Dec. 2024

SUC Holds High-Quality Development Seminar

On 2 December 2024, the Seniors University of China (SUC) hosted a seminar on high-quality development in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The event aimed to study and implement the guiding principles of the National Conference on Education, accelerate the SUC’s construction, and contribute to the establishment of a ubiquitous and accessible lifelong education system. Xu Mingjun, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of the Open University of China (OUC, also known as the SUC), attended the event.

'Flourishing Silver Years, A Tribute to the New Era': The National Senior Education Achievements Exhibition Concludes

To implement the guiding principles of the National Conference on Education and support the construction of a society and country of learning where lifelong learning is pursued by all, the Seniors University of China (SUC) held the "Flourishing Silver Years, A Tribute to the New Era" National Senior Education Achievements Exhibition at the Guangdong Arts Theatre on 2 December 2024. The event brought together Xu Mingjun, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of the Open University of China (OUC, aka SUC); Liu Chen, vice president of the China Adult Education Association; Ma Shu, deputy secretary-general of the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government, and leaders from relevant organisations.

OUC (SUC) and CETV Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement

To study and implement the guiding principles of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the National Conference on Education, and to broaden the reach of high-quality educational resources and establish a ubiquitous and accessible lifelong education system, the Open University of China (OUC, aka Seniors University of China, SUC) and China Education Television (CETV) signed a strategic cooperation agreement on 26 December 2024. The signing ceremony was attended by Wang Qiming, secretary of the Party Committee and president of OUC (SUC), Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president; and Yuan Xiaoping, secretary of the Party Committee and station chief of CETV, along with Lyu Xuewu, a Party Committee member and deputy station chief.

Nov. 2024

SUC Holds the Award-Giving Ceremony for the 2024 National Elderly Education Calligraphy and Painting Teaching Achievement Exhibition and the Launch Ceremony of the Calligraphy and Painting Research Programme

To thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the National Conference on Education, to ensure the in-depth fulfilment of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on aging and education, and to facilitate the construction of a society and country of learning where lifelong education is pursued by all, the award-giving ceremony for the 2024 National Elderly Education Calligraphy and Painting Teaching Achievement Exhibition was held in Shandong Open University (OU) along with the launch of the Calligraphy and Painting Research Programme on 13 November 2024. Attendees included Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the Open University of China (OUC); Deng Junqing, an inspector (Level-II) of the Shandong Provincial Department of Education; Si Jiajun, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and president of Shandong OU; Yang Yu, a standing member of the Party Committee and vice president of Jiangsu OU; and Zhang Pengyuan, vice president of Shandong Elderly University. The event was presided over by Ning Jihong, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of Shandong OU.

The SUC “Healthy and Happy China Tour”: The First Stop of “TCM Master Lectures” Kicks off in Beijing

To thoroughly study and implement the decisions and deployments of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and to carry out the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech at the National Conference on Education and his important exposition on aging, the “Healthy and Happy China Tour” of the Open University of China (OUC) (aka the Seniors University of China, SUC) saw its first stop of “TCM Master Lectures” kick off in Beijing on 31 October 2024.

Oct. 2024

On 11 October 2024, the special programme "Glorious Sunset: Tribute to Seniors", co-produced by the Seniors University of China (SUC) and China Media Group (CMG), was broadcast on CCTV-1, CCTV-3, CCTV-15, and CMG Mobile.

May. 2024

To vigorously promote the spirit of model workers, the value of work, and the pursuit of fine workmanship, and to inspire cadres and workers to fully play a leading role in transforming China into a great modern socialist country in every respect and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a uniquely Chinese path to modernization, the Federation of Trade Unions of the Central and State Organs recently issued a notice on the Decision to Commend the May 1st Labour Awards for Central and State Organs. The Open University of China (OUC, also known as the Seniors University of China, SUC) was honoured with the May 1st Labour Award Certificate for Central and State Organs.

Feb. 2024

The SUC Exhibition on Teaching Achievements and the Special Spring Festival Show for 2024 were broadcast on the evening of 7 February on Channel 1 of China Education TV. They were also simultaneously live-streamed on People's Daily Online, China Media Group Mobile, xuexi.cn, China.com.cn, Youku, iQIYI, Douyin, Bilibili, as well as the learning platforms of the Seniors University of China (SUC), the Open University of China (OUC), and the OUC Lifelong Education Platform.

