SCUT Signed Cooperative Agreement at the First Sino-French Education Development Forum, Deepening Cooperation with Europe
The Ministry of Education of China and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France jointly held the first Sino-French Education Development Forum in Paris on June 21st. Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng and French Minister of Higher Education and Research Sylvie Retailleau attended the event and delivered speeches. Year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Minister Huai and Minister Retailleau expressed hope that both sides will actively implement the initiatives of the two countries’ presidents regarding advancing balanced student exchange and mutual cultural learning, expanding and deepening cooperation in education and scientific research, and thus meeting the demands of the intelligent era and future development.
Li Weiqing, Vice President of South China University of Technology (SCUT), was invited to lead a delegation to participate in the forum, and, as one of the only three Chinese universities, SCUT renewed the signature of the cooperative agreement with the University of Nantes regarding the engineering education research program, witnessed by the Ministers of both countries. Li also participated in the parallel session on “Fundamental Sciences, Knowledge Innovation, and Talent Cultivation,” where she shared SCUT's initiatives in promoting “Internationalization at Home” and “Two Way Approach to Internationalization,” as well as updates on cooperation with French counterparts. Dominique Averty, the First Vice-President for the Board of Governors, HR and Finance, Social affairs, and Isabella Richard, Vice-President for European and International Affairs of the University of Nantes, were present at the event.
SCUT Participated in the Forum and Took a Photo with the Ministers of Education of China and France.
Hosting the Sino-French Education Development Forum serves as a practical means of implementing the consensus reached by the Presidents of the two countries and the important resolutions emerging from the Sixth Meeting of the China-France High-Level Dialogue Mechanism on People-to-People Exchange. Since 2024, SCUT has actively implemented its strategy of educational opening-up. It has engaged in various international exchange activities such as China-Singapore, China-New Zealand, and Guangzhou-Hanoi exchanges, yielding fruitful outcomes.
During this visit to Europe, Li Weiqing and her delegation also engaged in exchanges with foreign universities such as Ghent University in Belgium, the University of Nantes in France, and the Instituto Superior Técnico in Portugal. The delegation also paid visits to Chinese embassies, conducting comprehensive discussions on various cooperation matters.
Exchanges with Ghent University, the University of Nantes, and the Instituto Superior Técnico
At Ghent University, both sides extensively discussed promoting Belgian students to participate in summer schools in China, conducting research cooperation in fields such as microelectronics, automation, urban sciences, and exploring topics related to offshore center development, and the two universities renewed their 3+2 cooperation agreement. At the University of Nantes, both parties decided to utilize the 60th anniversary of China-France relations and the 20th anniversary of university collaboration to boost efforts in subjects where each excels and complements strengths, notably in emerging interdisciplinary areas. Two universities also inked a summer school collaboration agreement. At the Instituto Superior Técnico, both parties hope to reach an agreement on student exchanges, short-term exchanges, summer schools, supporting partner universities' participation in exchange programs, and conducting joint research in marine science and engineering, biomedical fields, and other areas.
The delegation paid a visit to the Chinese Embassy in Belgium. Li Weiqing briefed Education Counselor Li Hui on SCUT's recent efforts in the Double First-Class initiative and progress in promoting high-quality development, as well as updates on cooperation and exchanges with Belgian universities. Li Hui highly praised the unique role that SCUT plays in the development of Sino-Belgian bilateral relations, especially in cultural exchanges. She encouraged SCUT to further deepen cooperation and exchanges with Belgian counterparts, aiming to make more positive contributions to the bilateral relationship.
Visiting Students and Alumni in Belgium and France
During the visit, Li Weiqing and her delegation made a special visit to students of SCUT studying at partner universities in Belgium and France, showed concern about their foreign study experiences, and encouraged them to serve as young ambassadors for cultural exchange and serve the motherland with knowledge. She also met with alumni representatives in Belgium and France to discuss the planning of alumni associations and encouraged them to play a constructive role in the development of bilateral relations.
Representatives from the Graduate School, the International Office, the Financial Division, and the School of Computer Science and Engineering accompanied the visit.
Annex: Brief Introductions to Partner Universities
Ghent University, founded in 1817, has a history of over 200 years. It is Belgium's leading comprehensive research university and one of the largest universities in the country. Ghent University is globally renowned for its basic and applied research in fields such as biotechnology, mathematics, computer science, materials, and social sciences.
The University of Nantes, established in 1460, is located in the western region of France. It offers 280 degree programs, serves 37,000 students, and employs 3,800 academic and research staff, making it one of France's largest comprehensive universities.
Instituto Superior Técnico, the engineering school of the University of Lisbon, was founded in 1911. The University of Lisbon is Portugal's largest and most prestigious university. Instituto Superior Técnico attracts around 12,000 students from over 60 different countries and is renowned for its disciplines such as nuclear science, civil engineering, petroleum engineering, and energy.
Translator: Yaxin Zhang
Initial Proofreader: Sheng Gao
Final Proofreader: Zhaosheng Wu