China operates a distinctive “genius class” system, which annually identifies approximately 100,000 gifted teenagers for specialized, science-focused education at elite institutions. This program has produced numerous prominent figures in the technology sector.
The system’s impact is exemplified by stories such as that of Stacey Tang, a Beijing-based pharmaceuticals manager, who received an unusual phone call about three years ago, signaling her involvement or connection to this system.
This initiative stands in notable contrast to educational trends observed in some other countries, such as the United States, where “gifted” programs in school districts are sometimes discontinued. The Chinese program focuses on funneling a large number of talented young individuals into advanced science and technology tracks, potentially contributing to the nation’s innovation landscape.
