JUFE’s Leaders Visit Universities in Japan and South Korea

From June 11 to 16, a delegation led by Xie Hualin, Vice President of JUFE, conducted a six-day visit to several prestigious universities in Japan and South Korea. The visit aimed to deepen exchanges with partner institutions, expand educational collaboration, promote overseas talent recruitment, and meet with alumni, faculty, and students studying abroad. The delegation included representatives from the Student Affairs Office, the School of Art, and the School of Statistics and Data Science.

During their stay in Japan, the delegation held meetings with leaders and representatives from Sophia University, Ritsumeikan University, and Osaka University of Economics.

Sophia University, founded in 1913, is one of Japan's most renowned private universities. It ranks 189th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, with its Faculty of Liberal Arts and Graduate School of Environmental Studies enjoying global acclaim. On June 11, the delegation met with President Miki Sugimura and Professor Huang Guangwei, Dean of the School of Environmental Studies. Vice President Xie introduced JUFE's history and disciplinary strengths, emphasizing the growing educational exchanges between China and Japan. He expressed hope for closer collaboration in faculty and student exchanges, as well as joint research. President Sugimura welcomed the delegation and commended JUFE's achievements, proposing to open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. The two sides discussed joint talent cultivation and faculty exchanges in depth. Later, the delegation attended the 20th anniversary celebration of Sophia University's School of Environmental Studies, where Vice President Xie delivered a speech titled "Working Together for a Green Future." He praised the universities' accomplishments and proposed initiatives for collaboration in environmental economics and sustainable development.

Ritsumeikan University, a top-tier institution in Japan's Kansai region, is known for its excellence in industrial economics. On June 12, the delegation met with Professors Cao Ruilin and Qin Jie, appreciating them for their long-standing support, particularly in facilitating joint doctoral programs. The following day, Vice President Xie held talks with Vice President Sachio Nakato, Associate Dean Kazuko Takaya, and representatives from the International Office. Both sides reviewed their collaborative history and explored dual-degree programs and joint academic conferences. Vice President Xie highlighted the potential for deeper cooperation, which Vice President Nakato endorsed, pledging to expedite project implementation. The delegation also met with alumni Jin Zhiwei and Liang Xingang, encouraging them to contribute to China after completing their studies.

Osaka University of Economics, a leading institution for business education in Kansai, specializes in small and medium-sized enterprise research. On June 13, the delegation signed a memorandum of understanding with President Yamamoto Shunichiro, Dean Mori Utae, and International Committee Chair Lin Ijung. The agreement focuses on enhancing exchanges and research collaboration in economics and management, as well as jointly applying for international research projects. President Yamamoto later guided the delegation on a campus tour, showcasing teaching facilities, research platforms, and unique cultural features.

In South Korea, the delegation visited Woosong University, Hanyang University, and Kyung Hee University, focusing on joint talent cultivation, overseas recruitment, and international research collaboration.

Woosong University ranks among the top 350 in the QS Asia University Rankings, with its Solbridge International Business School being a model for English-taught programs. On June 14, the delegation met with Liu Nian, head of China affairs, and colleagues to discuss student exchanges, joint research centers, and international projects. Both sides agreed to establish an international research center and promote short-term exchange programs. The delegation also hosted seminars on talent recruitment and study opportunities at JUFE, highlighting the university's strengths in digital economy, fintech, data science, and art design. They invited Korean students interested in Chinese culture to participate in JUFE's international summer camp.

Hanyang University, ranked 157th in the 2025 QS rankings, welcomed the delegation on June 16. Vice President Xie met with Vice President Hansung Kim and International Relations Director Jaehoon Jung to sign an inter-university agreement. They discussed "3+1" and "2+2" dual-degree programs, faculty exchanges, and collaboration in emerging fields like fintech and data science. The delegation also toured the university's history museum, teaching labs, and innovation center to gain insights into its achievements in industry-academia collaboration.

Kyung Hee University, ranked 264th globally, is known for its interdisciplinary programs in art design and business. On June 16, the delegation visited its iconic Central Library and Peace Hall, experiencing the university's unique culture. Later, they met with President Jong-Bok Kim and Dean Young-Jun Choi to discuss joint laboratories and international conferences. The delegation also met with exchange student Tang Qingying from JUFE, encouraging her to make the most of her study abroad experience.

This successful visit strengthened JUFE's ties with leading universities in Japan and South Korea. Moving forward, JUFE will continue to optimize its global collaboration strategy, fostering high-quality international exchanges to cultivate talents with a global perspective.