On October 24, 2017, IESR Dean Shuaizhang Feng and Associate Dean Sisi Zhang were invited to attend the Symposium on Economic and Social Development. The symposium was organized by CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, and chaired by the Vice Secretary Jinsong Zhang.

At the symposium, Shuaizhang Feng introduced the latest research advancements relating to the population development strategies, whereas Sisi Zhang made a report on the recent developments seen in the rent to own housing policy.

Scholars from Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences, Sun-Yat Sen University, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, and Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences were present at the symposium.