Shanghai 2006
The University of Sydney has further strengthened its pre-eminent position in mainland China with a first-ever graduation ceremony in Shanghai, the city at the heart of China's economic boom. The inaugural Graduation Ceremony was held in the Shanghai Grand Theatre on 31 October 2006.
University Chancellor Kim Santow welcomed more than 500 guests including graduates and their families to the Ceremony in the city's futuristic Grand Theatre. Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brown said the graduation ceremony and associated events "make a statement about the strength of Sydney's commitment to China".
The President of Fudan University, Professor Wang Shenghong, was the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony. Professor Wang acknowledged the strong links between the two Universities, particularly the joint TESOL program.
University of Sydney alumni in Shanghai made renewed contact with old friends and classmates as well as Deans of their faculties at a reception on 30 October in the Sky Ballroom. Senior staff of the University were present to celebrate the success stories of our alumni.
Earlier on the same day, Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brown met with a number of recent University of Sydney graduates who have returned to Shanghai and are playing a role in China’s economic miracle.
Vincent Lam, President of the Chinese Alumni Network, emphasized the benefits and importance of building an effective alumni network in China.
The University of Sydney is committed to building on its existing links and enhancing its engagement with China through new research, education and training programs.
To strengthen links and relationships with its Chinese partners in government, business and higher education, a dinner was held on 31 October. During the dinner, the University signed important agreements to further enhance our relationships with our key partners in China including the China Scholarship Council, Fudan University and Shanghai Jiaotong University.
Professor Wang Yi Fei, from the School of Medicine at Jiaotong University and a senior adviser to the President, addressed more than 60 guests from government, education, business and industry in China. Professor Wang acknowledged the importance of the long term friendship between the University of Sydney and China.
“We have our common mission, and we have our common goal. Higher education is our common language, our common mission is to upgrade our universities into world-class leading universities, making greater contributions to sustainable economic growth and social development, in order to build our planet into a wealthier, healthier and harmonious world. This is our ultimate goal,” Professor Wang added.
A full copy of Professor Wang’s speech is available here.
