Chongqing - The Aerospace Information Industry Talents Development Conference, held on November 23-24 in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area, was a key event of the Chongqing International Talent Exchange Conference, focusing on talent development in the aerospace information sector.

During November 23-24, the Aerospace Information Industry Talents Development Conference occurred in Chongqing Liangjiang. (Photo/Zhang Weizhen)

Unveiling eVTOL plans to accelerate flying car development

A key highlight of the conference, according to Liangjiang, was the launch of the Chongqing Excellent Engineer (Aerospace Information) Training Alliance, which aims to foster industry-university-research cooperation to support the development needs of the aerospace information sector.

The alliance leverages internships, professional practice, joint research, and results transformation to support the development of Chongqing's aerospace information industry.

The conference underscored three advantages of the talent development ecosystem in the aerospace information industry in Liangjiang: industrial agglomeration, innovation-driven, and a favorable environment.

As the main hub for Chongqing's aerospace information industry, Liangjiang has gathered over 190 leading companies in the aerospace information sector.

Liangjiang emphasizes innovation in the aerospace information industry, having gathered various institutions. It offers a comprehensive talent policy system, entrepreneurial support, and a high-quality living environment, fostering all-round talent development.

The conference unveiled plans for developing the aerospace information industry, with Liangjiang prioritizing the research and production of eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft). These efforts, led by NEV companies in the region, aim to accelerate the integration of flying cars.

Singapore, Chongqing collaborate on research and ventures

At the conference, John Wang, Director of the NUS (Chongqing) Research Institute (NUSRI-CQ), emphasized the importance of talent in advancing fields such as materials science, renewable energy, and satellite internet. He highlighted the need to attract more young talent to Chongqing.

Wang said that Chongqing has a strong industrial base, including sectors like electric vehicles, manufacturing, electronics, IT, and advanced materials. Meanwhile, Singapore is home to top universities, offering a pool of highly skilled talent.

NUSRI-CQ focuses on research, technology transfer, and training PhD and master's students. Through collaboration with local universities and supporting graduates in launching high-tech ventures, it plays a key role in Chongqing’s economic and technological growth, creating a win-win situation for all involved, according to Wang.

Attracting more talent to Chongqing remains a challenge. Wang noted, "Due to historical factors, there are differences in economic development between eastern and western China, as well as between the northern and southern regions."

In addition to these regional disparities, subjective perceptions also influence talent mobility. "Some individuals hold a misconception, believing that Chongqing is different from cities like Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Shenzhen," Wang explained.

To address these challenges, Wang emphasized the importance of increasing opportunities for people to learn about Chongqing. While students receive training and conduct research, many choose to seek employment elsewhere after graduation. Wang suggested that inviting them to visit and experience the city firsthand could encourage some to consider staying.

(Huan Ran, an intern, also contributed to this report.)