More than 100 high school principals from across China have taken part in a forum on preparing today's youth for tomorrow's challenges. The topics included global education, innovative talents, and educational reforms. Professors from admissions departments at some top universities in China and abroad shared their unique perspectives on higher education in China and how to connect it to the world.

There are only a few months to go until the most important exam to most Chinese students -- the college entrance exam known as Gaokao. Zhang Yuting is preparing for this year's fierce competition. She has her sights set on the best universities in China for her bachelor's degree. Going abroad will only be considered when comes to her master's study.

"Universities are like identities. It's important for sense of self. More importantly, it's necessary for us to know more of our own culture before we step out into the world," Zhang said.

On the other side of the campus, 18-year-old Yan Hongyuan is studying in the international division. His immersion in a diverse environment has influenced an early goal.

"I'm interested in IT. I'd love to study abroad to experience different cultures and things that I couldn't learn here," Yan said.

With China's rising role in the world, the cultivation of talents has become more urgent than ever. Higher education plays a crucial role.

At a recent high-level educational forum, principals from China's top high schools discussed the country's role in nurturing international talents.

"We have a communication mechanism with some universities. But it is clearly not enough. A good communication mechanism should be a comprehensive one, from which we can share information and adjust our academic structure to nurture our students to become international talents, to adapt themselves in this fast-changing world," Tang Shengchang, principal of Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School, said.

"International talents" was the buzzword at the forum.

The skills to be effective in multi-cultural environments have become a must rather than an option in today's globalization.

"We had our founding class of 300 students. 150 of them are Chinese, the rest come from 62 countries all over the world. They've come together as a single class. It is a test to them as well to us. But we are so proud to see how they help each other and learn from each other despite of different cultural backgrounds," Jeffrey S. Lehman, vice chancellor of New York University Shanghai, said.

"Our teaching method is neither Chinese-style nor American-style. We select the best of both and provide a unique style of teaching. In terms of admission, for Chinese students, Gaokao won't play a crucial role. We have several rounds of other tests to evaluate them. We're looking for students who have their own view of life and who care for the world," Yu Lizhong, chancellor of New York University Shanghai, said.

Besides the trials with external cooperation, like the one with NYU, the admissions process is changing internally.

"The past independent enrolment was a process of selection of great students. Now we put more time and effort into cultivation. Instead of just a limited time to know students, we follow their growth and academic path from the beginning of their high school studies," Li Chenjian, deputy academic dean of Peking University, said.

The goal in the admissions process is to provide applicants with their best chance to get into the university of their choice.

In a fast-changing world, it's more important than ever to prepare students with the skills which will enable them to be at the cutting edge of whatever comes next.