On February 25, the Guangdong Lifelong Learning Platform was officially launched during a press conference on the construction of Guangdong's lifelong learning system. This initiative represents a long-term investment by China's largest provincial economy, impacting 129 million people. It is another vivid example of Guangdong's "investment in human capital," serving as a strategic, pioneering foundational project and a major livelihood program. This marks a crucial step towards building a learning society where "everyone can learn, everywhere is a place for learning, and every moment is an opportunity to learn."
Why is Guangdong establishing a lifelong learning system? What is lifelong learning? In simple terms, it means "never too old to learn." However, unlike traditional campus learning focused on advancing to higher education or exams, the core of lifelong learning is achieving continuous personal growth and self-improvement. An apt analogy is to think of lifelong learning as enabling everyone to become like a smartphone app that can be constantly upgraded—continuously updating functions and improving itself according to technological changes and era demands, thereby better adapting to the pace of social development.
The 2026 Guangdong Provincial Government Work Report explicitly stated: "Optimize public services for lifelong learning and actively promote the construction of a learning society where everyone can learn, everywhere is a place for learning, and every moment is an opportunity to learn." Furthermore, among the announced ten provincial livelihood projects, "accelerating the construction of a Guangdong lifelong learning system serving all people" is included. This signifies that lifelong learning has officially become an important measure for Guangdong to benefit public welfare and drive development.
As the province with the highest GDP for 37 consecutive years, why is Guangdong so determined to build a lifelong learning system for all? The answer lies in its developmental foundation and strategic pursuits.
First, the changing times. We are currently in an era of knowledge explosion and accelerated change, where new technologies like artificial intelligence are profoundly reshaping production, life, and occupational landscapes. Relying on a single skill is no longer sufficient. Only through continuous, lifelong learning can one keep up with the times and secure a better future.
Second, Guangdong's responsibility. For Guangdong to "take the lead, set an example, and shoulder major responsibilities," it must invest in its people, strive for "comprehensive human development," and accelerate the transformation of its large population into a powerful human resource advantage.
Third, the needs of the people. Whether it's young people seeking jobs, career advancement, farmers increasing their income, after-school training for children, or seniors enjoying a fulfilling life, there is a underlying desire for learning. Guangdong's role is to ensure these desires are met and answered.
The vibrant land of Guangdong is full of vitality: it has a resident population of 129 million, with the real-time population in the province exceeding 150 million. For six consecutive years, it has been the only province in China with a birth population exceeding one million. Recently, the Provincial High-Quality Development Conference also revealed that this year's "Millions of Talents Gather in South Guangdong" action plan will continue to attract one million college graduates to work or start businesses in Guangdong.
To allow the demographic dividend to continue to flourish, a super learning ecosystem and a closed-loop service system, starting from the needs of the people, have been officially launched. The Guangdong Lifelong Learning System focuses on four areas: ideological and political education, skills enhancement, cultural literacy, and learning for seniors. It comprises six major projects: the Ideological and Political Education Project, the Academic Qualification Enhancement Project, the Skills Improvement Project, the Culture and Arts Nurturing Project, the "Learn Well, Excel in Guangdong" Brand Project, and the Learning Network Integration Project, comprehensively covering individual growth and social development needs.
Zhang Zhi'an, a specially appointed professor at Fudan University and Director of the Center for Communication and National Governance, believes that Guangdong's pioneering of the Lifelong Learning Platform is highly significant. Firstly, it promotes lifelong learning—individuals of any age can maintain an unending motivation to learn. Secondly, it emphasizes inclusivity—learning offers equitable returns for everyone. Thirdly, it utilizes a platform approach—building an open learning platform that aggregates knowledge, serves everyone, and faces the nation. This approach of a large platform and grand vision precisely reflects the broad pattern and great aspiration of lifelong learning.
Guangdong has the foundation and confidence to promote "learning for all." Over the years, leveraging three core advantages—educational resources, digital technology, and public culture—Guangdong has made the foundation for lifelong learning increasingly solid.
