Last week, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) welcomed a delegation from South African universities. SUSTech President Chen Shiyi and Acting Vice President Zhang Dongxiao were joined by Global Engagement Office Associate Director Thomas Schneider, UNESCO Center for Higher Education Research Deputy Director Zhao Jianhua and other key leaders across SUSTech.

The delegation were represented by Mangosuthu University of Technology Vice-Chancellor and Principal Enoch Duma Malaza, University of Western Cape Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tyrone Pretorius, Central University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor and Principal Prof. Henk de Jager, North-West University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof LA du Plessis, Limpopo University Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof J Singh, Sol Plaatje University Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Mary Jean Baxen, Rhodes University Vice Chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela, Zululand University Deputy Vice Chancellor Geoffrey Mahlomaholo and Johannesburg University Registrar Prof. Kinta Burger.

SUSTech President Chen Shiyi provided a briefing about SUSTech, going into detail about our talent pipelines, scientific research achievements and globalized education. He emphasized the importance SUSTech has placed on international cooperation and education.

Global Engagement Office Associate Director Thomas Schneider talked about SUSTech’s educational philosophy and training model, and provided more information about what SUSTech has done in terms of its international cooperation. UNESCO Center for Higher Education Deputy Director Zhao Jianhua talked about the development of the Center and the opportunities for projects in Africa.

The representatives of the South African universities talked about their respective institutions and swapped ideas for potential areas of cooperation. Following the meeting, the South African delegation visited the 3D campus construction sand table and the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center.

The South African delegation was invited to China by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. It sought to promote cooperation in higher education between China and South Africa and find new opportunities for educational and cultural exchanges between the two nations.