In the U.S., hollowing out research labs and classrooms of global perspectives and skills undermines scientific leadership. Above all, blanket suspicion deepens a trust deficit that no one gains from.

Image from: Statista

What, then, is the path forward? First, decision-makers must replace broad labels with precise, fair assessments. Each individual should be evaluated on their own record—never judged solely by nationality or field of study. Second, hiring and visa processes should rely on clear, publicly available criteria. Transparency builds confidence. Third, both nations should recognize that international students and returnees are partners in progress. They bring fresh ideas, new techniques, and global networks. Treating them as allies, rather than adversaries, strengthens our shared future.

Image from: Fox News

Chinese students—whether they choose to come home or study abroad—deserve the chance to pursue their dreams without undue suspicion. By adopting targeted vetting, open dialogue, and consistent standards, China and the U.S. can turn a growing crisis of trust into a renewed opportunity for collaboration and innovation.

• New approvals: 44 institutions, 69 programs

• Suspensions: 3 institutions, 78 programs

With Gaokao applicants set to top 14 million this year, families face fresh uncertainty. Are these partnerships a smart shortcut—or a costly dead end?

Image from: online

What Is Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education?

• Joint ventures between a Chinese university and an overseas partner.

• Study in China but earn a foreign degree, or both Chinese and foreign degrees.

• Some include 1–2 semesters abroad.

Two main formats:

1. Standalone campuses

   • E.g., NYU Shanghai, Duke Kunshan.

   • Higher fees, strong global recognition.

2. In-host programs

   • Housed within a Chinese university.

   • Degrees granted by both sides or by one side plus a certificate.

   • Models like 2+2, 3+1, or 4+0 (years in China + years abroad).

Image from: NYU

Why Students and Families Choose Them

• Lower entry scores. Often 10–50 points below regular majors.

• Reduced costs. Total fees usually ¥200 k–1 m vs. ¥2–5 m for full overseas study.

• International exposure. Small classes, English materials, foreign faculty.

Despite perks, past cohorts report uneven quality. Some see “Chinese courses in English” with few real foreign instructors.

Image from:ZJE

Why So Many Programs Are Closing

1. Tighter quality checks. Projects with poor oversight or weak foreign involvement get halted.

2. Geopolitical shifts. Some U.S. partners withdrew amid diplomatic tensions.

3. New alliances. Approvals now favor Europe and Southeast Asia—countries with friendlier visa and political ties.

Image from:US NEWS

How to Decide If It’s Right for You

1. Verify the partner’s credentials. Check accreditation and faculty mix.

2. Clarify outcomes. Will you earn the foreign degree you expect?

3. Match goals. If saving cost and staying close to home matter most, a high-quality program may work. For full immersion, traditional study-abroad still leads.

Sino-foreign cooperation remains a key part of China’s higher-education strategy. But in today’s fast-changing world, careful research is essential.

Stay with EduOutlook for our next deep dive on the latest policy moves and partnership trends.

Image from: MSNBC

1. Trump Administration Suspends Harvard’s SEVP Certification

• Action Taken: On May 22, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem notified Harvard President Alan M. Garber that Harvard’s SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certification was “revoked, effective immediately.”

• Impact: Harvard may not issue new I-20s to F-1 or J-1 students for the 2025–26 academic year. Over 6,000 current international students face the prospect of transfer, status change, or departure.

• Reason Cited: DHS alleged that Harvard failed to provide sufficient disciplinary and protest-activity records for international students, and accused the university of fostering an unsafe environment.

Image from: Youtube

2. Harvard’s Response and Legal Challenge

• “Unlawful and Retaliatory”: Harvard spokesperson Jason A. Newton condemned the revocation as “unlawful,” pledging to defend the university’s right to enroll global talent.

• Prepared to Litigate: While no lawsuit has yet been filed, Harvard has mobilized its legal team and is exploring emergency relief (e.g., a temporary restraining order) to halt DHS’s action.

