USJ Macao and Central China Normal University Sign Memorandum of Understanding
USJ Macao and Central China Normal University Sign Memorandum of Understanding
24
Mar
24/03/2025
This visit marks a significant step in their partnership in higher education and lays a solid foundation for future academic exchanges and cooperation.
On the 13th of March, 2025, Rev’d Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), led a delegation to visit Central China Normal University (CCNU), where the two institutions signed a cooperation and exchange agreement and held in-depth discussions on future collaboration. This visit marks a significant step in their partnership in higher education and lays a solid foundation for future academic exchanges and cooperation.
In-Depth Discussions on Cooperation Prospects
Professor Peng Shuangjie, President of CCNU, warmly welcomed Rector Morgan and his delegation. He provided a detailed overview of CCNU’s history, current status, and future development plans. President Peng emphasized that openness is a key driver of educational progress and that the university places great importance on collaborating with higher education institutions in Macao. He acknowledged Macao’s strategic role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and reflected on CCNU’s past collaborations with universities and institutions in Macao. He expressed his hopes that this visit would further strengthen practical cooperation in talent cultivation and joint research, contributing to Macao’s development as a “Center, Platform, and Base” under national policy.
Rector Morgan expressed his gratitude for CCNU’s warm reception and introduced the development of higher education in Macao and the unique characteristics of USJ. He highlighted the university’s strong international ties, particularly with Portuguese-speaking countries and European universities. He stated that this cooperation would create synergy in student exchanges, faculty visits, and joint research initiatives, further supporting the development of the Greater Bay Area. He also proposed exploring collaboration in pre-service teacher training and internship programs to enhance student exchanges and professional development, ultimately fostering outstanding talents for the region and the nation.
Signing of the MOU and Exploration of Key Areas
During their discussions, Rector Morgan and President Peng signed a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) and held in-depth discussions on collaboration in humanities and social sciences, particularly in inclusive education, family education, and social services. The two universities reached multiple agreements on student exchange programs, joint academic training, and teaching material development, providing a strong foundation for future cooperation.
Visit to CCNU’s Faculty of Education and University History Museum
During the visit, Rector Morgan, along with Vice Rector Nong Yunqi and the delegation, toured CCNU’s Faculty of Education and University History Museum to gain further insight into the university’s academic achievements and historical heritage. Representatives from CCNU’s Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs, as well as the Faculty of Education, accompanied the delegation during the visit.
Prospects for Future Collaboration
This visit not only deepened the mutual understanding and friendship between the two universities but also opened new avenues for future collaboration. USJ remains committed to an open and cooperative approach, working hand in hand with CCNU to advance higher education and contribute to the development of the Greater Bay Area and the nation.
About Central China Normal University
Central China Normal University is a leading comprehensive normal university in China, ranking 58th in mainland China according to the 2024 Shanghai Ranking and 5th among normal universities nationwide. It is one of the earliest universities in China to explore inclusive education.
