A delegation, led by Cyprus University of Technology Rector Professor Panayiotis Zaphiris, visited Hangzhou Dianzi University (HDU), Zhejiang University (ZJU) and China Jiliang University (CJLU) in China, engaging in productive discussions to explore opportunities for academic collaboration, student exchange programs and joint research initiatives. The visit reflects CUT’s strategy to expand the University’s collaborations with academic institutions in Asia, offer foreign language study programs and foster intercultural understanding among its academic staff and students.

Highlights of the visit included:

Memoranda of Understanding:

Agreements were signed to strengthen ties with three universities. Specifically, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the School of Agriculture and Biotechnology of Zhejiang University and the School of Geotechnical Sciences and Environmental Management of CUT. Zhejiang University is ranked #46 in the world based on the Times Higher Education Rankings and this particular school is ranked in the top 20 in this field in the world.

CUT also renewed its ties with Hangzhou Dianzi University with which it offers a joint master's program in the field of Electronic Engineering with enormous interest from Chinese students. In Hangzhou Dianzi University, the Memorandum of Understanding was renewed and meetings were held with departments exploring the prospects for new collaborations, new study and research programs, student mobility and exchange of good practices. With this particular university, CUT has established the Confucius Institute which aims at promoting the Chinese language and culture and fostering intercultural awareness. Dr. Anna Nicolaou, Director of the Confucius Institute of the Cyprus Technical University and member of the delegation to China, held meetings with students of Hangzhou Dianzi University who have expressed interest in visiting Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology in February 2025 to participate in a winter school.

Finally, a Memorandum of Understanding was renewed with China Jiliang University, a university with a long history in the field of metrology. A tour of the impressive campus and the university's amazing metrology museum was held.

World Chinese Language Conference:

In addition to the visits, the delegation participated in the World Chinese Language Conference held in Beijing on November 15-17. The conference, themed “Interconnection, Integration, Inheritance, Innovation” brought together over 2,000 delegates from more than 160 countries. The conference highlighted the pivotal role and achievements of Confucius Institutes, which this year celebrate their 20th anniversary of operation in many universities around the world.

The visit marks an important milestone in CUT’s efforts to promote global connections and enhance the learning experience for its students. The university plans to build on this momentum by hosting reciprocal visits and collaborative events in the coming months.