The first Confucius Academy Civilization Forum, themed "Wang Yangming’s ‘Philosophy of Mind’ and Entrepreneurial Spirit", took place in Guiyang, Guizhou province on November 11-12. 

The forum aimed to explore the contemporary value of the “Philosophy of Mind” of Wang Yangming, an ancient Chinese philosopher, particularly its role in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the new era, and to promote its development in addressing current demands and issues.

This forum was guided by the International Confucian Association (ICA), Xinhua News Agency, and the Guizhou Publicity Department. Its organizers included the Guiyang Publicity Department, the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Xinhua News Agency Brand Office, the Guiyang Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, and the Guiyang Confucius Academy Cultural Communication Center.

At the opening ceremony, ICA Secretary-General Jia Deyong presented a book on Confucianism’s application in business management to eight organizations.

Feng Guanbo, the winner of the 31st Plum Performance Award which is the highest award for traditional Chinese theatrical art, delivered a performance in collaboration with the Guizhou Peking Opera Troupe.

The event also featured a release ceremony of the Yearbook of Yangming Studies, which compiles research on Yangming culture.

Experts and scholars from government, cultural institutions, academic research institutions, and businesses exchanged and shared insights on international economic trends and the innovation and application of Yangming culture in economic theory, management philosophy, and corporate culture.

Two parallel forums were held on November 11 and classes on the “Philosophy of Mind” took place on the same day.

Lu Yongzheng, Minister of the Guizhou Publicity Department, met with Jia at the Confucius Academy, discussing practical cooperation to promote the high-quality development of the Yangming cultural brand.