Innovating for a better world

[Sponsored article] Renowned technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Charles Chen Yidan firmly believes that university has a significant role to play in inspiring and driving innovation so as to make a better world.

Speaking in an interview with South China Morning Post, Chen expresses his views on driving innovation to reframe the education system.

When asked what innovation means to him, Chen suggests it is “an engine that drives the development of human beings.”    

He further explains that ever since the beginning of the first industrial revolution, the development of technology has been the driving force behind innovation. “And, with the application of technology, people’s lives become more meaningful,” Chen says.

Communication is a prime example of how technology has helped innovative thinking. “In the old days, people sent letters to one another,” says Chen. “Nowadays, they can communicate through email and other messaging platforms. We are seeing similar changes in other fields, too. For instance, the operation of various industries like retail and logistics has transformed into the e-commerce model.”

However, Chen believes that despite these changes in the working world, the education system remains relatively unchanged. And, he thinks that significant reform is long overdue.