This February, Guangdong province launched a lifelong learning public service platform, an initiative through which it aims to make lifelong learning a defining feature and lasting trend in its modernization drive. Guided by the central leadership, Guangdong has identified the building of a learning-oriented society as a major strategic priority for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period.

This is not a short-term measure, but a long-term commitment driven by three main factors: the demands of rapid technological advancements defining our era, the province's responsibility to invest in and promote the all-round development of the people, and individuals' aspirations for self-improvement. To meet these needs, Guangdong has developed an all-in-one platform offering engaging, up-to-date courses and incentives to encourage continuous learning.

Through this platform, the province is fulfilling six initiatives: offering ideological and political education for individuals; providing a facility for workers to continue their education; offering skills training to various personnel; offering fine arts programs to satisfy the public's artistic interests; offering specialized classes for targeted groups; and a learning network that integrates online and offline resources.

For instance, the province will offer over 300,000 high-quality continuing education opportunities each year. This will enable young people and industrial workers in eastern, western, and northern Guangdong to pursue academic advancement while still employed.

In terms of skills training, it is scheduled to offer over 2 million training opportunities annually to address the skills gap at the root and ensure that the offered skills training addresses corporate needs.

This lifelong learning system has distinctive features and significant value. First and foremost, it is practical and demand-driven, inviting public input on desired learning topics and mobilizing high-quality educational resources to develop relevant courses. Additionally, it is employment-oriented, concentrating on skills that enhance career advancement and employability. Furthermore, learning outcomes can be accumulated toward certification. Once accredited, they can be converted into credits for formal education.

Another highlight is the establishment of clear pathways — a structured framework that identifies users' current proficiency levels and outlines directions for meaningful progress. In this process, artificial intelligence powers "learning companions" and "smart tutors", which recommend suitable courses, answer questions, and provide personalized learning support to facilitate effective learning.

Guangdong will organize a series of events across the province this year to promote lifelong learning. These will include competitions in legal literacy, national defense awareness, choral singing, classical reading, Cantonese song performances, and science popularization. These events are closely integrated with the lifelong learning system and serve to reinforce it.

Ultimately, Guangdong aims to provide individuals with greater opportunities to excel, increase their resilience to change, and enrich their life experiences. After all, lifelong learning is the most valuable investment one can make in oneself.

Hu Jinjun is a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Guangdong Provincial Committee and the head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee. These are excerpts from his speech at a news conference organized in Guangzhou by the Information Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province on Feb 25.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.