First, abundant continuing education resources provide crucial support. The provincial lifelong learning platform by the Open University of Guangdong features a "credit bank" and an AI smart learning assistant, covering professional fields such as science and engineering, economics and management, literature and history, and gerontology. Its Guangdong Center for the National Open University Digital Learning Resources Center possesses 28,000 course resources and nearly 300,000 teaching resources. Institutions like the Guangdong Communication Polytechnic focus on areas like transportation and electromechanics, precisely empowering technical talents to achieve dual improvement in skills and academic qualifications.
Second, digital empowerment is a distinct advantage and key driver. In Guangzhou's Yuexiu District, led by young scientists, robotic dogs and wheel-legged robots enter classrooms, and "Community Smart Maker Spaces" plant the seeds of science in children's minds. In Foshan, the "Happy Old Friends" mini-program has become a favorite among retirees, who use it to enroll in courses, upload their work, and exchange experiences. From youth to seniors, from communities to families, digital technology makes learning more accessible and engaging.
Third, inclusive and shared public cultural facilities strengthen the offline front. Venues like science museums and art galleries leverage their strengths to offer public exhibitions, special lectures, and practical workshops, enriching the content and forms of non-academic learning. The nation's first "Modern Rider Academy" builds a full-chain growth platform for the flexible employment group, focusing on "skills enhancement, academic advancement, and career transition," breaking the stereotype that "flexible employment lacks upward mobility." "Huizhou Skills Night School" tailors its offerings to learner needs, while Shenzhen's "night school fever" has spread to over 600 communities, giving rise to new trends like "young and old learning together."
During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, Guangdong also established over 3,800 new public cultural spaces like "Yue Book Bars" and "Yue Culture Workshops," with locations covering the entire province. These localized, convenient cultural venues break the functional boundaries of traditional facilities, integrating services like reading, cultural and creative experiences, and community classes, bringing lifelong learning resources to the grassroots level.
Lifelong learning is the most robust investment in oneself. The launch of the Guangdong Lifelong Learning Platform introduces a new way of learning for the people of Guangdong. The courses on the platform are practical and relevant. For example, it annually provides over 300,000 high-quality continuing education opportunities targeted at youth and industrial workers in Eastern, Western, and Northern Guangdong, allowing them to pursue university dreams while working. Simultaneously, plans are in place to train over 2 million person-times annually in urgently needed fields like advanced manufacturing, digital economy, and elderly care. It will also establish "Rider Academies" for delivery personnel, "Happy Aging Classes" for seniors, and "Rural Revitalization Colleges" for new farmers... In short, the platform aims to provide what key population groups need, with courses regularly updated to stay current.
What are the benefits after learning? The platform integrates a "credit bank" where learning outcomes, once certified, can be converted into credits for formal degree programs, accumulating credits towards future academic qualifications.
At the press conference, Du Minqi, Director of the Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security, recommended the first batch of 130 high-quality courses available on the platform. These range from practical training like new energy vehicle detection and maintenance, industrial robot operation, to digital skills like AI training and business data analysis; from practical techniques like live-streaming e-commerce and online store management, to readily applicable job skills like "Guangdong Cuisine Master" and "South Guangdong Housekeeping." If you want to learn, you can find a suitable course.
Focusing on lifelong learning for the elderly, Lin Rupeng, Director of the Provincial Department of Education, highlighted recommended courses including life tips, master classes, and trendy topics. Zhao Hong, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, sincerely invited everyone to learn from courses like the National Medicine Lecture Hall, children's aesthetic education, and cultural relic commentary.
Moving forward, effectively building and utilizing the platform is key. Yu Hui, Vice Dean of the School of Education Science at South China Normal University, suggested that at the individual level, different groups can selectively choose course modules based on their hobbies and development needs. At the organizational level, units can organize planned, structured learning for employees needing academic or professional development. At the school level, the platform can serve as an important channel to expand校内 resources, enriching and improving students' after-school learning lives.
Ultimately, the Guangdong Lifelong Learning System aims to provide more opportunities for a fulfilling life, stronger capabilities to withstand change, and richer, more substantial experiences for everyone. It promotes "lifelong learning, excellence for all," allowing the light of learning to illuminate every dream and brighten the splendid future of Guangdong's high-quality development. As the year's plan lies in spring, you are invited to make good use of the platform, study hard, and make progress every day!