Nurture ethnic talent

An educationist from the Miao community talks of the importance of education at the annual legislative meetings.

Donning the traditional clothing of the Miao ethnic group along with silver accessories, Zeng Li, a professor from Guizhou Minzu University, who's a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress, explains her proposals in front of a camera in English.

The crimson color of her garment, the unhurried way in which she speaks and the ready smile on her lips show the confidence and elegance of the Miao woman.

"I dressed up like this to showcase the culture of the Miao people," says Zeng.

"I would like to tell foreign friends about us and the changes my hometown Guizhou has been undergoing."

She says she proposed at the two sessions earlier this month that Guizhou province should have more postgraduate and doctoral programs in local universities to support its social and economic development.

According to her research, the postgraduate-to-undergraduate student ratio in Guizhou's universities "currently stands at 0.053 to 1". And there are only four universities in Guizhou that offer doctoral programs.

Zeng says with more local talent graduating with postgraduate or doctoral degrees from local universities entering the local workforce they could quickly "throw themselves into the development of Guizhou without needing much time to adapt to the local environment" as outsiders would.