• Campus Community Outcry: International students and alumni have launched petitions and lobbied lawmakers, stressing the vital role of global scholars in Harvard’s research and teaching mission.

Image from: The Harvard Crimson

3. HKUST’s Open-Door Initiative

Why HKUST?

• QS World University Rankings 2025: Top 50 globally

• Times Higher Education 2025 “Most International University”: #2 worldwide

• QS Subject Ranking 2025: #1 in Hong Kong for Data Science & AI

Key Features for Transferees:

• Unconditional Offers & Streamlined Admissions: No additional application fees or entrance exams.

• Credit Transfer Assistance: Dedicated team to evaluate and transfer eligible Harvard credits.

• Comprehensive Support Package: Visa guidance, on-campus housing priority, orientation tailored to international transfer students.

• Contact Point: hkust-Harvard@ust.hk

“Diversity fuels creativity and progress,” says Prof. GUO Yike, HKUST Provost. “We stand ready to welcome Harvard’s international students into our vibrant, innovation-driven community.”

Image from: HKUST

4. What This Means for Affected Students

• Immediate Choices:

  1. Transfer to HKUST under the expedited pathway

  2. Seek alternative U.S. institutions with active SEVP certification

  3. Change visa status (e.g., to H-1B or other categories)

• Academic Continuity: HKUST’s semester calendar aligns closely with U.S. institutions, minimizing credit loss and graduation delays.

• Long-Term Prospects: A degree from HKUST grants access to Asia’s dynamic job markets and deepens ties in global research networks.

5. Looking Ahead

• U.S. Judicial Review: Harvard’s likely court challenge may restore its SEVP status—but timelines remain uncertain.

• Further Policy Ripples: Other U.S. universities are monitoring the Harvard case closely, assessing their own compliance and record-sharing practices.

• Global Higher-Ed Trends: HKUST’s proactive stance exemplifies how leading institutions are adapting to geopolitical shifts to maintain open, inclusive academic ecosystems.

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Image source: Still from "Douglas is Cancelled"

1. From Screen to Reality: Douglas Is Cancelled

In four razor-sharp episodes, veteran news anchor Douglas Bellows loses everything overnight after a private joke is recorded and goes viral. His colleague Madeleine uses her massive social-media following to “cancel” him all over again on live television—turning a public relations nightmare into a full-blown trial by Twitter. What plays out as black comedy on screen has become an all-too-familiar script in real life.

2. The “Cancel War” at Home

• A Daughter’s Revolt
  A family friend shared how her Ivy-educated daughter from Brown University erupted when her parents gently commented on her graduation-ceremony attire. “Don’t PUA me!” the daughter shouted, then declared her parents “cancelled,” removing them from her WeChat friends and policing every word in the family group chat.

• Weaponized Correctness

  • “Using air conditioning destroys the ozone layer—my ‘carbon-neutral’ Caribbean trip is fine!”

  • “Saying it’s wrong to date Black friends? That’s racism! I’ll expose you on Instagram!”

  • “You got the Israel-Palestine issue wrong? You’re out of my social circle!”

This intra-family showdown mirrors Madeleine’s calculated revenge on Douglas: the less powerful wield “moral righteousness” to turn loved ones into adversaries.

3. What Is “Cancel Culture”?

Cancel culture, or call-out culture, describes collective online campaigns to ostracize individuals or content deemed offensive—expelling them from social or professional circles. Originating in African-American communities and amplified by the MeToo movement and social media, it wields the power of mass shaming as a form of digital mob justice.

Image source: PEW Research Center

4. Campus to Home: Brown University as a Training Ground

In 2024, Brown University faced federal scrutiny over campus Israel-Palestine protests and agreed to a $510 million grant conditioned on campus-wide anti-bias training. Students raised in this climate often become “opinion police” at home, applying absolutist campus standards to family life and viewing parental concern as oppressive control.

