Commenting on Chinese students' shift to manufacturing and energy roles, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that China's industrial sectors, especially semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy, have become "highly technology-intensive and now demand top engineering talent. Assoc Prof Fu said many young graduates now see them as "opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies rather than traditional factory work," adding that these jobs can offer "very competitive" salaries. He noted that 'hardware' and advanced manufacturing are no longer seen as low-skill industries but as high-tech innovation sectors involving robotics, semiconductors, advanced materials, and industrial AI. Assoc Prof Fu said universities, research institutes, and state-supported firms are aligned with these national priorities, which encourages more talented graduates to enter these fields.
