<Author>Michael</Author>
<Topic>The Qualities of the Cross-century Talents</Topic>
<Source></Source>
<Nationality>USA</Nationality>
Cross-century talents spanning the twentieth and twenty-first centuries include openness of new ideas, flexibility, a sense of humor, critical thinking skills, strong competency in English, and effective intercultural communication and basic computer skills.
These qualities are necessary as our world has changed dramatically toward the end of the twentieth century and at the beginning of the new century. China is expected to continue its leadership in the United Nations and other world organizations such as WTO, regional organizations such as APEC and ASEAN, and in its economic expansions and growth. The new opening up of China means that individual citizens, and especially young people, need to have a new openness and flexibility as well with a sense of humor for an appropriate balance when facing serious situations and problems. More and more, Chinese leaders will be expected to develop their own critical thinking abilities in an intercultural or cross-cultural setting. Naturally, a very strong competence in English is required, as well as basic computer skills. As of these qualities are the first requirements of companies both in the United States and China, particularly for employment in the multinational or transworld companies.
As university students, you can do this by seeking all of the possible opportunities to develop these talent qualities and skills which become available to you. It means that you must always be ready for undertaking new positive challenges, and instead of saying "Why?" when a new positive challenge appears, you should say "Why not?" and pursue it.