5. A Wake-Up Call for Parents: The Double-Edged Sword of Cross-Cultural Education

1. Balance and Boundaries

   • Exposing children to diverse cultures is invaluable, but without clear limits, they may reject their own heritage wholesale.

2. Evolving Roles

   • Beyond financial support, parents must act as cultural guides—learning about their child’s new environment and helping them integrate foreign ideas judiciously.

3. Communication Strategies

   • Lead with curiosity (“Tell me why you feel that way”) instead of lectures.

   • Co-create a “Family Values Charter” that identifies non-negotiable principles to anchor healthy debate.

Image source:Forbes Councils

6. Closing Remarks & Engagement

Cancel culture’s expansion into private life reminds us that freedom of expression goes hand in hand with responsibility. Instead of “cancelling” one another, families can use this moment to foster mutual understanding and growth.

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Image source：香港01

The Rise and Fall of Ms. Li

Ms. Li showed talent early. She began dance at age three and passed a Grade-6 guzheng exam by fifth grade. In 2012, she won a national essay contest and earned the “Young Writer” award. Three years later, she claimed a gold medal in DanceSport. By 2018, she had moved into modeling, with her designs selling out on Taobao. In July 2024, she crowned her résumé with a city-level pageant win—using her HKU student status to shine.

Image source：香港01

The Fraud Uncovered

In 2021, Ms. Li applied to HKU’s master’s in linguistics. She submitted a forged Columbia diploma and transcript covering 2016–2020. HKU granted conditional admission and issued her a student card. In June 2024, the university asked her to verify those credentials. Ms. Li refused and fled to Mainland China. HKU’s audit then confirmed the documents were fake. The university rescinded her enrollment and alerted the police. She was arrested just two weeks after her pageant win.

Image source：SCMP

Inside the Black-Market Scheme

Investigators traced the fraud to a Mainland agency, Hefei Education Consulting Co. Ms. Li paid ¥380,000 for the fake diploma, transcript, and even a phony “official” email confirmation. The agency also altered her grades from “Pass” to “Distinction.” Although the firm admitted forging documents in civil suits, it has never faced criminal charges. Current laws only penalize agencies for service failures or forging state seals, leaving the core fraud unpunished.

Image source：online

Legal and Ethical Gaps

Both university audits and Mainland courts have blind spots. Hong Kong institutions rely on applicant-submitted materials without direct checks. Mainland courts prosecute agencies mainly for consumer-service breaches or government-document forgery. This loophole lets “study abroad” agencies operate freely until a client is caught. Meanwhile, honest students suffer tighter reviews, and some Macau and Hong Kong schools have paused Mainland admissions to guard against fakery.

Image source：online

The Path Forward

• Direct Verification: Universities should confirm credentials directly with issuing schools.

• Secure Credentials: Explore blockchain or tamper-proof seals for diplomas.

• Legal Reform: Expand criminal liability to cover overseas-admissions fraud.

• Joint Enforcement: Mainland and Hong Kong authorities must collaborate on investigations.

• Student Support: Provide clear guidance and fair appeal channels for genuine applicants.

Image source：online

📌 A Three-Part AI Education Strategy

China’s AI in Education (AIED) efforts are built on a clear structure:

1. Smart Tools for Teaching and Learning

   • AI lesson planning, virtual labs, intelligent tutors

   • Personalized learning recommendations for over 100 million students

2. Real-Time Management and Assessment

   • AI-generated student dashboards

   • Adaptive tests and dynamic skill evaluation

3. System-Level Innovation

   • Digital learning platforms for remote regions

   • “Three Classrooms” program to bring urban-quality lessons to rural schools

   • Lifelong learning systems powered by AI

📊 Policy-Driven and Locally Piloted

China’s Ministry of Education and multiple provinces are working together to scale AI in schools:

• White Paper on AI in Education: Sets the vision for "personalized, high-quality, large-scale" education

• Local Pilots:

