USTB and De Montfort University to Open Sunwah-DMU Confucius Institute for Creative Industry

On Feb. 4th, Hanban, the Confucius Institutes (CI) Headquarters, approved of the establishment of DMU Confucius Institute by USTB and De Montfort University (DMU). The signing ceremony was hosted in Hanban.

According to the agreement, Hanban authorized USTB to be the Chinese executive body of the Institute, running, in coordination with DMU, the Sunwah-DMU Confucius Institute for Creative Industry.

Prof. Luo Weidong, Chancellor of USTB signed the “Memorandum of Understanding between DMU, CI Headquarters, the Sunwah Group and USTB” and the “Working Agenda of the Sunwah-DMU Confucius Institute for Creative Industry between USTB and DMU.”

The signing ceremony was attended by Madam Xu Lin, Director General of Hanban, Mr. Jing Wei, Vice Director General of Hanban, Mr. Cai Guanshen, CEO of the Sunwah Group, Prof. Doninic Shellard, President of De Montfort University, Prof. Zhang Xinxin, President of USTB and Prof. Wang Ge, Director of the International Office, USTB.

The first key feature of the DMU Confucius Institute is that it establishes an innovative pattern of cooperation. Apart from USTB and DMU, the Hong Kong-based international conglomerate Sunwah Group is also a partner. With its significant contributions, the Sunwah-Creative-and-Cultural Hub is now under construction. The blending of private industry with the goals and objectives of the Confucius Institute will potentially serve as a prototype for future collaborative efforts.

Secondly, the Institute’s framework will be constructed in a innovative fashion. In addition to offering high-quality Chinese language and culture related courses, the two universities will make full use of their special disciplinary advantages to allow the Institute to have a specific focus on technology and industry. Students of the Institute will emerge with both the practical skills for working with cutting-edge technology and the language skills needed to be able to function in international work environments.  

This agreement marks the establishment of the first Confucius Institute hosted by USTB overseas. Preparatory commenced immediately following the signing of the agreement. The creation of this institute creates a reliable platform for USTB to deepen its interuniversity cooperation with foreign schools, broaden its collaborative fields and expand on the opportunities available to students in China and abroad. 

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