Shandong University and the National University of Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation and an agreement for a joint education program on Sept 4 via online channels.

According to the agreement, the two universities will carry out cooperation in various fields, including scientific research, teaching, and staff training.

Shandong University and the National University of Singapore sign a memorandum of understanding and a joint education program agreement on Sept 4. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]

The two sides will work together to train undergraduates and postgraduates majoring in biomedical engineering, materials science and engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering, civil engineering, and more.

Fan Liming, president of Shandong University, pointed out in her speech that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to the development of higher education across the globe, especially international cooperation and exchange among universities.

She said that the joint education program further strengthens cooperation between the two universities and that the two sides will work together to cultivate international talent with global competitiveness.

She expressed hope that the two universities would take this as an opportunity to strengthen ties in education and scientific research and contribute to the development of China-Singapore relations during the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Freddy Boey, deputy president of the National University of Singapore, said that the epidemic poses a global challenge but also presents new opportunities for international cooperation among universities, especially in the field of biomedicine.

He said he hopes to strengthen cooperation with Shandong University in a wider range of fields and contribute to cooperation between China and Singapore.

Since the establishment of cooperative relations in 2005, Shandong University and the National University of Singapore have carried out many exchanges of students and scholars, cooperated in scientific research, and more.

In recent years, the two universities have been promoting cooperation in materials science, economics, computer science, biomedical engineering, and more.