  • Beijing: Large-scale education models and interdisciplinary AI labs

  • Shanghai: District-wide smart campuses and multimodal content

  • Chengdu: AI-supported student learning analytics and feedback loops

As of April 2025:

• 90% of provinces have released AI education policies

• Over 500 AI model schools are under construction

• The AIED market is projected to surpass ¥200 billion (~$28B USD) by 2027

⚖️ Ethics and Governance Are Taking Shape

China is also addressing the risks of AI through regulation and oversight:

• A national AI ethics committee for education is in place

• Guidelines are being written to clarify content ownership, data privacy, and algorithm fairness

• China references the EU AI Act but adapts it to local educational needs

🔮 Future Directions: From Tools to Ecosystems

1. Fully Integrated Education Ecosystems
   AI agents will assist teachers and students 24/7. Schools, districts, and national systems will connect through a unified data network.

2. Personalization at Scale
   AI systems will help tailor learning experiences across academic and vocational tracks. Companies like Huawei are offering AI skills certification linked to industry needs.

3. Global Reach
   China is promoting its platforms abroad—through international MOOCs and vocational initiatives like “Luban Workshops”—and engaging in global discussions on AI education standards.

🌐 Why It Matters

For international educators, China’s AIED push offers valuable insights:

• How AI can improve access without sacrificing quality

• How to manage risk through early ethics design

• How governments can coordinate national policy with grassroots innovation

📮 Final Note

China is not just adding AI to schools—it is rebuilding the education system with AI at its core. From rural classrooms to national platforms, this transformation aims to prepare the next generation for a world where learning is lifelong, intelligent, and personalized.

📎 Sources: Ministry of Education (China), 2025 AIED White Paper, China Internet Society, National and Provincial Pilot Programs

On April 26, during a radio interview on the program Saturday Forum, Christine Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong SAR, shared that many families are now opting to send their children to Hong Kong for higher education. This shift is driven by growing uncertainties in the U.S. study environment.

Hong Kong’s strengths — an internationalized education system, a multicultural environment, and bilingual learning (Chinese and English) — are drawing more overseas students.

After raising the admission cap for non-local students to 40%, Hong Kong’s eight public universities have seen a sharp increase in international enrollments.

• In the 2024/25 academic year, non-local students in UGC-funded programs rose by 15.8%, reaching 26,631 students.

• At the University of Hong Kong, 66.3% of new students are non-local, with Mainland Chinese students making up 86.3% of that group.

  

  

• Self-financed institutions also report strong growth, with Mainland students accounting for 62.6% at Chu Hai College.

This expansion is part of a broader, long-term strategy.

• In 2023, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive announced plans to lift the non-local student quota for publicly funded universities to 40%.

• The Belt and Road Scholarship program expanded from 100 to 150 places, covering 49 countries and regions.

• To date, 680 students have come to Hong Kong under this program.

Beyond education, Hong Kong is strengthening its international presence in trade and business.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) reported active participation from American buyers at the Spring Electronics Fair and plans to host seven more major exhibitions this year.

While these efforts are helping Hong Kong attract global talent, rapid growth also brings new challenges.

• Universities are urged to expand enrollment gradually to maintain teaching quality.

• The government plans to add about 13,000 new student dormitory beds by 2027–28.

• Universities are working to maintain a balanced faculty composition, with local, Mainland, and international staff currently at a 4:3:3 ratio.

Experts warn that Hong Kong must continue improving its teaching and research standards to stay competitive. They also caution against becoming overly reliant on students from a single region.

As Christine Choi noted, geopolitical factors are encouraging not only more students but also top scholars to consider Hong Kong. Some professors are leaving the U.S. and choosing to teach in Hong Kong, although universities are keeping these moves low-profile to protect academic plans.

Today, Hong Kong offers international students a new and practical alternative.
It reflects how global education choices are evolving — and how Hong Kong is positioning itself as an important part of the future.

