ZJU Vice Chairman ZHU Hui Explores Global Education Frontiers in Japan and U.S.

From December 3 to 8, ZHU Hui, vice chairman of the Zhejiang University Council, led a delegation to visit Osaka University, Columbia University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The primary purpose of the tour was to investigate innovative practices in talent cultivation and student affairs. The delegation also visited the Education Section of the Chinese Embassy in Japan to discuss how to promote Sino-Japanese educational exchanges.

On December 3, the delegation convened at the Education Office of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, engaging in in-depth discussions with DU Kewei, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Japan. Topics ranged from talent cultivation for international organizations to the education of international students and Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges.

On December 6, the delegation was warmly received at Osaka University by Executive Vice President Tanaka Manabu and Executive Vice President Beverley-Anne Yamamoto. Tanaka Manabu introduced the achievements of Osaka University under the support of the Japanese Ministry of Education’s “Top Global University Project.” ZHU Hui shared the innovative measures and achievements of Zhejiang University in talent cultivation in recent years. Both sides expressed a keen interest in deepening cooperation and exchanges, building upon the existing inter-university framework agreement.

During the tour, the delegation also visited Waseda University and Kyoto University, holding discussions on topics such as student affairs, career guidance, psychological counseling, on-campus cultural activities, safety education, and higher education management.

On December 7, the delegation held productive discussions with key representatives from Columbia University, including Vice Provost Justin Pearlman, Richard Eichler, associate vice president for Counseling and Psychological Services, Joseph Greenwell, senior vice president for Student Affairs in University Life, and Jenny Mak, senior associate dean of Engineering Student Affairs. Their discussions focused on university life, the student affairs network, counseling and psychological services, employment, and campus management. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation through mutual visits and scientific research cooperation based on joint student programs.

On December 8, the delegation visited the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Their meeting with Robert Desimone, director of the McGovern Institute, and Feng Guoping, the Poitras Professor of Neuroscience, centered on discussions regarding postgraduate programs.

During their visit to Japan and the United States, the delegation actively engaged with the Zhejiang University Alumni Association in Japan and the Boston Zhejiang University Alumni Association, exploring potential avenues for collaboration and fostering connections within the global Zhejiang University community.