UWTSD Celebrates Longstanding Partnership with Beijing Union University During Swansea Visit
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) was delighted to welcome a delegation from Beijing Union University (BUU) to its SA1 Waterfront campus in Swansea, marking a significant milestone in a partnership that has fostered cultural and educational exchange for nearly two decades.
The visit coincided with celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the global Confucius Institute initiative and highlighted the enduring collaboration between UWTSD and BUU, whose partnership has underpinned the University’s Confucius Institute since 2007.
The UWTSD Confucius Institute was the first to be established in Wales and among the earliest in the UK. Now based in Swansea, it plays a key role in promoting cultural exchange between Wales and China, supporting language learning, educational opportunities, research collaboration, and business engagement.
To celebrate the occasion, representatives from both universities signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cultural and educational links for the future.
The renewed agreement will continue to support a wide range of activities, including Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Spring Festival and Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. It will also maintain support for five Confucius Institute Classrooms across West Wales and sustain the successful student exchange programmes that see BUU students spend several weeks studying at UWTSD’s Swansea and Carmarthen campuses, while UWTSD students experience cultural and academic life in Beijing.
Dr Jeremy Smith, Dean of the Institute of Education and Humanities at UWTSD, said: “The visit of colleagues from Beijing Union University provides an excellent opportunity to renew the longstanding partnership between our institutions and to build on the strong foundations we have established together over many years.
“This renewed commitment will give fresh impetus to our shared cultural and educational ambitions, supporting opportunities for students, staff and communities in both Wales and China.”
The visit reflects the continued importance of international partnerships in enriching the student experience and strengthening global understanding through education and cultural exchange.
Pic caption: The Memorandum of Understanding is signed by Peter Mannion, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Professor WU Hui, Secretary of the Party Committee at Beijing Union University.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071