“For children from ordinary families, if they’re hardworking and responsible, studying abroad could be the key to a better future.”

This view has sparked intense discussion. Why would a leading expert who built his career on China’s test-prep system advise families to look overseas? The answer lies in the growing challenges within China’s domestic education and job markets.

📈 The Reality: Intense Competition and Narrow Outcomes

• In 2024, 13.53 million students registered for the Gaokao, China’s national college entrance exam—a record high.

• 30% of candidates were repeat test-takers.

• In graduate admissions, numbers nearly doubled from 2 million in 2017 to 4.38 million in 2024.

• Admission rates to top schools remain low. For example, 985 university admission in Guangdong was just 1.9%.

  

Even students who complete college face new barriers. Many top employers prioritize degrees from 985/211 universities. Resumes from students at less-prestigious institutions are often filtered out before interviews begin.

“Most Fortune 500 firms say degrees don’t matter,” Zhang says, “but they still recruit from Peking University—not Qiqihar University.”

🌍 Study Abroad as a Strategic Escape

Zhang believes that studying abroad may be a better fit for students from families with modest means—but high motivation.

Key advantages include:

• Holistic admissions: Unlike China’s exam-based system, foreign universities consider academics, personal achievements, and experiences.

• Faster degrees: Many international master’s programs take 1–2 years instead of China’s typical 3 years.

• Better job access: International experience makes applicants more competitive. On average, returnees earn 20%–30% more than local graduates.

💰 Breaking the Myth: Study Abroad Isn’t Just for the Rich

Many Chinese parents still think studying abroad is only for wealthy families. But options are expanding.

CountryTuition (Yearly)NotesPoland/Hungary¥30,000–¥40,000Low living costs, EU-recognized degreesMalaysia¥20,000–¥40,000English-taught, strong global rankingIndonesia¥20,000–¥50,000High value, multilingual environment

Many universities also offer generous scholarships, including full tuition and living support.
Students can also legally work part-time during studies—especially in the UK, US, and Southeast Asia—providing extra income and practical experience.

🇮🇩 Case Spotlight: Why Indonesia Is Gaining Ground

Among affordable destinations, Indonesia is increasingly attractive for ordinary Chinese families:

• Rapidly rising university rankings

• Government-supported scholarship programs for international students

• Bilingual or trilingual environments (Chinese-English-Indonesian)

• A strong job market with growing demand for cross-cultural talent

As part of the “Three-Year Thousand Student Plan”, Indonesia is actively recruiting 1,000 Chinese students from 2024–2026. This program supports admissions, housing, and internship placement—creating smoother pathways for under-resourced students.

🎯 Rethinking the Path Forward

Zhang Xuefeng’s message isn’t about abandoning China’s system—it’s about creating alternative strategies for families who lack elite resources but still hope to uplift the next generation.

For education professionals and institutions abroad, this trend signals a shift:
More Chinese families are willing to invest in affordable, flexible, and globally-minded education, even if it means stepping outside traditional routes.

If you’re an admissions officer, policy maker, or international education advisor, now is the time to better understand these families—and meet them where they are.

📈 A Decade of Change: From Rapid Expansion to Market Saturation

Between 2015 and 2024, the number of international schools in China rose from 597 to 972, with private schools making up 57.1%. But the era of explosive growth is over:

• Openings vs Closures: In 2024, 27 new schools opened, but only a net increase of 2 was recorded. Over 50 schools have closed in the past three years.

• Tuition Stratification: The average annual tuition reached RMB 119,700. Top-tier schools raised fees by 10% yearly, while mid- and lower-tier schools face price wars.

Enrollment Decline: Total student enrollment dropped to 496,000, with kindergartens and primary schools hit hardest. High schools remain the last stronghold.

