2024 World Chinese Language Conference Beijing
7 January 2025
The Visit of Newcastle University's PVC and Board Chair of NUCI to China Accompanied by Chinese NUCI Director
November 14–19, Beijing Time
Professor Yuxiao Su, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University (NUCI) accompanied Professor Chris Whitehead, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global of Newcastle University and Board Chair of NUC to visit China. They participated in the 2024 World Chinese Language Conference, convened the Newcastle University Confucius Institute's annual board meeting, and visited multiple institutions at Xiamen University.
Participation in the 2024 World Chinese Language Conference
On the afternoon of November 15, Professors Whitehead and Su attended the grand opening ceremony of the 2024 World Chinese Language Conference at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. That evening, Professor Whitehead attended the Ministry of Education's welcome banquet as a distinguished guest of the conference. Following this, he attended Xiamen University's welcome banquet hosted by Vice-President Professor Dalin Shi for leaders and guests from its global network of Confucius Institutes. The event was filled with lively interactions and an atmosphere of harmony, friendship and mutual goodwill.
The NUCI Board Meeting
The 2024 Newcastle University Confucius Institute Board Meeting took place on November 16 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Beijing International Conference Center Hotel. The meeting was attended by Professor Dalin Shi, Vice-President of Xiamen University, and Professor Chris Whitehead, PVC of Newcastle University, who both delivered speeches. Other participants included Lisa Yu, Executive Director of Xiamen University's International Office, leaders and colleagues from Xiamen University’s International Chinese Education College, as well as Professor Yuxiao Su, the Chinese Director of NUCI. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Lisa Yu.
Professor Shi warmly welcomed Professor Whitehead and expressed his honor in joining him on the board. He looked forward to deepening collaborations between the Confucius Institute projects and other areas. Professor Whitehead, in turn, thanked Xiamen University for its hospitality. He emphasized the vital role of the Confucius Institute in benefiting Newcastle University and the wider community. As the new PVC for the Global and Board Chair of the NUCI, he expressed enthusiasm for engaging more deeply with the Institute’s work, which he hoped would contribute to global public good through knowledge and research, and cultivating globally responsible talents.
During the meeting, Professor Yuxiao Su presented the NUCI's annual report and financial report. Over the past year, the Institute expanded its teaching sites, promoted Chinese language instruction and cultural activities, served the local community through initiatives such as teaching Chinese in special-education schools, and fostered Sino-British cultural exchange. Professor Whitehead praised the Institute’s contributions to Newcastle University, the local community, and Chinese language education in Northeast England.
The meeting concluded with discussions on enhancing collaborations between the two universities, including increasing student exchanges and leveraging the Confucius Institute as a platform for internationalization. Both sides reaffirmed the value of their longstanding partnership and explored strategies for deeper cooperation.
Visit to Xiamen University
This trip aimed to strengthen ties between the two universities and discuss future international collaborations.
November 18–19, Professor Whitehead took the opportunity to visit Xiamen University, engaging in focused and productive discussions with representatives from the College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, the College of History and Cultural Heritage, the College of Film, the School of Journalism and Communication, the School of Medicine, the School of Life Sciences, and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University. Both parties expressed great interest in future collaborations on joint student training and academic exchanges.
A Fruitful Journey
The 10-day trip to China by Professor Chris Whitehead and Professor Yuxiao Su was highly successful. Professor Whitehead praised the warm hospitality of Xiamen University and the city of Xiamen, as well as the efficient and enjoyable arrangements. This visit has laid a solid foundation for the further development of the NUCI and strengthened ties between Newcastle and Xiamen Universities.