Moutai expert’s honour nomination gives China academics a headache

Recommendation of chief engineer for China’s best known liquor brand revives debate about how scientific excellence is rewarded

Selection process for science and engineering academicians called into question over objectivity and fairness

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Kweichow Moutai’s chief engineer has been nominated for one of China’s most prestigious academic positions. Photo: Simon Song

Published: 3:00pm, 19 Feb 2021Updated: 3:06pm, 19 Feb 2021

The nomination of a drinks expert to the highest ranks of academia has sparked a heated debate in China, with many questioning the objectivity and fairness of the honours system.

The chief engineer of China’s leading alcohol brand Kweichow Moutai Co Ltd was recommended by the Guizhou Association for Science and Technology earlier this month as a candidate for the coveted title of academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), an honour conferred on the country’s most prestigious scientists.

Wang Li, whose nomination as a candidate for academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has sparked controversy. Photo: Handout

Wang Li, 48, chief engineer and quality officer for Kweichow Moutai – the country’s best known brand of Mao-tai and the late Chairman Mao’s favourite tipple – was quickly dubbed the “liquor academician” on Chinese social media after the news broke on February 8.

It was a hark back to a previous case when Xie Jianping – who was called the “tobacco academician” – was elected to the CAE in 2011 for his research into refining low-tar cigarettes. Xie’s appointment raised similar questions about the selection process.

Academicians – yuanshi – are full members of either the CAE or the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and are usually chosen from the country’s leading research institutions, universities, major businesses and industries.