On 8th January 2021, University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) and De Montfort University (DMU) had a special online meeting to mark the signing of the new agreement for their joint Confucius Institute (CI) at DMU, a significant step toward a stronger partnership.

Pic 1 USTB Vice President WU Aixiang addresses the meeting

The event was graced by senior university leaders from both sides: Vice-president WU Aixiang from USTB and Pro Vice Chancellor Simon Bradbury from DMU (CI Local Director). At the meeting were also Dr. Kate Gerrard, Director of Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities (CI Executive Director), Dr. YANG Yingjun, Chinese Director of the CI, and some CI team members.

Pic 2 DMU PVC Simon Bradbury (CI Local Director) addresses the meeting

In his speech, WU Aixiang stressed that with signing the new five-year agreement, the two universities will deepen cooperation in areas such as student exchange, joint research ventures, hosting international symposiums and so on. He promised to provide whatever support necessary to ensure the success of the Confucius Institute.

Pic 3 CI Local Executive Director Kate Gerrard addresses the meeting

Simon Bradbury spoke highly of the successful collaborations between the two universities and the remarkable CI achievements since its launch early 2014. He expects more student and academic exchanges between the two institutions with the signing of new agreement and better operation of the CI.

Pic 4 CI Chinese Director YANG Yingjun chairs the meeting

The CI has been a vibrant celebration of Chinese language and culture, providing an insight for students, staff and the wider community. It has run a wide variety of courses, public events and activities that featured on a variety of public media such as Xinhuanet, China Daily, BBC, ITV, etc. It launched its DMU Senior Staff Mandarin Class and GCSE programs in the last two years. It will celebrate its seventh anniversary in March soon.

(Draft: Wei Zhiping; Revision: YANG Yingjun)