On November 21, Professor Mohammad Issack Santally, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius, led the Mauritian delegation on a visit to Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU), Hangzhou, China. Vice-President of ZSTU, Professor Yao Juming met with the delegation under the banner of “Chinese Bridge” Educational Exchange Programme.
On behalf of the University, Professor Yao extended a warm welcome to the delegation and provided an overview of ZSTU, highlighting its key disciplines, recent achievements in scientific research, and talent cultivation. He also reviewed the collaboration history between ZSTU and University of Mauritius in co-establishing the Confucius Institute and the friendly ties between the two institutions. Yao expressed hopes for strengthening faculty development with the support of the Confucius Institute, deepening exchanges among faculty and students, enhancing academic discussions, and promoting scientific collaboration to foster high-quality and sustainable growth of the partnership.
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Santally thanked ZSTU for its warm reception and longstanding support to the University of Mauritius and its Confucius Institute. He commended the Confucius Institute’s role as an important bridge in fostering friendly relations between Mauritius and China. Both sides then discussed enhancing faculty and student exchanges, as well as future collaborations in academic research.
Exchange of token of appreciation: Professor Santally of UoM (left) and Professor Yao of ZSTU (right)
Group photo of the delegation in company of Professor Yao and Mr Cui of ZSTU
The delegation visited ZSTU Silk Museum and other teaching and research facilities. They also engaged in in-depth discussions with representatives from the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, the Centre for Information Technology & Systems, the School of Mechanical Engineering, and the School of Computer Science and Technology on specific cooperation initiatives.
The "Chinese Bridge" education delegation, comprising 12 members, visited China from November 20 to 24. The delegation included representatives from the University of Mauritius, the University of Technology Mauritius, and local school teachers. The program, organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Mauritius, also aimed at enhancing Mauritian educators’ understanding of Chinese language, culture, and society, while strengthening cultural and educational exchanges between Mauritius and China.
During their four-day visit, the delegation participated in educational activities and explored cultural landmarks in Hangzhou. From the serene beauty of West Lake to the bustling streets of Hefang Street, from the Grand Canal to Sijiqing market, the delegation experienced Hangzhou's natural charm and modern prosperity. The captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity left an indelible impression on the visitors, allowing them to fully appreciate the essence of Hangzhou. The cultural experience was, for many, unique and unforgettable.
Visit of China National Museum
Visit of China Umbrella Museum
Visit to Qianjiang New City
Here’s what some delegates had to say:
“This exchange programme has been very enriching for me as it was the very first time that I visited China and ZSTU campuses in Xiasha and Linping. The visits were highly informative and educational. The Silk Museum at ZSTU presented a rich collection of silk artefacts and the history of the ZSTU. The state-of-art facilities at the new Linping campus are impressive. The continued interest for collaboration between ZSTU and UoM was very palpable through interactions with peers. This exchange programme has helped me a lot to understand Chinese culture, values, history, organization and hospitality.”
Mrs Moniza Owasil, Administrative Officer, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Mauritius.
“I had the privilege of visiting Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU), Hangzhou, a picturesque city renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The campus is not far from the stunning West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering tranquil landscapes and iconic landmarks such as the Leifeng Pagoda and the Broken Bridge. Hangzhou itself is a cradle of Chinese culture, known for its traditional tea culture, exquisite silk production, and historic architecture. The city's blend of serene natural settings and vibrant cultural traditions makes ZSTU an inspiring place to experience the richness of Chinese heritage while enjoying a modern academic environment. At the Silk Museum, I was immersed in the rich history of silk in Zhejiang Province. The exhibits reflected the highly perfected craftsmanship and cultural heritage of this iconic industry. The visit offered an engaging perspective on cutting-edge research and developments and academic excellence, particularly in the field of textiles and fashion. Interacting with students and faculty at ZSTU further deepened my understanding of contemporary advancements in the field, blending tradition with technology. This trip was an enlightening experience, highlighting both the historical significance and modern progression of China's silk industry. In addition, the warm hospitality and meticulous planning of the visit made the experience truly memorable.”
Mrs Chayadevi Bholah, Finance Director, University of Mauritius.
“I had the opportunity to visit the Information Technology Centre at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU). The centre serves a similar role to our University’s CITS, and the visit provided valuable insights into their advanced ICT systems & infrastructure, and potential areas for improvement and investment at our University notably for enhanced resource accessibility and utilization; modernized learning environments; strengthened ICT infrastructure. The visit to ZSTU’s Information Technology Centre demonstrated their innovative use of ICT to address operational challenges and improve academic services. These initiatives provide valuable inspiration for strategic advancements in our University’s ICT systems and infrastructure.”
Mr Roshan Halkhoree, Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Systems, UoM.
“The recent visit to Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China has just been exceptional, memorable and very enriching. The visit highlighted its strong integration of cultural experiences with academic exploration. The visit was well planned by the staff of the International Office of ZSTU and I herewith convey my deepest gratitude and warm note of thanks to all of them.
I was able to have constructive working session with the current Head of the Graduate School at the ZSTU. The Graduate School is the academic institution responsible for overseeing postgraduate education at the university. It manages and coordinates the master's and doctoral programmes offered across various disciplines.
The visit also included activities such as field trips to the different campuses of the ZSTU and their state-of-the-art facilities, the China Silk Museum and the culturally related West Lake in Hangzhou, emphasizing the university's historical connection to textiles and its modern innovations in sustainability and engineering.”
Prof (Dr) Chandradeo Bokhoree, Head of Doctoral School, University of Technology, Mauritius.