The Faculty of Social Sciences hosted the Distinguished Social Sciences Lecture Series on 8 April 2026 at Rayson Huang Theatre, welcoming Professor Biao Xiang, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology, as the featured speaker.
The lecture began with a welcoming address by Professor Ming Wen, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, who highlighted the mission of the Distinguished Lecture Series in fostering intellectual exchange and bringing globally influential scholars to engage with pressing social issues. She noted the importance of social science perspectives in helping society better understand lived experience amid rapid change.
In this lecture, titled “Ambition: Migration, Desire and Fatigue in China”, Professor Xiang explored ambition as a social phenomenon shaped by migration, education, work, and collective structures rather than merely an individual mindset. Drawing from anthropological research and contemporary examples, he examined why ambition has become both a driving force and a source of exhaustion for many people today, particularly in changing social and economic conditions.
The lecture prompted wide reflection on questions of mobility, burnout, and meaning, and resonated strongly with students, scholars, and members of the public. A lively Q&A session following the talk further extended the discussion, underscoring the relevance of social science scholarship to everyday concerns.
The full lecture is now available for public viewing on YouTube.