Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) has been taking large footsteps towards internationalization ever since its establishment and has been making progress by leaps and bounds. SZTU persists on exploring new cooperation models with potential global partners. On July 16, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a programme agreement with SZTU, which symbolizes the establishment of a collaboration relationship.

Virtual Signing Ceremony [Photo/Party Affairs Committee Publicity Office]

The signing ceremony, which took place virtually, was attended by SUTD President Professor Chong Tow Chong, SUTD Associate Provost for Research and International Relations Prof. Yeo Kiat Seng, and Deputy Director of SUTD International Relations office Ms. Evelyn Tan, SZTU President Prof. Ruan Shuangchen, SZTU’s Distinguished Professor & International Affairs Officer of Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing Prof. Julian Chan, and Head of International Cooperation & Student Affairs of SZTU Associate Prof. Zeng Siyu.

At the signing ceremony, President Ruan Shuangchen reviewed the history of SZTU. He stated that there are many similarities between the two universities in terms of philosophy and school model. Both schools place great importance on cultivating high-quality, high-level professionals with strong practical ability. President Ruan added that SZTU and SUTD are young universities with great potential for development. The two universities have great potential in teacher-student exchanges and scientific research cooperation. He is looking forward to a closer collaboration in the areas of faculty-student exchanges and scientific research.

President Ruan looks forward to closer collaboration. [Photo/Party Affairs Committee Publicity Office]

President Chong Tow Chong gave a brief introduction to SUTD. He shared the same insights and expectations as President Ruan. He hope that the collaboration with SZTU would spark more possibilities and create mutual benefits.

Professor Chong added, “SUTD is steadfast in our mission to provide students with overseas exposure as we strongly believe such experiential learning will truly widen students’ mindsets and better develop leaders and innovators with the foundation in STEM, design thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit to contribute to society and solve real-world problems. Nonetheless, we will proceed with these immersion trips and any overseas programmes, only when the pandemic situation has been improved and when it is safe to travel again, hopefully in 2021.”

The joint immersion programme between SUTD and SZTU will translate into a one-week joint programme in SZTU for up to 50 SUTD and SZTU students. The immersion programme allowed the participants to expand their learning beyond the classroom. It provides experiential learning and enable participants to better appreciate the notion of applying what they have learnt in the classroom into the real world. The ultimate objective of the programme is to encourage the students to keep an open mind, build regional networks, and embrace every opportunity to prepare for the world. The virtual signing ceremony ended successfully in a high toast.

Toast to establishment of partnership [Photo/Party Affairs Committee Publicity Office]

Tips:

The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is Singapore’s fourth public university and one of the first universities in the world to incorporate the art and science of design and technology into a transdisciplinary, human-centric curriculum. The founding principal of SUTD is Professor Thomas L. Magnanti, the former dean of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Engineering. SUTD and MIT have a holistic collaboration in the fields of discipline construction, joint teaching, curriculum setting, personnel recruitment, and exchange of teachers and students.

As of 2019, SUTD has established partnerships with 45 academic institutions from 15 different countries and regions. Partners include MIT, Zhejiang University, Singapore Management University, Duke-Singapore University Medical Research Institute and the University of California, Berkeley. SUTD has recently topped a list of emerging engineering schools in the world in a study conducted by MIT. The key focus areas are Healthcare, Cities, and Aviation, supported by capabilities in Artificial Intelligence/Data Science and Digital Manufacturing. Multiple post-graduate opportunities are available. In addition, skill-based professional education and training courses are also available.

SUTD Campus in Singapore [Photo provided by SUTD]

Drafted by Janet（张芮珊）/ International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Edited by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office