Guide students to apply their knowledge to the motherland

**Interview with Tang Jinjue, Director of the Center for Political Economy at Nankai University**

**Interviewer:** Congratulations on being recognized as a national model for teaching in 2024! Your career in economics education has been truly impressive. What has guided you over your 40 years at Nankai University?

**Tang Jinjue:** Thank you! A major insight I’ve gained over the years is the significance of leading by example as an educator. It’s essential to motivate students to use their knowledge for the good of our nation, intertwining their education with meaningful deeds and personal growth. Inspired by General Secretary Xi Jinping’s emphasis on the role of educators, I feel both a deep sense of responsibility and an uplifting motivation.

**Interviewer:** You spoke about the societal impact of economics. How do you see this discipline enhancing people’s welfare?

**Tang Jinjue:** At its core, economics is about serving society. The tradition at Nankai University, which spans over a century, focuses on understanding and serving China. As a steward of this legacy, I am committed to nurturing talent in economics and furthering scientific research.

**Interviewer:** Your teaching journey started quite early. Could you share some of your experiences from teaching in elementary and secondary schools?

**Tang Jinjue:** Of course! I began teaching early in my career, and in my first year at Nankai, I taught Political Economy (Socialism), a course I still instruct for undergraduates. Additionally, I teach specialized courses for doctoral students, which keeps me engaged with new generations of scholars.

**Interviewer:** You emphasize the value of learning from practical experiences. How do you integrate this into your teaching?

**Tang Jinjue:** After decades in education, I firmly believe that teachers should not just pass on textbook knowledge. It’s crucial to learn from real-world experiences and engage with the community. Despite my busy schedule, I always look for opportunities to connect with reality, guiding students to conduct research during their breaks in various contexts, including reform-oriented regions, less developed areas, rural communities, and businesses.

**Interviewer:** Nankai University has a rich legacy in economics. How does this history influence your work?

**Tang Jinjue:** The strong legacy of Nankai and the insights from past economists have profoundly influenced my viewpoint. With each article I write, each statement I make, or each course I teach, I constantly ask myself if it aligns with China’s realities, adheres to objective laws, and ultimately serves the interests of our nation and its people.

**Interviewer:** What advice do you give your students about balancing character development and academic pursuits?

**Tang Jinjue:** I consistently stress the importance of integrating character development with academics and action. Personal integrity forms the bedrock; only by upholding high character standards can one excel in their work and scholarship. It’s vital to align personal aspirations with the needs of our nation and society.

**Interviewer:** How do you motivate your doctoral students in their research endeavors?

**Tang Jinjue:** I encourage them to tackle research topics that address significant national development challenges and to approach their studies with an open mindset, ensuring their work is grounded in real-life contexts. I advise against getting too lost in abstract theories that lack practical application. My aspiration for them is to cultivate academic confidence and cultural depth while having the determination and ability to create an independent knowledge framework in Chinese economics and contribute to national strength and rejuvenation.

**Interviewer:** You focus on Marxist economics as well. What should students prioritize in this area?

**Tang Jinjue:** In studying Marxist economics, it’s essential to fully comprehend its foundational theories and methodologies while remaining committed to serving the people. The Marxist viewpoint is inherently people-centric. Economists must remain attuned to the public’s needs and establish “people-centered” approaches as both the starting point and ultimate aim of theoretical advancements.