📊 Key Stats at a Glance

• Private schools hold 65% market share, with 61% located in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

• Average annual tuition:

  • Foreign-only schools: ~RMB 200,000

  • Private bilingual schools: ~RMB 125,700

  • Public school international divisions: ~RMB 80,300

⚔️ The Survival Battle: The Rise of “Public-Style” Rigor

To compete for a shrinking student base, international schools are raising academic standards:

• Math & Science Intensity: AP, A-Level, and IB students face more drills and after-school tutoring. Math Olympiad classes now start in primary school.

• Longer Hours: One-on-one tutoring until 8PM, foreign teachers running online Q&A groups, and weekly exams like those in public schools.

• Rise of the Gaokao Track:

  • 15+ private schools in Beijing now offer domestic exam prep

  • DSE programs are gaining traction in Shanghai

  • Dual-track systems attract undecided families

🧭 Diverging Parent Views

• “Holistic education is ideal, but college results are the priority. If a school delivers, the tuition is worth it.”

• “Better to skip the pressure—send them abroad earlier.”

🚀 Breaking Through: Overseas Expansion, Campus Growth, and New Programs

1. Elite Schools Going Global

• YK Pao School expands to Hong Kong

• Wellington opens in San Francisco

• Malvern College, Maple Leaf Education move into Southeast Asia

• Malaysia’s Chinese student population quadrupled in 4 years

2. Growth in Top Cities + Capital Investment

• Expansion by top brands like BASIS Shunyi (Beijing) and WFL Lujiazui (Shanghai)

• Shenzhen’s Mingwan School backed by Tencent

• Hillhouse Capital acquires Dulwich & Dehong’s parent company

3. Curriculum Diversification for Survival

• YCIS rolls out DSE, Dulwich Puxi adds A-Level, Keystone preps for IB

• Kevin School in Beijing offers specialized math classes; HD Beijing adds early years programs to lock in younger students

🌍 Study Abroad Trends: Rising Alternatives and New Challenges

• U.S. and U.K. remain top destinations: Over 330,000 Chinese students in the U.S. in 2023

• Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea gain popularity: Better value for middle-class families

• Belt & Road countries attract attention: Non-English study options are growing with strong policy support

But risks are rising:

• High school-aged population will sharply decline after 2034

• U.S./U.K. tuition hikes and visa restrictions may push families to look for alternatives

🔮 Looking Ahead: Quality and Differentiation Are Key

“The golden age is over. From now on, quality and positioning will decide who survives.” — Wu Yue, CEO of New School Talk

What this means for schools:

• Internal improvement: Let college results guide curriculum design. Parents want both holistic growth and Ivy League potential.

• Global expansion with local grounding: Going abroad needs real local engagement—not surface-level “internationalization.”

The report, compiled as of March 1, offers a comprehensive look at trends among both domestic and international applicants—highlighting notable increases in early applications, standardized test submissions, and a resurgence of Chinese applicants. These insights can inform admissions strategies as competition intensifies and diverse applicant profiles emerge.

Key Application Statistics

• Overall Growth:

  • Total number of applicants reached approximately 1.39 million—a 4% increase over previous seasons.

  • Nearly 8.54 million applications were submitted, reflecting a 6% growth, with each new student applying to an average of 6.14 schools.

• Shifts in Application Timing:

  • Early applications surged by 7%, reaching 883,078 submissions.

    

  • In contrast, regular decision (RD) applications slightly declined by 1% (375,595 submissions).

  • Institutions continue to see higher early admission acceptance rates, prompting schools like the University of Chicago and the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business to add additional early rounds.

• Standardized Testing Trends:

  • Submissions of standardized test scores climbed by 11%—with 669,910 applicants including tests in their files.

    

  • The rising emphasis on standardized test results is especially evident at highly competitive schools and top-30 ranked institutions, where rigorous score benchmarks are becoming a key differentiator.

International Application Insights

• Asian Applicants and the Chinese Resurgence:

  • Asian application numbers totaled 83,233, with Chinese applicants accounting for over 30% (25,455 submissions) and marking a 6% increase from the previous cycle.