Jan. 2024

Research Institute Founded at SUC

The promotional meeting for the development of the Seniors University of China (SUC) was held in Beijing. During this event, the Research Institute of the SUC was officially inaugurated. The meeting was presided over by Wang Qiming, the secretary of the Party Committee and president of the Open University of China (OUC), also known as the SUC. Additionally, Fan Xuanrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the OUC (SUC), announced the decision to establish the Research Institute at the SUC. The announcement included the unveiling of the list of the first cohort of experts to be hired by the Institute.

The Research Institute at SUC is committed to producing high-quality research outcomes. It aims to provide advanced and strategic solutions for the scientific coordination of senior education. Our goal is to establish a leading research hub for the theories, practices, and applications of national senior education.

School of Proactive Health Founded at SUC

The Seniors University of China (SUC) recently hosted a celebration event in Beijing to mark the establishment of its School of Proactive Health. The event was presided over by Wang Qiming, the secretary of the Party Committee and president of the Open University of China (OUC), also known as the SUC. During the event, Fan Xuanrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the OUC (SUC), officially announced the decision to establish the School of Proactive Health at the SUC. Additionally, the first cohort of experts selected for hiring by the School was revealed.

Dec. 2023

The OUC sent a delegation to Ireland and France for a collaborative dialogue with the Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFU Global Network) and the International Association of Universities of the Third Age (IAUTA). This visit aimed to exchange views on advancing senior education on an international scale.

The OUC organised a delegation consisting of representatives from over 10 mainstream media outlets of the CPC Central Committee, including the People's Daily, Guangming Daily, China Senior Citizen Newspaper, and China Education Television. This group was sent to Fujian and various grass-roots sites of the SUC for comprehensive interviews. Their mission was to foster a societal atmosphere of awareness, concern, and support for the construction and development of the SUC, thereby engaging the wider community in this initiative.

2023-2025 Action Plan for the SUC Construction Project was issued.

Beijing Language and Culture University branch school of the SUC was founded. It is the first SUC branch school established in higher education institutions directly affiliated to the MOE.

A delegation of Xiamen Senior-Citizen University and Xiamen Open University visited the SUC to discuss on promoting the branch pilot work at the provincial level.

In the new year, we will comprehensively implement the 2023-2025 Action Plan for the SUC Construction Project. Our focus will be on promoting openness and coordination, expanding resource sharing, extending teaching services, and striving to build a superior SUC.

Nov. 2023

The 2023 SUC "Seniors Enjoy Happy Reading and Bathing in the Fragrance of Books" recitation teaching achievement and offline practice activities were successfully held in Xiamen.

The OUC, Xiamen Open University, and Xiamen Senior-Citizen University have signed an agreement to jointly establish the Xiamen Branch of the SUC. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality of education for seniors, promoting its high-quality development.

The 2023 OUC Exhibition of Painting and Calligraphy Teaching Achievements, titled "Write and Draw the World with Painting and Calligraphy," was successfully held in Xinhua and Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. This event marked the beginning of a study tour focused on depicting the water-town villages of South China through painting and calligraphy, set against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and bright sunshine.

The 2023 National Lifelong Learning Activity Week kicked off with its opening ceremony in Chongqing. During this event, the National Senior Education Public Service Platform was unveiled. This platform's course resources are thoughtfully structured into five key areas: Virtue, Learning, Health, Happiness, and Accomplishment. Additionally, the national senior education teaching achievements exhibition has been recognised in the 2023 "Lifelong Learning Brand Programme" recommendation lists, as released by the China Adult Education Association.

Oct. 2023

A symposium focused on the construction of the SUC was recently organised in Beijing. Sun Yao, a member of the Party Committee and vice minister of the MOE, participated in this symposium and delivered an impactful speech. In his address, he outlined a strategic plan for deploying the SUC's national network. This plan emphasises leveraging the resources and capabilities of open universities as well as private colleges and universities to facilitate the project's success.

Senior University of National Radio and Television Administration became the second branch school of the SUC.

The "Health and Happiness Lectures for the Double Ninth Festival" were launched, featuring esteemed speakers Hu Dayi, Cao Hongxin, and Fu Guobing. These experts shared their extensive knowledge on health-related topics. The event was a resounding success, attracting an audience of over 1.5 million people who tuned in via video link.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Workshop, organised by the OUC, focused on enhancing digital competency among younger older adults. This initiative aimed to improve re-employment opportunities and overall well-being in the digital era for this demographic.

Sept. 2023

The chorus from the National Centre for Performance Arts graced the SUC, introducing the autumn semester's first lesson in aesthetics. Embracing the new semester, the SUC offered a blend of online and offline classes.

