Global Education Forum engages ambassadors and experts

On 2 November, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University hosted the 2023 XJTLU Global Education Forum. The event brought together 11 embassy officials and delegates representing seven countries. The countries and organisations represented were (in alphabetical order): the British Consulate-General in Shanghai, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of Zimbabwe, and the Royal Thai Embassy.

The event consisted of an opening speech by Professor Qiuling Chao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Information; a presentation by Professor Youmin Xi, Executive President of XJTLU; and three panel discussions focusing on high-quality international education, XJTLU’s world-class education, and the support the University provides to its students.

Attendees at the 2023 XJTLU Global Education Forum

Embassy engagement

In the first panel, Allan Chintedza, Malawi’s Ambassador to China, expressed his perspective on the interconnectedness of the world.

Allan Chintedza, Malawi’s Ambassador to China

He said: “The world has become a village, and we are all connected. I think Covid-19 gave us an experience that whatever happens to your neighbour will happen to you as well. So, in terms of future development, you cannot leave anyone behind. You can think nationally, but you have to act globally because, at the global level, all of us have got a shared responsibility.”

The embassy officials also shared their thoughts on the advantages of studying abroad and what makes China an attractive destination for international students.

Tumelo Moseme, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Tumelo Moseme, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho, said: “For individual students, learning outside their own countries provides development of skills in intercultural communication, adaptability, independent thinking and in some cases, learning of foreign languages. There is also a potential of an enlarged job market and opportunities, especially in areas that require cultural diversity and global perspective.”

Pedzisai Peter Mwayera, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Pedzisai Peter Mwayera, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe, added: “Studying abroad not only gives students opportunities for professional development; it also allows them to immerse themselves in different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of them. In general, these international experiences can enhance their resumes.”

Yudil Chatim, Education and Culture Attache at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia

Yudil Chatim, Education and Culture Attache at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, said: “China has become one of the best educational destinations in the world. Many universities in China offer international quality programmes at affordable costs. China also provides opportunities for international students to deepen their Mandarin, which is a valuable asset in an increasingly connected global world.

“I would like to invite Indonesian people to consider educational opportunities in China. These opportunities will not only open doors to a bright career but will also enrich your cultural and language experience.”

Nghihepavali Michael Hamukwaya, Political, Economic and Legal Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Namibia

Nghihepavali Michael Hamukwaya, Political, Economic and Legal Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Namibia, shared how his embassy promotes international education.

“Our embassy gets into contact with various institutions in China and other countries, focusing on public diplomacy and exploring ways to enhance collaboration. Through these engagements, our embassy helps promote the internationalisation of education,” he said.

Catherine Sinclair-Jones, Consul (Culture and Education) at the British Consulate-General in Shanghai

At the end of the discussion, Catherine Sinclair-Jones, Director of the British Council in East China and Consul (Culture and Education) at the British Consulate-General in Shanghai, also commended XJTLU for its proactive approach in addressing global challenges related to international education.

“It’s really affirming to see how XJTLU responds to some of the global challenges that we’re looking at around international education, such as AI and employability. It’s been a really positive experience to visit XJTLU and listen to the presentation and the conversations,” she said.

From left to right: Professor John Moraros, Dean of the School of Science; Allan Chintedza, Malawi’s Ambassador to China; Tumelo Moseme, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho; Pedzisai Peter Mwayera, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe; Yudil Chatim, Education and Culture Attache at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia; Nghihepavali Michael Hamukwaya, Political, Economic and Legal Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Namibia; and Catherine Sinclair-Jones, Consul (Culture and Education) at the British Consulate-General in Shanghai

Expert insights

The second panel discussed what sets XJTLU apart from other universities regarding education quality and how the University ensures that its programmes meet international standards. They also provided examples of innovative teaching methods that enhance the learning experience for students, such as collaborating with industry partners and offering students professional development programmes.

From left to right: Professor Ewout Schaft, Associate Dean of Internationalisation at XJTLU’s International Business School Suzhou; Professor Zhoulin Ruan, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Professor Eng Hwa Yap, Dean of the School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecosystem and the School of Robotics; Professor Jorg Bley, Dean of International Business School Suzhou; Professor Lei Fu, Executive Dean of XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy; and Professor Eng Gee Lim, Dean of the School of Advanced Technology

The third panel focused on the student services offered by the University, including academic advising, career counselling, and mental health support. The discussion shed light on XJTLU’s commitment to nurturing students’ leadership skills, cultural awareness, and global perspectives.

From left to right: Markus Davis, International Student Support Officer at XJTLU Global; Professor Adam Cross, Associate Vice President of Education and Dean of the XJTLU Graduate School; Helen Beech, Dean of the School of Languages; Professor Konstantinos Papadikis, Dean of the School of Design; Professor Beibei Tang, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dr Qijian Xie, Director of XJTLU Centre for Student Affairs; and Kirsty Mattinson, Head of XJTLU Global

XJTLU Global Partner Forum

The Global Education Forum is a part of the 2023 XJTLU Global Partner Forum, which took place from 30 October to 2 November.

The four-day event attracted more than 500 visitors from over 50 countries, including Ambassadors, Minister Counsellors, Consuls, external partners, international students, and representatives from global companies. It featured a series of activities, including a welcome reception, campus and laboratory tours, an international job fair, programme introductions, panel discussions, and visits to XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang).

Professor Qiuling Chao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Information and Secretary of the Party Committee at XJTLU, said this Forum shows XJTLU’s commitment to internationalisation.

“XJTLU is a truly comprehensive international university and a benchmark for Sino-foreign cooperative universities.

“Internationalisation is always one of our University’s development strategies. We are willing to establish friendly connections with universities from any country or region of the world by developing cooperative programmes in teaching, research, cultural exchanges, and student activities,” she said.

Professor Qiuling Chao

During the Forum, Professor Youmin Xi, Executive President of XJTLU, also shared his vision for the University.

“XJTLU was jointly established by two renowned educational institutions – Xi’an Jiaotong University in China and the University of Liverpool in the UK. However, XJTLU didn’t replicate the educational models of either party. Instead, our University integrates international resources to explore new models.

“We are determined to become a premier international university. And we aim to lead the future development of education and influence higher education reforms both in China and the world,” he said.

Professor Youmin Xi

By Xinmin Han
Edited by Patricia Pieterse
Photos by Zuofu Wang and Jingrui Duan