Recently, President Han Fang of Shanghai Zhongqiao Polytechnic University led a delegation to Germany and Finland for a business visit, accompanied by university leaders Zhu Fanxin and Yan Hui. The delegation visited universities and enterprises to exchange views on vocational education cooperation, dual education, industry-education integration, joint programs, and international student development.
During the visit, the delegation strengthened connections with European partners and explored new opportunities to enhance international cooperation and talent cultivation.
Germany Visit: Exploring New Paths for Vocational Education Cooperation
Expanding Cooperation with MDH
The delegation visited Media Design Hochschule (MDH) in Berlin and was welcomed by Professor Christian Malterer, Vice President and Dean of the School of Artificial Intelligence, along with representatives from the university.
The delegation toured teaching facilities and digital media training environments, learning about MDH’s approaches to talent development in digital media technology and artificial intelligence. Both sides reviewed the progress of their joint master’s program and discussed future cooperation, including expanding collaboration into emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and promoting student exchanges between the two universities.
Learning from DHBW’s Dual Education Model
The delegation visited Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), a leading institution in Germany’s dual education system. Through visits to its campuses and discussions with Professor Johannes Kern, Vice President and Dean of the School of Business, and Philipp Schliesser, Director of the International Office, the delegation gained insights into DHBW’s integration of academic education, enterprise practice, and industry needs.
The two sides exchanged views on dual education, faculty development, and university-industry cooperation, and discussed future collaboration in areas including faculty exchanges and student enterprise internships.
Exploring Industry-Education Integration with Enterprises
The delegation visited the headquarters of Vitra and Endress+Hauser to learn about international practices in enterprise participation in vocational education.
Through visits to corporate training facilities and discussions with company representatives, the delegation explored cooperation opportunities in industry-education integration, joint talent cultivation, and enterprise-supported practical training. The companies were invited to visit Shanghai Zhongqiao Polytechnic University for further exchanges.
After the Germany visit, the delegation continued to Finland to advance the development of Zhongqiao Helsinki Future Engineering Institute and explore cooperation in joint programs, faculty and student exchanges, and international student recruitment.
Finland Visit: Advancing Cooperation with Metropolia
In Finland, the delegation visited Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, a partner institution of Zhongqiao Helsinki School of Future Engineering. Representatives including Vice President Simo Mustila, International Project Coordinator Juho Makkonen, and Director of Continuing Education and Enterprise Services Marja Remes participated in the exchange.
The delegation visited teaching facilities and innovation laboratories, gaining insights into Finland’s experience in applied education and practice-oriented teaching. Both sides discussed the future development of Zhongqiao Helsinki Future Engineering Institute and reached consensus on strengthening cooperation in teaching quality improvement, faculty collaboration, industry-education integration, and student exchanges.
This European visit further expanded Shanghai Zhongqiao Polytechnic University’s international cooperation network. Moving forward, the university will continue to deepen collaboration with overseas universities and enterprises, integrate international experience into vocational undergraduate education, and promote high-quality development in talent cultivation and industry-education integration.
