Philanthropy Times – Wang Zhenyao: "Express your opinion, don't hide"

Philanthropy Times interviews Wang Zhenyao, head of Beijing Normal University’s China Philanthropy Research Institute. Dr. Wang advocates for a practical, rational approach to charity that includes viewing the aggregate benefits to employment and government services, and allows for the utilization of financial tools in expanding funding capabilities. Dr. Wang also describes his regret at the use of a pseudonym in the publishing of his recent book, The Principles Have Not Changed, The Method Has Changed (不变的是原则，万变的是方法), explaining that the publishers’ trepidation concerning the regulations imposed by the General Administration of Press and Publication resulted in unnecessary self-censorship. He explains that he chose to become a scholar following his retirement from the Ministry of Civil Affairs in order to have the space to dialogue with the public, and encourages scholars to share their work with the public. Dr. Wang also expresses approval of the 18th Congress Report which, he explains, integrates the concept of social construction with social problems for the first time, marking a major step forward in addressing social welfare issues.