On July 20-23, the 8^th International Conference on Positive Psychology was held in Vancouver, Canada, with over 1,600 participants. SZPT Vice President Dong Chaojun was invited to give a keynote speech at the parallel session on “Innovation and Development of Positive Education”. SZPT and Tsinghua University were the only two universities in China attending the conference.

With the title of “The Application and Innovation of Positive Psychology in Colleges and Universities”, Dong Chaojun introduced the application of positive psychology in students’ mental health education at SZPT: first, the development and promotion of SZPT happiness course; second, the proposal and practice of “Key Four-Week Work Method”; third, the construction of happiness experience hall and student stress reduction center, and fourth, the regional leading role of Psychological Center of Colleges and Universities in Shenzhen.

During the conference, at the invitation of Professor Martin Seligman, former president of the American Psychological Association and the father of positive psychology, Professor Peng Kaiping from Tsinghua University and SZPT participated in the in-depth talks. Dong Chaojun introduced the application and promotion of positive psychology at SZPT. Professor Seligman spoke highly of the progress SZPT had made to date. He said there are limits to what medication and counseling can do, and that such act as SZPT investing resources in positive education, where students learn to create their own happiness, is more effective at addressing psychological crises.

After that, the two sides discussed cooperation intentions in the in-depth development of courses, joining the International University Happiness Science Alliance, digital AI, teaching staff, major construction and other aspects. Professor Seligman said he looked forward to more cooperation between the two sides to enhance human happiness and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The conference has enhanced academic exchanges and sharing between SZPT and international counterparts, and promoted the construction and development of mental health education at SZPT. Meanwhile, SZPT’s practice results in the field of positive psychology are displayed on the international stage, which can enhance our international influence. Next, SZPT will continue to work on strengthening international cooperation and exchanges, promoting the substantive operation of the Positive Psychology Research Center, strengthening the construction of the teaching staff, actively utilizing artificial intelligence and digital technology, and deepening the application and research of positive psychology, so as to lay a solid foundation for building a world-class vocational college.

(Jiang Li, Psychology Center)