QMUL was delighted to take part in the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics’ (SUFE) 100th anniversary celebrations, held in Shanghai on Friday 17 – Saturday 18 November.
SUFE is the partner of QMUL’s Confucius Institute, which launched in September 2015 with an aim to strengthen educational, cultural and business links between London and Shanghai, two leading financial centres.
Starting with just one business programme in 1917, SUFE became one of the first universities in China to create post-doctoral research centres in the fields of economics and management.
During the Centennial Celebration Ceremony, Professor Colin Bailey, President and Principal of QMUL, gave a speech that explored the changing models of global higher education. Drawing on many years’ experience in both industry and higher education, Professor Bailey considered the definition of ‘internationalisation’ in universities and reflected on the importance of aligning university strategies.
Professor Kathryn Richardson, Director of QMUL’s Confucius Institute, also attended. Commenting on the partnership, she said: “QMUL’s Confucius Institute facilitates academic collaborations and joint research between our two institutions, particularly in the areas of finance, economics, business and law. We also organise staff visits and summer camps at SUFE each year for our QMUL students. We are delighted to help SUFE celebrate their 100th anniversary.”
Also present at the celebration ceremony were the leaders of 30 Chinese and 20 international universities, including Professor Arnaud de Meyer, President of Singapore Management University, with whom QMUL offers a dual LLM in Commercial Law.
As part of its Cultural Exchange Season, the Confucius Institute is hosting Chinese film nights and calligraphy, Chinese painting and music workshops until March 2017. Annual events include Chinese New Year celebrations and table tennis competitions (more information below). Other cultural exchange opportunities include summer camps in Shanghai, where students will study Chinese language while participating in culturally-enriching activities, such as a visiting the Great Wall in Beijing and the Yu Yuan Garden in Shanghai.