XJTLU signs MoU with Kindervarsity Hub to strengthen collaboration between basic and higher education
25 Oct 2024
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kindervarsity Hub, an innovative education initiative under Chow Tai Fook Education Group. This partnership aims to enhance academic exchange and collaboration between basic education and higher education, while advancing educational research and development within both XJTLU’s Academy of Future Education and Kindervarsity Hub. Moving forward, the two parties will jointly establish an education base under the XJTLU Academy of Future Education and engage in in-depth, multi-dimensional collaboration in areas such as talent development, graduate employment, academic research, and teaching exchange.
Dr Xiaojun Zhang, Chief Officer for Education of XJTLU (Left) and Ms Jennifer Yu Cheng, President and Vice Chairperson of Chow Tai Fook Education Group (Right)
The collaboration is led by the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Education (RC4AIED) at XJTLU’s Academy of Future Education. Established in December 2023, the Centre is directed by Dr Xiaojun Zhang and co-directed by Dr Na Li. To date, the Centre has launched 21 research projects and comprises over 150 members from more than ten countries, including China, the UK, and the US. Its members include university leaders, professors, researchers, teachers, students, administrators, business executives, and experts from both industry and government sectors. Their academic backgrounds span more than 20 disciplines, including digital education, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, education, management, psychology, and computer science.
During the signing ceremony, Dr Xiaojun Zhang introduced the university and the Academy’s vision and characteristics. He emphasized that the collaboration with Kindervarsity Hub would bridge the resource gap between basic and higher education, amplify the strengths of both institutions, and unlock new opportunities for talent exchange and teacher development. He expressed high hopes for the cooperation ahead.
Ms Jennifer Yu Cheng, President and Vice Chairperson of Chow Tai Fook Education Group, stated that XJTLU serves as a model for internationalized higher education. Its commitment to cultivating innovative and globally minded educators aligns closely with Kindervarsity Hub’s mission. She added that Kindervarsity Hub’s pioneering “university model” provides vast opportunities for future collaboration in areas such as educational innovation and teacher training.
Ms Xianhui Ma, Chief Strategy Officer at Chow Tai Fook Education Group and Vice President of Kindervarsity Hub, noted that XJTLU’s successful practices in internationalized and K-12 education have been highly inspiring. “We look forward to working together to empower innovative education and teacher development in China, and to make a greater impact in the education sector,” she said.
During the roundtable discussion, Dr Xiaojun Zhang also shared the Academy’s insights and experiences on the topic of “Innovative Learning Approaches.”
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Xiaojun Zhang, Chief Officer of Education of XJTLU and Executive Dean of the Academy of Future Education; Dr Wen Wang, Associate Dean of the Academy of Future Education; Ms Jennifer Yu Cheng, President and Vice Chairperson of Chow Tai Fook Education Group; Ms Xianhui Ma, Chief Strategy Officer and Vice President of Kindervarsity Hub; Mr Guofeng Zhuang, Managing Director of the Administrative Office; and Ms Yunfan Cai, General Manager of External Affairs.
Contributed by: Chow Tai Fook Education Group
Edited by: Xiaoyan Jin
Translated by Sichen Fan
25 Oct 2024