Shi Yigong, a national adviser and president of Westlake University, is interviewed at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 3. [Photo/IC]

Expectations are running high for Westlake University, China's first private university aimed at cultivating high-level talent in advanced technology to develop into a world-leading higher educational institution, said Shi Yigong, a leading scientist and president of Westlake University at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 3.

While China has made substantial progress in scientific and technological development, it is still lagging behind in some basic research areas, he said, adding that some breakthroughs are to be made in advanced technologies which require more outstanding creative talents.

Drawing upon the fundraising campaigns of world-class universities, Westlake University was funded by donations from entrepreneurs, investors, and overseas Chinese.

The Westlake University was born and developed on the basis of China's higher education system and represents a huge advance in the system, Shi said, adding that it is fortunate that the university is located in Hangzhou as Zhejiang province is a pioneer in high educational reforms.

He hoped that the university can evolve into a driving force and take a leading position in global science and technology research.