On September 21, 2023, NJU launched the International Vision and Competence Enhancement Program for Management Staff. The inaugural event of this program featured a lecture by Professor Yu Hai-Sui, the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds (UoL). Professor Yu Hai-Sui shared his experience and insights on the implementation of the international strategy at UoL. Vice President Wang Zhenlin of NJU hosted the lecture. More than 60 participants from 39 different faculties and departments attended this event.

In his opening remarks, Wang Zhenlin introduced the background, plans and goals of the program. He warmly welcomed and expressed gratitude to Professor Yu for his support and contributions to NJU.

Yu Hai-Sui, during his presentation, emphasized the critical role of the International Strategy within the ten-year development plan of UoL. He highlighted that through systematic, scientific, and comprehensive planning and design, UoL had made significant progress in achieving well-rounded, multi-level, and all-encompassing global development, resulting in a rapid enhancement of its overall strength in recent years.

Professor Yu went on to introduce the key components of the University’s International Strategy, including the establishment of special funding, the formation of strategic partnerships, and the creation of a sustainable global network of relations. He placed particular emphasis on the importance of evaluating performance using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in areas such as developing a global mindset, building alumni networks, forging global partnerships, and enhancing the university’s international reputation. 

Moreover, Yu Hai-Sui shared insights into the University’s innovative management structure to promote internationalization and the process of implementing the International Strategy.

During the Q&A session, participants actively engaged with Professor Yu. The questions raised covered a wide range of topics, including how to integrate internationalization into the university’s overall development plan, how to enhance the engagement of both students and faculty in the internationalization effort, how to achieve effective interactions between universities and governments, how to attract international students, and how to establish sustainable and friendly cooperative relationships between universities around the world. Professor Yu suggested that elements, such as increased personnel exchange, building mutual trust, adopting open and transparent collaboration, and focusing on academic and societal impact, are of great significance for the internationalization of higher education institutions.

After the lecture, Wang Zhenlin and Yu Hai-Sui, on behalf of their respective university, signed the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and the Student Exchange Agreement. They both agreed to promote the collaboration between the two universities.

The International Vision and Competence Enhancement Program for Management Staff is jointly organized by NJU and UoL. The program is designed to be implemented in three phases, with the successful hosting of this lecture marking its official commencement. In the second phase, a working seminar will be held at NJU. Representatives from various departments of UoL will visit NJU and share their ideas and experiences. The third phase will involve organizing a one-week on-site learning visit to UoL for some of NJU staff.

Source: Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges

Editor: Guo Ankang