The SUSS Cultural China Public Lecture 2024 took place at the Big Picture Theatre in Capital Tower on 12 October, attracting around 120 attendees. The lecture, titled “China’s Ageing Population: Insights and Strategies,” was presented by Professor Lu Jiehua, a sociology professor at Peking University.
With the recent change to the Chinese name of SUSS in January, the public lecture also received a new title. Associate Professor Foo Tee Tuan, Director of the Centre for Chinese Studies, remarked in his welcome speech, “The organizers made a dynamic shift by changing the event name, the focus of the public lecture remains on the cultural phenomena of Chinese communities around the world.”
Professor Lu provided an in-depth analysis of the challenges posed by China’s ageing population. He noted, “With rising life expectancy and declining birth rates, the demographic trends of China’s ageing population are irreversible, unprecedented, and concerning.” When asked to comment on China’s recent decision to raise the retirement age, he stated, “As China’s population ages rapidly, it is essential to implement this policy gradually.”
Dr. Hu Shu, Head of the Sociology Programme, moderated the event. She first discussed China’s pension system with Professor Lu before inviting questions from the audience.
The SUSS Cultural China Public Lecture is an annual event held every October. Topics of previous lectures have included media, the film and TV industry, folk religion, and cultural heritage preservation.
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2024社科文化中华讲座于10月12日在资金大厦Big Picture讲堂举行，主讲人为北京大学社会学系的陆杰华教授，讲题为”中国人口老龄化的特征与应对方略”，出席者约有120人。
由于本校改了中文名，此活动从“新跃文化中华讲座”更名为“社科文化中华讲座”。中华学术中心主任符诗专副教授在致欢迎词时说：“虽然名称稍有不同，但初心不改，依然聚焦于华人世界的趋势发展、文化演变及多元特色。”
陆教授在讲座中分析了中国人口老龄化问题。他说：“中国的老龄化趋势不可逆转、不可复制也不容乐观。” 针对中国政府最近调高退休年龄的课题，他说：“过去人们对此政策有支持也不乏反对，但中国当下面临的现实是老龄化速度非常快，健康和国民素质也正在提高。”
对谈环节由本校社会学系的系主任胡姝博士主持。她先与陆教授探讨了中国养老金体系的问题，然后开放让现场观众提问。
社科文化中华讲座是新加坡社科大学中华学术中心与《联合早报》在每年十月举办的常年活动，讲座提供现场英语同声传译服务。往届讲座的主题包括媒体、电影、民间信仰、文化遗产保护等。
Associate Professor Foo Tee Tuan, Director of Centre for Chinese Studies@SUSS, delivers his welcome address.
中华学术中心主任符诗专副教授致欢迎词
Mr Goh Sin Teck, Editor of Lianhe Zaobao presents a souvenir to Professor Lu Jiehua as a token of appreciation. 《联合早报》总编辑吴新迪先生颁发纪念品予陆杰华教授
Dr Hu Shu, Head of Sociology Programme, School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences, Professor Lu Jiehua，Department of Sociology, Peking University, Mr Goh Sin Teck , Editor of Lianhe Zaobao, Associate Professor Foo Tee Tuan, Director of Centre for Chinese Studies@SUSS (from left to right).
新加坡社科大学社会学系主任胡姝博士、北京大学社会学系陆杰华教授、《联合早报》总编辑吴新迪先生与和符诗专副教授合照留念 (从左到右）
Dr Hu Shu, Head of Sociology Programme, is the moderator of the public lecture.
对谈环节由本校社会学系的系主任胡姝博士主持