The Qiu Chengtong Mathematics Leading Program was jointly sponsored by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the China Academy of Sciences, aiming at cultivating a new generation of mathematics leading talents. The historical background of this plan can be traced back to 1980s, when China faced severe challenges in the development of science and technology, especially in the field of basic science. In order to solve this problem, China government began to vigorously promote scientific research and education reform.

In this process, Professor Qiu Chengtong played a key role. He is a world-class mathematician. He won the Fields Prize with 1982, which is the highest honor in mathematics. He realized that to improve the level of scientific research in China, we must start with basic education, especially mathematics education. Therefore, he put forward the idea of setting up "Qiu Chengtong Mathematics Leading Plan", hoping to select and train a group of internationally competitive mathematical geniuses through this plan.

Qiu Chengtong Mathematics Leading Plan has been implemented since 2009. Every year, a group of outstanding high school students are selected from all over the country to provide them with first-class mathematics education resources and research opportunities. The implementation of this plan has not only brought great impetus to China's mathematics research and education, but also made important contributions to the global mathematics development.

Generally speaking, the historical background of Qiu Chengtong's mathematics leading plan is the urgent need of China's scientific and technological development and Professor Qiu Chengtong's firm determination to improve the level of mathematics education and research in China.