The delegation from the OUC recently visited The Open University of Japan for a comprehensive field trip. This visit facilitated in-depth discussions on providing high-quality learning support services for the elderly.

Aug. 2023

The Resource Sharing Platform for Universities for Older Adults Affiliated to China’s State Organs, known as the Sangyujinhui Cloud Classroom and built by the OUC, has been operational for three years. It has emerged as an exemplary model of the "Internet+Senior Education" platform, integrating aspects of online teaching, teaching management, and digital reading.

Jul. 2023

The SUC visited 13 provinces and 2 municipalities directly governed by the Central Government, including Tianjin, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, Hubei, and Sichuan. The purpose of their visit was to conduct an investigation and research, aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the realities of senior education administration in each region.

Jun. 2023

The exhibition titled "Write and Draw the World with Painting and Calligraphy," showcasing teaching achievements in painting and calligraphy, has been launched. Nearly 500 senior universities and senior education institutions from across the country have participated in this event.

The SUC has signed a cooperative agreement with Guizhou Senior Citizens University, aiming to bolster collaboration with both Guizhou Senior Citizens University and Guizhou Open University (OU). This partnership is dedicated to jointly advancing the high-quality development of senior education in Guizhou and opening a new chapter for elder education in the region.

The meeting to launch the establishment of national non-governmental senior universities was convened. The SUC and the China Association for Non-Government Education signed a cooperation agreement. Thirty non-governmental universities undertook pilot programmes for senior universities.

May. 2023

The large-scale public art education program "Art Master Lectures" was recently launched, featuring in-person sessions by 10 calligraphy and painting masters. This artistic feast was attended by 15.8 million students online, with over 520,000 continuing their studies through the programme's online platform.

"Pay tribute to Van Gogh, Monet" Oil Painting Course for Beginners piloted a new model of small-scale offline-led large-scale online senior education.

The eye health awareness campaign, "Ten Thousand People from Ten Cities Taking Action to Care for the Eye Health of Older Adults," was recently launched. Prominent ophthalmologists from local tertiary hospitals delivered lectures on eye health awareness and offered complimentary medical services. This event garnered extensive coverage from over 40 media agencies, including the People's Daily, Xinhua News, and the China News Agency.

Apr. 2023

The SUC Reading Community was officially launched, offering 99 premium books for readers to enjoy online free of charge. In addition, the "Seniors Enjoy Happy Reading and Bathing in the Fragrance of Books" recitation teaching achievement exhibition was initiated. This event has garnered participation from over 500 senior universities and senior education institutions nationwide.

3 March 2023

Huai Jinpeng, the minister of the Ministry of Education (MOE), attended the establishment ceremony of the Seniors University of China (SUC) and delivered a speech. Wu Yan, vice minister, presided over the event.

Huai Jinpeng emphasised that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has placed significant emphasis on education for older adults and implemented a series of crucial decisions and arrangements. The report presented at the 20th National Congress of the CPC highlighted the need to implement a proactive national strategy in response to population ageing, which has provided us with the direction to develop education for older adults and served as a fundamental principle. The establishment of the Seniors University of China (SUC) is a tangible step taken by the education system to serve the national strategy and assist in building a society and country where lifelong learning is pursued by all. In compliance with the requirements outlined in The Guideline of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Strengthening the Work on Ageing in the New Era, and with strong support from the relevant departments of the central government, the SUC was officially inaugurated today. This represents a specific measure to fulfill the people's expectations and implement a proactive national strategy in response to population ageing in the year of thorough implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the CPC. It also marks a significant milestone in the reform and development of education for older adults in China.

Mar. 2023

The founding activity of the SUC was held successfully. Party secretary and minister of the MOE Huai Jinpeng attended the event and delivered a speech.

Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the great TCM master Zhang Boli gave a lecture on "Traditional Chinese Medicine Aiding Elderly Health", opening the first class in the new semester for millions of the elderly nationwide.

Senior University of the MOE became the first branch school of the SUC.

Feb. 2023

Eight departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Office of China National Committee on Aging, the Organisation Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, and the China Association for Science and Technology, have jointly issued the Work Plan for Preparing for the Establishment of the SUC. This plan outlines the developmental direction for the SUC.

Jan. 2023

A national public service platform for senior education has been established, facilitating synchronous learning across various programmes, apps, and PC terminals. This platform hosts an impressive collection of 436,000 courses, amounting to a total of 4,089,000 minutes of course content. The SUC is prepared for its opening in the upcoming school year.