In mid-April, YANG Shilei, Dean of the SWUFE-UD Institute of Data Science at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), led a delegation to France, Italy and Malta to engage in in-depth exchanges and cooperation with the local universities.
In Toulouse, France, the delegation visited TBS Education and had discussions with the Dean & General Director of TBS Education, Stéphanie LAVIGNE, the Director of International Relations & Accreditations, Florence RAMILLON, as well as relevant managers and directors of the Research Department, International Projects and Mobility Offices, Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analysis, and Master of Science in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence at TBS Education. At the meeting, Dean YANG Shilei introduced the historical evolution of SWUFE, mentioning the vigorous development of the SWUFE-UD Institute under the "New Finance and Economics" strategy of SWUFE, as well as the achievements in international talent cultivation. He pointed out that TBS Education and SWUFE adhere to the concept of deep integration of international education and localization, and the early cooperation has laid a good foundation. In the future, we look forward to continuing to cooperate in advantageous majors and industry connections to promote further integrated development of international education.
Dean Stéphanie LAVIGNE warmly welcomed the delegation's arrival and introduced TBS Education's rich experience in the field of international education. Its campuses in Toulouse, Barcelona, Paris and other cities across Europe can provide multilingual and flexible undergraduate and graduate education for students from all over the world. She emphasized the importance of establishing the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics at TBS Education, as well as the innovative application of apprenticeship programs in undergraduate education. Both parties look forward to using this symposium as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in joint project courses, student competitions, as well as teacher and student exchanges.
In Palermo, Italy, the delegation visited University of Palermo (UNIPA) and had conversations with UNIPA's senior management, including Rector Massimo MIDIRI, Pro-rector Fabio MAZZOLA, Delegate of the Rector (area: Internationalization), Chairman of the Economics, Business and Statistics Department, and Head of the International Relations and Cooperation Department. At the meeting, Dean YANG Shilei emphasized the development process, disciplinary focus, and academic advantages of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, mentioned the University's desire to promote cultural and academic exchanges with European countries, and analyzed the international opportunities and achievements of the SWUFE-UD Institute of Data Science. Both sides reviewed the cooperation process and expressed their willingness to strengthen academic ties, especially in the fields of Economics, Statistics, Data Science, and Financial Science. They hope to jointly promote the improvement of international influence and competitiveness through collaborative innovation measures such as student exchanges and course cooperation.
Rector Massimo MIDIRI and Pro-rector Fabio MAZZOLA warmly welcomed the delegation and shared their international cooperation experience, especially the friendly exchanges between UNIPA and Chinese universities, as well as efforts to promote educational diversity through projects such as Erasmus+. They look forward to strengthening international visiting cooperation between teachers and students of the two Universities, and enhancing the internationalization level of education. During the meeting, both parties had in-depth discussions on topics such as the selection and funding mechanism for exchange students, dual degree programs, and cooperation with the Italian University Alliance, and reached a broad intention to cooperate.
In Paula, Malta, the delegation had a discussion with Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST), and was warmly welcomed by the College's Deputy Principal Mario CARDONA, Director of the Institute of Business Management and Commerce, and Manager of International Business Development. Dean YANG Shilei emphasized the advantages of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in the field of financial education, as well as the achievements of the SWUFE-UD Institute of Data Science in cultivating local international talents in the past five years, highlighting the importance of global partnerships and students' enthusiasm for international learning. Both sides agree that Chengdu is a cultural and educational hub in southwestern China, and Malta, as the gateway to the European Union and with English as the official language, has a strong appeal to students from both sides.
Deputy Principal Mario CARDONA introduced the development of MCAST in the fields of Business, Information Technology, and Financial Services, as well as its advantages in cooperation with industries. Malta, as a participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, and the two universities take this opportunity to reaffirm their adherence to the Belt and Road Initiative and express their willingness to carry out joint projects and hold summer schools in multidisciplinary fields, creating more flexible learning and exchange pathways for students.
In addition, the delegation also had a meeting with Tess GIORDMAINA, Director of Ascencia Business School Malta, and the Master's Program Manager in Blockchain & Fintech. Both sides agree that technological research and educational innovation are key to China Europe cooperation, especially in fields such as Computational Science, Fintech, and Blockchain. They are optimistic about the prospects of China Europe education exchange and cooperation, and have discussed cooperation directions such as short-term training and student exchange programs.
The delegation also conducted visits and surveys to educational institutions including London School of Commerce Malta and Malta University Language School.
The delegation from SWUFE-UD Institute of Data Science at SWUFE's visit to Europe is an important action in response to Southwestern University of Finance and Economics' internationalization strategy. On the occasion of the centenary of SWUFE, the Institute actively builds a bridge for China Europe cooperation, expands cooperation in key fields such as Business and Data Science, and jointly builds a new blueprint for international education. The visit not only strengthened the academic exchange and open cooperation between the University and the European Union, but also injected new vitality into the development of education between China and Europe under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and made positive contributions to the University's global influence.
Editor: ZHAO Xiaoyu
Proofreading: WANG Binyu
