From November 8 to 9, 2024, the 2024 International Engineering Congress (2024IEC), organized by the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific (FEIAP), was successfully held in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province. Jin Donghan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, president of Tianjin University, and vice chairman of the Chinese Society of Engineers, participated in the event and delivered a keynote speech.
With the theme “Competency-based Engineering Education: Exploration and Practice,” Jin Donghan presented an in-depth analysis of the critical practices needed to advance international cooperation in higher engineering education and to foster a community with a shared future for humanity. He explored several aspects, including the emerging trends in engineering education, the core competencies required for engineering talents, and Tianjin University’s achievements in this field. Jin pointed out that global challenges remain in addressing the significant shortage of international engineering professionals and those proficient in engineering management. He attributed this to systemic barriers in education, certification standards, and the evaluation of engineering capabilities. According to Jin, the pressing need for talent lies in cultivating individuals equipped with digital thinking, complex problem-solving abilities, and a thorough grasp of international rules and standards.
In his keynote, Jin proposed a series of measures to address these challenges. He emphasized the necessity of enhancing collaboration among the countries and regions along the Belt and Road, including the alignment of curricula, teaching approaches, and educational resources. He argued that such efforts would pave the way for establishing widely recognized quality assurance systems and pilot education programs of engineering disciplines in those countries and regions. Jin also called for greater engagement through platforms like the China-ASEAN Association of Engineering Universities to promote international exchanges, particularly in key areas such as infrastructure, energy, and environmental sustainability. By fostering these connections, he highlighted the potential to solve critical technological challenges, enhance innovation, and facilitate the application of innovative achievements across borders. Furthermore, Jin stressed the importance of unifying strategies and policies across partner countries. He advocated for constructing globally comparable frameworks for engineering education accreditation and enhancing collaboration in engineering qualifications recognition and technical standards integration. These initiatives, he noted, would expand openness, deepen trust, and promote meaningful cooperation in engineering education and practice.
During the congress, Jin engaged in discussions with Nasir Mahmood Khan, Secretary General of the Pakistan Engineering Committee; Adisa A. Bello, Secretary General of the Nigerian Engineering Supervision Committee; Ademola Isaac Agoro, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; Chan Ewe Jin, President of the Singapore Institute of Engineers; and Maria del Carmen Ponce Mejia, National President of the Peruvian Society of Engineers. These interactions are expected to strengthen practical cooperation between Tianjin University and engineering organizations from Belt and Road partner countries in areas such as mutual recognition of engineering qualifications, professional development, alignment of technical standards, and accreditation of engineering education.
The 2024IEC, held under the theme “Sustainable Engineering for a Better Future,” was supported by organizations including UNESCO, WFEO, FAEO, UPADI, AFEO, AAET, and CSE. It was jointly organized by the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology (ZAST), the Taizhou Municipal People’s Government, and Zhejiang University.
The congress brought together leaders and representatives from 50 international scientific and technological organizations across 41 countries, alongside renowned academicians, engineering experts, representatives of outstanding engineers, and delegates from universities, enterprises, and engineering societies. The participants exchanged insights on cutting-edge engineering technologies and discussed the role of engineering in shaping the future of human society.
A highlight of the event was the signing of the Taizhou Declaration, which set forth a consensus on leveraging open engineering technologies to drive the development of emerging fields and enhancing cooperation in engineering education across the Global. The declaration reflects a shared commitment to advancing global innovation and cooperation in engineering, creating a sustainable future, and building a community with a shared destiny for humanity.
By: Qiao Wenya
Editor: Qin Mian