    

    

  • This renewed strength underscores Chinese families’ sustained interest in U.S. undergraduate education as well as a broader trend in international student competition.

• Regional Variations:

  • While international applications overall edged down by 1%, the increase in Asian submissions contrasts sharply with a 17% decline in applications from Africa.

  • The UC system witnessed a healthy 8.5% growth in international submissions, suggesting that public university options are gaining appeal because of their cost effectiveness and strong educational offerings.

    

Early Action and Public University Appeal

• Early Action Surge:

  • The early action wave was particularly robust, with a 17% year-on-year increase. Over 3 million early action submissions indicate that applicants are accelerating their decision-making process to enhance their candidacy.

  • Preliminary data from elite early rounds also suggest that competitive scores—such as TOEFL averages above 110, SAT scores above 1540, and ACT scores above 34—are becoming common benchmarks.

• Increasing Interest in Public Institutions:

  • Public universities experienced a 10% uptick in applications, compared with a modest 2% rise at private institutions.

    

    

    This trend is likely driven by increasing tuition costs at private colleges and the comparative affordability and strong academic reputations of public institutions.

    

Implications for Admissions

For U.S. college admissions officials, these trends serve as a signal of evolving applicant behaviors and priorities:

• Enhanced Competition and Diverse Profiles:
  The resurgence of Chinese applicants and sustained global interest necessitate a holistic review approach that accounts for both academic and extracurricular excellence. Applicants are not only aiming for strong standardized scores but are also building unique, differentiated profiles to stand out in a crowded field.

• Evaluating Early Action Strategies:
  With early submissions increasing sharply, admissions offices should continue to calibrate their early action policies. Clear communication regarding evaluation criteria at early rounds will be essential as more students use this route to gain a competitive edge.

• Tailored Outreach and Support:
  As public universities gain traction, it is worth evaluating recruitment and outreach strategies to ensure alignment with the applicants’ evolving expectations regarding affordability and academic offerings.

Final Thoughts

The 2024–2025 Common App data paints a picture of an increasingly competitive and strategically nuanced application process. For U.S. institutions, these insights underscore the importance of adapting admission strategies to not only manage a higher volume of applications but also to fairly assess the diverse strengths and backgrounds of a globally competitive applicant pool. By staying ahead of these trends, admissions offices can better anticipate challenges and opportunities in the evolving higher education landscape.

Take Jacinta Gu, a student from Beijing. She grew up dreaming of studying in the U.S. Some of her happiest memories include visiting Disneyland and Stanford University, where her aunt studied. For her, studying abroad was more than an academic goal—it was a lifelong dream.

A Changing Trend

The number of Chinese students in the U.S. peaked before the pandemic. According to the Institute of International Education, about 63,000 Chinese students studied in the U.S. in 2002-03, and that number grew to 372,532 in 2019-20. However, this trend slowed during the pandemic and has yet to recover. Last year, the number of Chinese students at American universities dropped to 277,398—a 4% decline.

Rising tuition costs and economic uncertainty are major concerns. For example, the University of Southern California's tuition for 2025–26 will approach $100,000 per year, not including housing, meals, or books. At the same time, U.S.-China tensions and political rhetoric have added new anxieties for students and their families.

Last summer, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell suggested limiting Chinese students in science and engineering fields while encouraging more American and Indian students in those areas. Soon after, China's state-run Global Times warned that discriminatory U.S. policies were discouraging Chinese students. Meanwhile, former President Trump, during his re-election campaign, promised further tariffs on China and stricter immigration policies, adding to concerns about future U.S.-China relations.

Other Options

While the U.S. used to be the top choice, families are now considering alternatives. A recent survey by New Oriental, a major education company, found more students opting for the U.K., Singapore, or Hong Kong due to lower costs, closer proximity, and more favorable visa policies.

