The Morningside Cultural China Scholars Program at Zhejiang University is a leadership and cultural education initiative designed to cultivate ethical, globally minded leaders. Established in 2008, the programme integrates classical Chinese philosophy, interdisciplinary academic training, mentorship, and international engagement. Each year, the programme selects 30 undergraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds – including STEM disciplines, humanities, and social sciences – for a two-year structured programme. Scholars enhance their primary studies through focused training in leadership, ethics, and cultural studies, guided by distinguished faculty and global experts.
Programme Highlights
- Small, Diverse Cohort: Each cohort is limited to 30 students, fostering strong mentorship relationships and peer interaction. Participants come from diverse academic fields, with an intentional balance between STEM and humanities/social sciences.
- Character Development Through Classical Studies: The programme emphasises leadership qualities rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy and classical cultural studies, providing a distinct framework for personal growth.
- Interdisciplinary Education: Students receive training that integrates classical Chinese wisdom with contemporary leadership concepts and innovative thinking, led by respected faculty members from leading global institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, and Peking University.
- Global Exchanges: The programme includes international exchanges and visits to countries and regions such as the U.K., the U.S., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. Through these visits, scholars acquire an understanding of local politics, economy, and culture, and enrich their mind and vision through deep communication with politicians, entrepreneurs, NGO workers, and professors and peers from prestigious universities.
- Life-long Education: Alumni maintain an active role in the ongoing development of the programme through recruitment, mentorship, and programme governance. Graduates continue to receive and provide peer support, creating a life-long learning environment and a sustainable, supportive community.
- Since 2008, the programme has trained 434 scholars who have established successful careers across academia, business, public service, and social entrepreneurship.
- Upon graduation, approximately 50% pursue postgraduate education at prestigious international institutions (e.g., Oxford, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale), while around 35% continue their education at leading domestic universities (e.g. Peking, Tsinghua, Fudan, and Shanghai Jiaotong University). The remaining 15% enter entrepreneurship or diverse professional careers, contributing to multiple sectors of society.
- The programme’s alumni network includes distinguished individuals such as Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, academic researchers, business leaders, and founders of nonprofit organisations.
