Yunnan University President Meets DU VC, Eyes Expanded Academic Collaboration

DU Correspondent: President of Yunnan University Professor Ma Wenhui paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of University of Dhaka Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam at his office on Wednesday, underscoring growing academic ties between Bangladesh and China. Professor Ma was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange Dr. Wu Yun, Alumni Association Secretary-General Hu Jianfeng, Deputy Director of the Office of Science and Technology Division Prof. Zhang Shilai, Vice-Dean of the Institute of International Relations Dr. Luo Weiwei, and Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute of Dhaka University Dr. Yang Hui. Senior officials from Dhaka University were also present, including Treasurer Prof. Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Director of the Institute of Modern Languages Prof. Mohammad Absar Kamal, Director of the Office of International Affairs Prof. Dr. Syeda Rozana Rashid, and Head of the Department of Chinese Language and Culture M. M. Afiqur Rahman Nahid. During the meeting, the DU Vice-Chancellor expressed keen interest in strengthening collaboration with Yunnan University to broaden academic and research partnerships and create more opportunities for students. He highlighted the evolving role of the Confucius Institute at DU, noting that it has grown beyond a language center into a vital platform for cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and China. Both sides discussed the introduction of dual degree programs in emerging and high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, chemical engineering, software engineering, and vocational education. They also emphasized the importance of enhancing ongoing joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, and student mobility programs. Following the courtesy meeting, a six-member delegation led by Professor Ma participated in the Annual Board Meeting of the Confucius Institute of Dhaka University, held at the VC’s Meeting Room. The board reviewed and approved the institute’s annual report and budget. The visit marks another step toward deepening institutional cooperation and fostering academic linkages between the two universities.