Chengdu fast-tracks innovation hub for global talent

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China, is rapidly developing into an innovation hub that attracts talent from around the world. Through enhanced global exchanges, policy support, and urban development, the city aims to position itself as a key destination for international professionals.

On Sept 3, Joojo Walker, a Ghanaian senior researcher from Chengdu University of Technology’s Oxford Brookes College, experienced flying an Airbus A320 in a simulator at Wisesoft Co., Ltd in Chengdu.

“This is a mainstream international aircraft, and the VR and flight simulation technology are all developed by us,” said Wang Xiongli, a Wisesoft representative. Joojo expressed his excitement, saying, “It showed me how practical I want teaching to be.”

Founded in 2000 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2008, Wisesoft specializes in military and civil aviation, 3D facial recognition, and virtual reality.

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index 2023, Chengdu ranks 24th among the world’s most innovative cities. Yang Yi, deputy director of Chengdu's Talent Development Promotion Center, noted that the city hosts 146 national-level innovation platforms and over 13,000 high-tech enterprises.

As part of the four-day "Enchanting Chengdu" event, foreign experts from the UK, Ukraine, Belgium, Hungary and other countries visited local innovation companies and shared insights on attracting more international talent.

Michael Harrold, a senior copy editor at CGTN, suggested improving salaries, benefits, and education options for expatriates to better retain high-quality foreign professionals.

Chaphiporn Kiatkachatharn, director of the Thailand Exchange Center at Chengdu University, reflected on his 18 years in Chengdu, calling it a welcoming home for global talent.

With 67 international flight routes, a key China-Europe Railway hub, and 112 international sister cities, Chengdu is strengthening its global ties. Chengdu, ranked the happiest city in China for 15 years, continues to attract talent from around the world.

Foreign experts visit the Chengdu Natural History Museum(Chengdu University of Technology Museum) on Sept 5.

Source: International Talent