Professor Dong Qiang, Dean of Yenching Academy of Peking University, visited key academic institutions in the UK and France from October 13th to 17th. During his trip, he engaged in various activities, including the internal seminar of the Institut de France, aimed at fostering international collaboration and academic exchange.
Dean Dong Qiang met with Miles Young, Warden of New College, one of Oxford University’s oldest colleges, and Sir Stephen Bubb, Acting Director of the Oxford Institute of Charity, to explore potential future collaborations.
He also attended the inauguration ceremony for “Fang Lijun: Portraits and Porcelain” at the Ashmolean Museum Oxford.
Additionally, Prof. Dong held a talk with Caroline Elizabeth Wilson, British Ambassador to China, inviting her to visit YCA and deliver a lecture in November. Ambassador Wilson accepted the invitation, expressing enthusiasm for forging stronger ties between YCA and the British academic institutions.
Accompanied by Associate Dean Brent Haas, Dean Dong paid a visit to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where they held a seminar with teachers and students.
On October 15, Dean Dong attended the annual meeting of the Institut de France in Paris. Bernard Stirn, Permanent Secretary of the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques (Academy of Moral, Social and Political Sciences) held a welcome luncheon for Prof. Dong at the Bonnefous Hall. More than 30 academicians attended the lunch party. Subsequently, he met with prominent figures, including Jean-Claude Trichet, a former President of the European Central Bank, Jacques de Larosière, former IMF Managing Director, and Jean-David Levitte, former Senior Diplomatic Advisor of the French president. Dean Dong Qiang introduced Yenching Academy and invited them to deliver lectures at the Academy.
On October 16th, Dean Dong Qiang visited Ambassador Yang Jin, Permanent Delegate of China to UNESCO, to discuss opportunities for international cooperation.
Internationalization of higher education requires open cooperation. In an era of challenges and changes, universities need to take international perspectives to foster scholars and enhance their global presence. Peking University launched its “Year of Strategic Development” programs this year, underscoring this commitment. Dean Dong’s visit to Europe played a substantive role in promoting YCA’s international outreach, fostering academic exchanges between top-notch universities and strengthening YCA’s global presence. The Yenching Academy’s China Studies program thus boosts mutual learning and exchanges of diverse cultures.
