On March 17, Beijing International Studies University (BISU) hosted a special lecture titled "Field Research Methods in Country and Region Studies," featuring Ma Ding, the host and chief planner of BRTV's program "Xiang Qian Yi Bu," or "One Step Forward" as the keynote speaker.

Zheng Chengjun, BISU's vice-president, attended the lecture and warmly welcomed Ma.

Zheng highlighted the practical nature of area studies, urging students to move beyond theory and hone their skills through field research.

Ma Ding delivers a lecture to BISU students.

Drawing from over twenty years of media experience, Ma used the TV program as a core case study to illustrate the scientific and practical value of field research.

He recounted the challenging journey of his team, who spent months conducting in-depth investigations, emphasizing that in an era when the echo chamber effect of the internet is becoming increasingly pronounced, direct engagement with society and the public is essential for gaining the most authentic insights.

The interactive session was lively, with students eagerly asking questions about building trust with research subjects and exploring pathways for overseas field research. Ma advised establishing connections through sincerity and understanding needs with empathy. For overseas research, he recommended actively building communication bridges and finding the most direct paths.

After the lecture, Ma was appointed as an industry mentor for BISU’s School of Country and Region Studies and School of Economics. This appointment signifies a deepening collaboration between the university and the media field, injecting new momentum into talent cultivation, practical teaching, and social service.