From September 26-27, Professor Li JIN, Vice President for Global Strategies and Acting Dean of the Business School at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), led a delegation to participate in the 2023 Times Higher Education World Academic Summit held at the University of Sydney.

Professor JIN engaged in exchanges with global academic leaders in higher education and joined the panel discussion “Case study: How to create a successful international partnership”.

Panelists from left to right: Beverley Yamamoto, Anton Muscatelli, Li Jin, Guillaume Fiquet, Katherine Belov

This panel session focused on how institutions can develop strategic relationships with partner institutions of scale and significance to enhance their educational offer in teaching and learning; how international academic partnerships can support and advance the paradigm shift in research and address major global challenges; how universities can ensure maximum mutual benefit that supports their individual long-term strategy.

Professor JIN analyzed the features of SUSTech’s internationalization, its experience of building an interdisciplinary international platform, and the opportunities and prospects for cooperation with other countries under China’s carbon neutrality Roadmap.

He stressed the need to seek common ground and opportunities and persist in collaboration among global academia, although the current situation presents certain challenges to international exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Case study: How to create a successful international partnership

“Scientific collaboration and student exchange shall be immune from geopolitics. Higher education should sow the seeds for dialogue, hope, and peace, transcending political boundaries”, said Professor JIN.

During the summit, Professor JIN exchanged views with global academics, discussed partnership and project issues, and explored future cooperation opportunities.

He met with Rocky Tuan, President and Vice-Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Dong-One Kim, President of Korea University; Sang Kee Song, Vice President of International Affairs of Korea University; Yong Keun Yoo, Vice President for Planning & Budget of Korea University; Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney; Katherine Belov, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Global and Research Engagement of the University of Sydney; Anton Muscatelli, Principal of the University of Glasgow; Beverley Yamamoto, Executive Vice President of International Affairs of Osaka University; Guillaume Fiquet, Vice President of International Relations and Partnerships of Sorbonne University; Joanna Regulska, Vice Provost and Dean of Global Affairs of the University of California, Davis (UC Davis); Michael Lazzara, Associate Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Partnerships for Global Affairs of UC Davis among others.

UC Davis Vice Provost Prof. Joanna Regulska (in the middle)

Korea University President Prof. Dong-One Kim (in the middle)

The University of Sydney President Prof. Mark Scott

This year’s THE World Academic Summit focused on the theme of collaboration. It examined the role of higher education, industry, and policy thought-leaders in diversifying and broadening ambitions and approaches to current global education systems. The summit explored how regional, national, and global collaboration can strengthen the role of universities as key drivers of change within society.

Over 600 leaders and experts in higher education from 50+ countries and regions gathered to discuss four major issues: “Promoting Gender Equity and Diversity”, “Integrating Multidisciplinary Research Initiatives”, “Increasing Cross-community Collaboration”, and “Adopting New Methods of Teaching and Learning”.