Tianjin University launched the Global TJU Program in September in a bid to promote international communication and cooperation. The opening ceremony was held on September 29th to mark the university’s 126th birthday. Representatives from foreign embassies in China, TJU global strategic partners and overseas students attended the event or shared their views via video link.
Professor Hu Wenping, executive vice president of Tianjin University, extended his warm welcome and sincere thanks to all the guests present. Hu said that although the COVID-19 epidemic had suspended normal in-person international cooperation and exchanges, advanced Internet Plus technology overcame the restrictions of physical space and personnel flow and helped to realize cross-border transmission and multicultural exchange.
Professor Hu noted that the pandemic has underscored how closely bound the world has become as well as the significant role that cross-cultural understanding plays in solving the major challenges facing mankind.
Regarding the training of talents, he proposed that educational institutions not only cultivate students' knowledge and skills so that they may participate in global affairs but also help them to acquire a sense of global ethics and a willingness and ability to engage in global practice.
Hu added that by strengthening cooperation between Tianjin University and the world, students will be provided with more opportunities for overseas exchange and a high-quality international platform for them to ‘see the world’. He urged every student studying at TJU to develop a global vision.
Baba Ahmad Jidda, Ambassador of Nigeria to China, Robert Emond, Counsellor of Science, Technology and Innovation from the Canadian Embassy in China, Yaya Sutarya, Education, Culture, Research and Technology Attache from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Jean-Francois Doulet, Higher Education Counsellor from the Embassy of France in China, and Kevin Chan, Vice President of Clariant’s Catalyst Business, Greater China delivered speeches respectively, congratulating Tianjin University on the successful opening of the “Global TJU” series of activities and expressing their willingness to achieve win-win progress through in-depth cooperation with Tianjin University in education and scientific research.
At the ceremony, many TJU students, who are now on exchange programs and studying abroad, were invited to share their cross-cultural experiences. They spoke highly of the overseas exchange opportunities provided by the university, which not only expand their global horizons but have also brought them unforgettable experiences and friendships. In addition, they encouraged more students to enrich their college experience and actively participate in the visiting programs. The overseas students also sent their best wishes for the university’s 126th birthday.
Representatives from more than 17 partner schools and institutions, such as the City University of Hong Kong, Johns Hopkins University, University of Glasgow, Korea University, Mahidol University, ITS Surabaya-Indonesia, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, and The University of Edinburgh, attended the opening ceremony and introduced their cooperation programs with Tianjin University. Students both online and offline were able to consult with the representatives about their respective programs on the spot.
Up to now, Tianjin University has signed agreements with 252 universities, research institutions and companies in 50 countries and regions around the world. It has more than 200 overseas programs for students, including exchanges, winter and summer programs, scientific research internships, and internship training bases.
The Global TJU Program will subsequently hold special presentations on cooperation projects, high-level international academic reports, the sharing of overseas study experiences, and language ability improvement lectures.
By the International Cooperation Office
Editor: Eva Yin
