On the morning of January 15th, NEFU President Song Wenlong, accompanied by University of Technology Sydney’s Chancellor Andrew Parfitt, Executive Vice-Chancellor Iain Watt, Vice-Chancellor Leo Mian Liu, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Peta Wyeth, visited the Hainan Ling Shui Li An International Education Innovation Pilot Zone. They were joined by Cui Ying, the Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Education Department, along with officials from the department’s Free Trade Office, NEFU’s International Cooperation Department, and Aulin College.

Liu Ming, the Executive Deputy Director of the Ling Shui Li An International Education Innovation Pilot Zone Management Bureau, warmly welcomed the delegation from NEFU and the University of Technology Sydney. He guided them on a tour of the zone’s key facilities, including the library, sports complex, teaching area, student dormitories, and faculty apartments, offering a comprehensive overview of the zone’s master plan. Liu Ming highlighted that the zone, a collaborative project between the Ministry of Education and the Hainan Provincial Government, is integral to advancing the “Hainan International Education Innovation Island” initiative. The goal of the pilot zone is to introduce top-quality educational resources from both China and abroad, thereby setting a new standard in the open development of China’s education sector. Liu Ming also conveyed his support for establishing Sino-foreign cooperative educational institutions by NEFU and the University of Technology Sydney within the pilot zone.

The Management Bureau of the Pilot Zone briefed the delegations from NEFU and the University of Technology Sydney on the zone’s strategic development plans.

President Song Wenlong and Chancellor Andrew Parfitt also explored the pilot zone’s public teaching area.

After the inspection, Cui Ying, the Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Education Department, organized a meeting with representatives from the department, the pilot zone, NEFU, and the University of Technology Sydney. The meeting was dedicated to detailed discussions on establishing Sino-foreign cooperative educational institutions and setting the objectives and tasks for 2024.

Public Infrastructure of the Pilot Zone

In the afternoon of the 15th, NEFU and the University of Technology Sydney held a discussion meeting and a signing ceremony for a Sino-foreign cooperative education agreement in Ling Shui. President Song Wenlong and Chancellor Andrew Parfitt jointly signed the agreement and charter, discussing the steps toward the establishment of the Sino-foreign cooperative educational institution. President Song Wenlong warmly welcomed Chancellor Parfitt and his team, updating them on the application process for the cooperative education institution. He highlighted the consensus reached in the early stages and the extensive preparatory work that had been completed. The establishment of this institution in Hainan aligns with the developmental needs of both universities and supports Hainan’s vision of becoming an International Education Innovation Island. The signing marks a significant milestone. NEFU is committed to accelerating the application process, aiming for early approval and the commencement of student enrollment. Chancellor Parfitt expressed his appreciation for the visit to Ling Shui, particularly impressed by the pilot zone’s remarkable environment and advanced facilities. UTS pledged its full support for the application process, aspiring to establish a high-level institution focused on student development, international exchange, and collaborative research between the two universities.

President Song Wenlong and Chancellor Andrew Parfitt formalized the cooperative education agreement and charter.

NEFU consistently maintains high standards in educational openness, focusing on cultivating international talent and enhancing Sino-foreign cooperative education. Establishing a Sino-foreign educational institution in Hainan is a pivotal initiative for NEFU, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s directives from the 30th anniversary of Hainan’s establishment as a province and Special Economic Zone. This effort meets national strategic needs and contributes to the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port. NEFU is actively engaged in ensuring the timely establishment of this new Sino-foreign cooperative educational institution in Hainan.