Pakistan and China are set to deepen their higher education partnership as Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, visited Fudan University in Shanghai to explore new opportunities for academic collaboration, research, and innovation.
During the visit, Dr Akhtar held high-level meetings with Fudan University Chairperson Qiu Xin, Vice President Chen Zhimin, and members of the university’s leadership to discuss expanding institutional cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese universities.
The discussions focused on enhancing faculty and student mobility, promoting joint degree programmes, strengthening collaborative research, and creating new opportunities for leadership development and capacity building for universities and academic administrators. Both sides also emphasized cooperation in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, semiconductor research, public policy, and future-oriented education.
Dr Akhtar received detailed briefings on Fudan University’s internationalization strategy, global academic partnerships, international student programmes, and its research and innovation ecosystem. The visit also included tours of the College of Integrated Circuits and Micro-Nano Electronics, the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, and the College of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, where he reviewed the university’s cutting-edge research facilities and academic achievements.
The visit reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to expanding strategic international partnerships that promote academic excellence, research, innovation, and knowledge exchange. It also aims to create greater opportunities for Pakistani universities, researchers, and students while further strengthening the longstanding educational relationship between Pakistan and China.
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The engagement is expected to pave the way for broader collaboration in advanced technologies and higher education, reinforcing Pakistan’s efforts to internationalize its universities and equip students with skills needed for the future.
