Summary of Key Points
This news article focuses on two central issues: the continuous decline in the number of candidates taking the college entrance examination and the impact of AI on employment. On one hand, a significant reduction in the birth rate means that the pool of potential students for colleges may be halved over the next 18 years, potentially leading to the closure of half of the existing institutions, with a widespread impact on the teaching staff. On the other hand, the rise of AI and emerging industries (such as ChangXin Technology) has exacerbated layoffs in traditional sectors, shifting the employment landscape towards high-demand, low-supply positions. This shift necessitates a transformation in higher education from providing vocational training to focusing on the development of critical skills, as well as making universities more open and inclusive as platforms for innovation.
1. The Decline in College Entrance Examination Candidates: A Halving of the Birth Rate, Could Half of Colleges Close?
This year, the number of applicants for the college entrance examination was 12.9 million, marking the second consecutive year of decline. The key statistic is that most of the current candidates were born in 2008 (with 16.08 million births that year), while the birth rate in 2025 is expected to be only 7.92 million—half as many! In 18 years, when these students take the exam, the number of applicants will be significantly reduced. What does this mean? Colleges will either have to significantly reduce their enrollment or face closure. This trend is already evident in kindergartens and primary schools, with many closing or not recruiting new teachers; existing teachers are being retrained for other roles (such as in logistics). Similar outcomes are likely to occur in colleges: teachers under 50 years old and young people seeking to enter college may face different career paths, while those over 50 who can retire before the enrollment crisis hits (around 2038) will be less affected. However, candidates don't need to worry too much, as the number of enrollments has slightly increased this year, ensuring there will be enough places available. Nevertheless, colleges and teachers must prepare in advance.
2. ChangXin's Listing vs. Layoffs in Traditional Industries: AI Makes Jobs More Specialized?
ChangXin Technology's listing on the STAR Market is a significant event; its market value is estimated to be on par with that of companies like Moutai and China Construction Bank, yet it employs fewer than 20,000 people (compared to Moutai's 35,000 and CCB's 378,000). This indicates that although emerging industries like AI and technology are valuable, they require a highly skilled workforce, with a majority of employees holding master's or doctoral degrees (40% at ChangXin). In contrast, traditional industries are seeing job cuts due to AI, with positions becoming more specialized. In the future, it won't be about finding any job; rather, it will be about obtaining the right skills for high-demand roles (such as in research and development or innovation). Parents and students need to consider their career choices carefully, focusing on fields that will adapt well to the intelligent era.
3. Universities Should Stop Providing Vocational Training and Teach Students How to Ask Questions
In the past, universities focused on teaching vocational skills, but with the rapid advancement of AI, these skills can quickly become obsolete. Social organizations are better suited for providing vocational training (for example, companies offering internal training programs with government subsidies). Universities should shift their focus to teaching students how to ask meaningful, valuable questions. While AI can solve existing problems, it is humans who discover new issues and business opportunities. For instance, in entrepreneurship, knowing what users need is more important than how to implement solutions. Current education systems still emphasize memorizing standard answers, which is not aligned with the needs of the intelligent age. Learning to ask effective questions is essential for lifelong learning and adaptability.
4. Universities Should Become Open Platforms for Social Interaction and Entrepreneurship
Recently, it has been observed that entering universities often requires ID verification or even reservations, making the process more stringent than visiting government departments. In the intelligent era, universities should not be closed off; instead, they should serve as open hubs for interaction, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Investors should be encouraged to engage with students and entrepreneurs, fostering new ideas and business opportunities. Universities that remain closed are essentially guarding against outsiders, which hinders innovation. Open universities can facilitate the dissemination of knowledge, social interactions, and entrepreneurial activities—perhaps with investors nearby to listen to ideas and invest in projects. Such institutions are truly innovative engines of change.
Conclusion
This news highlights that the decline in birth rates and the rise of AI are driving major reforms in education and employment markets. Individuals must prepare for lifelong learning, while universities need to shift from focusing on skills to nurturing critical thinking and adaptability. These changes are not mere exaggerations but realities we must confront over the next 10-20 years.