On 8 April, Professor John Skatun, Dean and Head of Business School at the University of Aberdeen, and Dr Xiaoqing Chen, Director of Internationalisation at the Business School, visited the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST). Cai Yonglian, Vice President of USST, met with the delegation, accompanied by senior representatives from the International Affairs Office, the Sino-British College (SBC), the Business School, and the School of Energy and Power Engineering.
Meeting in progress
Vice President Cai Yonglian extended a warm welcome to Professor Skatun and his delegation. She provided an overview of USST's history, disciplinary strengths, and distinctive approach to internationalisation. Noting that the University of Aberdeen, as a leading UK research university, has a long-established and globally recognised Business School, she highlighted the strong alignment between the two institutions' priority areas. She expressed hope that the visit would serve as a springboard for deeper collaboration in joint research, staff and student exchanges, and transnational education, thereby contributing to the advancement of Sino-British higher education partnerships.
Professor Skatun thanked USST for its warm hospitality and outlined the academic profile, disciplinary strengths, and international achievements of both the University of Aberdeen and its Business School. He noted the University of Aberdeen's long history of educational engagement with China and expressed strong recognition of USST's capabilities and international accomplishments. He believes there is significant potential for collaboration and looks forward to expanding cooperation in order to share high-quality educational resources and achieve mutual benefit.
Group photo at USST
In the afternoon, Professor Skatun and his delegation visited the Sino-British College of USST. They were received by Vice President Cai Yonglian, who also serves as Dean of SBC; Li Yan, Party Secretary of SBC; Professor Laura Bishop, Executive Dean of SBC; Zhang Zheng, Vice Dean of SBC; Cai Hui, Associate Dean and Deputy Party Secretary of SBC; and representatives from SBC relevant departments.
Professor Laura Bishop provided a detailed overview of SBC's distinctive one-to-N consortium model, as well as the College's achievements in international accreditation, student development, scientific research, and innovation and entrepreneurship education. She noted the shared educational philosophy and strategic alignment between SBC and the University of Aberdeen, expressing hope that the visit would lead to deeper collaboration in areas such as joint delivery of high-level programmes, disciplinary co-development, collaborative research, and two-way staff and student exchanges, thereby creating a mutually enriching partnership built on complementary strengths.
Professor Skatun spoke highly of SBC's achievements in internationalisation. He presented the disciplinary features, interdisciplinary initiatives, and industry-academic partnership experience of the University of Aberdeen Business School. He expressed a strong interest in integrating complementary strengths with SBC, and further deepening practical cooperation to advance Sino-British higher education partnerships.
During the meeting, both sides engaged in detailed discussions on specific areas including collaborative education, research collaboration, staff and students exchange and more, reaching a number of shared agreements on future cooperation. Following the meeting, the delegation toured the History Pavilion of Fuxing Campus and the campus grounds, gaining a deeper understanding of USST's heritage and campus culture.
Group photo at SBC-USST