“Parents are asking: Is the return on investment still worth it?” said one education consultant. “The job market is tough everywhere, and students want clearer paths after graduation.”

Tough Decisions for Families

Gu’s family spent years preparing for her U.S. education, but now her father is reconsidering. He believes a degree from a top Chinese university like Peking University or Tsinghua may hold more value—especially for jobs in state-owned companies.

After much discussion, they reached a compromise: Gu will stay in China for her undergraduate studies and apply to U.S. graduate schools later. Still, she worries that policies may change, making it harder to study abroad in the future.

“It feels like studying in the U.S. is getting harder,” she said. “That makes me nervous.”

What’s Next?

Despite concerns, many parents still see the value of cultural exchange and a global education. Gu’s mother hopes the U.S. will continue to welcome talented international students. Her father believes that immigration and openness have long been America's strengths.

Gu is uncertain about the future. But she still holds onto her dream—and wonders if the door to the U.S. will remain open.

The Rise and Fall of Shenzhen Zhiyin International School

Shenzhen Zhiyin International School was founded by an experienced team in international education. As part of Hongyi High School, it opened in 2024, offering a range of programs, including DSE courses, arts-focused tracks, and preparation classes for students from grades 9 to 12.

With a massive 250 million RMB investment and a 50,000-square-meter campus, the school initially looked promising. Its team claimed over a decade of DSE teaching experience, and reports suggested that one-third of its graduates were admitted to top Hong Kong universities. In December 2024, it became an authorized testing center for Hong Kong’s DSE mock exams.

However, internal mismanagement and financial struggles soon emerged. By late 2024, there were reports that teachers had not been paid for months. Despite promises to settle salaries by January 15, 2025, and later February 9, no payments were made. The school’s partner high school, frustrated by unpaid fees, blocked DSE teachers from using its campus. As a result, classes were disrupted, students had to leave early, and those preparing for exams were left in limbo.

What Is the DSE and Why Do Mainland Parents Choose It?

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) is Hong Kong’s standardized high school graduation exam. It serves as the equivalent of mainland China’s Gaokao, with students using their DSE scores to apply for universities in Hong Kong, mainland China, and abroad.

Unlike the Gaokao, which has millions of participants annually, the DSE has about 50,000 candidates each year. Its international recognition is growing, with over 130 universities in mainland China and 300 institutions worldwide accepting DSE scores. This makes it an attractive alternative for students aiming for global education opportunities.

However, the increasing popularity of the DSE has brought new challenges. By late 2024, over 9,400 self-study candidates had registered for the 2025 exam, an 87% increase in mainland applicants. Rising registration fees and schedule changes have also added pressure, making the pathway more competitive.

A Growing Trend of International School Closures

The collapse of Shenzhen Zhiyin International School is part of a larger trend. Many international schools in cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chengdu have shut down due to declining enrollment, financial struggles, and stricter government regulations.

For example, Beijing’s Fangshan Nord An Da International School, once known for its high fees and premium facilities, also closed unexpectedly. Many of these institutions relied on heavy marketing and large initial investments but failed to sustain long-term operations under increasing scrutiny and financial strain.

What Parents Should Consider Before Choosing a School

With uncertainty growing in both DSE education and international schools, parents must be extra careful when selecting a school. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Check School Credentials: Verify accreditation and official registration through government websites or educational authorities.

2. Assess Teaching Quality: Talk to current students and parents, attend open days, and check past academic results.

3. Plan for the Long-Term: Consider if the DSE aligns with your child’s strengths and career goals, or if alternatives like the Gaokao or other international exams might be better.

4. Stay Updated on Policy Changes: Keep track of adjustments in exam fees, schedules, and other regulations to avoid unexpected difficulties.

The DSE remains a valuable pathway for many families, but recent events show the risks of relying on flashy school promotions. A careful, informed approach is essential to ensuring a stable and successful education for students.

Stay informed, plan wisely, and let’s navigate the challenges of modern education together.