On September 19, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) welcomed a delegation from the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), marking a significant step toward deepened international cooperation and academic partnerships. The meeting was led by SUSTech President Qikun Xue and Vice President Li Jin, along with faculty representatives.

President Xue warmly welcomed the APRU delegation and emphasized APRU’s essential role in uniting leading universities to tackle global challenges and cultivate future leaders through joint research, education, and innovation. As a dynamic and forward-looking institution, SUSTech is committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary approaches, and global engagement. He noted that SUSTech’s APRU membership will open valuable opportunities for students and faculty to broaden their international perspectives. President Xue reaffirmed the university’s active commitment to APRU’s initiatives and expressed enthusiasm about hosting next year’s Undergraduate Leaders’ Program.

Professor Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU, acknowledged the university’s remarkable growth over the past decade. He and the APRU team provided a comprehensive overview of the consortium’s mission, structure, and key initiatives. With 63 leading research universities as members, APRU aims to foster collaboration across the Pacific Rim in areas such as global health, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the future of higher education. They encouraged SUSTech to not only participate but also take a leading role in various projects and research groups.

During the discussion session, Vice President Li Jin proposed the establishment of a Shenzhen-based innovation and entrepreneurship program. Leveraging SUSTech’s strategic location and Shenzhen’s status as a global innovation hub, the initiative would provide short-term study and practical opportunities for students from APRU member universities. It aims to connect international talent with local industries, offering hands-on experience while facilitating potential employment pathways. APRU representatives responded with strong support for the proposal, suggesting that SUSTech could use its upcoming summer program as a pilot initiative to further develop it into a flagship program. Both parties reached a preliminary consensus on the feasibility, funding structure, and next steps for the initiative.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing academic excellence and innovation through collaborative programs, further solidifying SUSTech’s role in the global academic community.