USJ and Tsinghua Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) Sign Memorandum of Understanding
USJ and Tsinghua Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) Sign Memorandum of Understanding
20
Apr
20/04/2026
USJ and Tsinghua Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Jointly Promote International Education and Research Development.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), the University welcomed a delegation led by Professor Zuo Jian’e, Vice-Dean of Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS). The two parties officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 25, marking the beginning of a new chapter in academic exchange and research collaboration between the two institutions.
The signing ceremony took place at USJ, with Professor Alexandre Lobo, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation of USJ, and Vice-Dean Zuo Jian’e representing their respective institutions. Also in attendance were Professor Dai Jianbiao, Associate Dean of the Institute for Data Engineering and Science at USJ; Professor Cai Zhiming, Head of the Institutional Development Office; Mr. Emil Marques, Head of Executive Training and Lifelong Learning Office and Head of Innovation of Macau Spin Incubator; Mr. Ben Lei, Head of the Domestic Student Recruitment Office; as well as Prof. Wang Yong, Vice Director of Institute for Ocean Engineering; Ms. Shu Li, Vice Dean of the Institute of Ocean Engineering at SIGS and International Cooperation and Exchange Officer of the Global Affairs Office; Ms. He Yuntao, Administrative Specialist of the Institute of Ocean Engineering; and over twenty student representatives.
In his speech, Vice-Rector Alexandre Lobo warmly welcomed the delegation from Tsinghua SIGS. He stated: “This year marks the 30th anniversary of the University of Saint Joseph, making the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding particularly significant. As an university rooted in Macao with an international outlook, USJ holds unique advantages in connecting academic resources from Europe, the Americas, and Portuguese-speaking countries. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Tsinghua SIGS in fields such as environmental science and marine science, jointly promoting innovation and sustainable development.”
Vice Dean Zuo Jian’e introduced the scale and international development strategy of Tsinghua SIGS. He emphasized that the institute places great importance on international exchanges among faculty and students and hopes to leverage the geographical advantages of Shenzhen and Macao to engage in diverse forms of cooperation with USJ, thereby expanding its international education landscape.
According to the MoU, both parties will promote faculty and student exchanges, academic collaboration, research cooperation, joint curriculum development, and collaborative project applications, with particular emphasis on strengthening innovative research and talent cultivation in the fields of environment and ecology.
During the subsequent exchange session, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on international project development and industry-university-research cooperation, sharing their respective strengths and practical experiences across various professional fields. Both parties agreed that deeper collaboration should be pursued to attract more students from different countries and regions, thereby advancing the globalization of educational resources and research activities.
The delegation also participated in the first “Biology and the Greater Bay Area Forum” organized by the USJ Institute of Science and Environment, which covered topics such as ecological behavior, urban water management, and nature-based solutions. Professor Alexandre Lebel, Chair of the Teaching Committee of the USJ Institute of Science and Environment, and Professor Karen Tagulao, Programme Coordinator, attended the forum. Following the forum, the delegation visited the university’s relevant laboratories and research facilities, gaining further insight into USJ’s research capabilities in the field of environmental science.
This collaboration strengthens the ties between the USJ and a leading mainland Chinese institution of higher education, laying a solid foundation for future cross-regional and cross-cultural academic cooperation.
