On the morning of July 8, 2024, the 2024 International High School Students Academic Summer Camp at Shanghai Jiao Tong University opened at Lecture Hall 300 of the UM-SJTU Joint Institute. More than 30 outstanding scholarship students selected by the UAE's Mubadala Investment Company will embark on a two-week journey of academic and cultural exploration at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Ma Wei, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange at Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Zheng Gang, Vice Dean of UM-SJTU Joint Institute; Wang Xinrong, Vice Dean of the School of Continuing Education; Leng Chuntao, Director of the Academic Affairs Office of the Student Innovation Center; Khalid Almheiri, Senior Vice President of Higher Education and Outreach at Mubadala Investment Company; Wei Luxin, Director of the Middle East Institute of Chinese Studies; Khaled Sayegh, Senior Assistant Manager at Mubadala Investment Company; Chen Hailei, Deputy Director of the International Student Development Center at the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange; Chu Pengzhi, Director of the Innovation Practice Department at the Student Innovation Center; Zhang Yu, Director of the International Student Enrollment and Services Office at UM-SJTU Joint Institute; Zhai Ying, Director of the International Operations Center at the School of Continuing Education, along with other guests and summer camp participants, attended the opening ceremony. The ceremony was chaired by Wang Yuexin, Affairs Manager of the International Student Development Center at the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange.
Ma Wei, on behalf of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, extended a warm welcome to the UAE students and faculty who had traveled from afar. He expressed gratitude to Mubadala Investment Company for their strong support of international educational exchanges. Ma Wei encouraged all camp participants to cherish this valuable learning opportunity, to explore and experience the academic charm of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and to enhance cross-cultural exchanges to promote mutual understanding and friendship.
Khalid Almheiri highly praised Shanghai Jiao Tong University for its significant role in global education and international cooperation. He also expressed strong anticipation for the summer camp activities, hoping that through this platform, deeper friendships could be forged between Emirati and Chinese youth. He emphasized the importance of laying a solid foundation for future bilateral development between the two countries.
Zhao Ying introduced the overall plan and activity arrangement of this summer camp. The international high school students' summer camp not only covers academic courses, practical projects, and other activities, but also includes visits to prestigious enterprises, city experiences, and the China-UAE Forum. Through these meticulously planned activities, it is hoped that students will not only achieve academic gains but also experience significant personal growth, enhance social awareness, and broaden their international perspectives.
Teachers Zhao Weiming and Zeng Qifeng from the Student Innovation Center respectively introduced the two major courses of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Engineering in this summer camp. Both teachers believe that through learning and exchange in the camp, the campers will enhance their professional skills, innovation capabilities, and teamwork abilities.
Mohammed Alshehhi, a sophomore at Michigan College and representing the student body, enthusiastically shared his experiences of studying and living at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He encouraged campers to cherish the present moment and fully enjoy every aspect of the summer camp.
The camp representatives also expressed their deep admiration for China's rich culture and history during their speeches. Although they have just arrived in Shanghai, they have already felt the warm hospitality from the faculty and students of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. They mentioned their great anticipation for the summer camp and expressed hopes that this visit to SJTU would continuously broaden their horizons and enhance themselves.
The camp representatives also expressed their admiration for China's rich culture and history during their speeches. Despite having just arrived in Shanghai, they have already deeply felt the warm hospitality of the faculty and students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. They expressed great anticipation for the summer camp and hoped that their visit to SJTU would help broaden their horizons and enhance themselves.
In 2024, marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, significant events have occurred. In May, President Xi Jinping responded to student representatives of the "Hundred Schools Project" for Chinese language education in the UAE, encouraging them to excel in Chinese, deepen their understanding of China, and contribute to Sino-Arab friendship. Also in May, the Minister of Education of the UAE visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where both sides discussed educational cooperation, particularly in sustainable development and artificial intelligence. They planned to leverage SJTU's strengths to cultivate top talents capable of addressing global issues with international perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills. The launch of the SJTU International High School Students Academic Summer Camp reflects the mutual needs of China and the UAE, signifying significant strides in cooperation.
Over the next two weeks, campers will not only have the opportunity to explore the mysteries of cutting-edge technology, accumulate valuable knowledge and experience, but also delve into Chinese culture and experience its charm. With China and the UAE working hand in hand, they aim to innovate and create the future together!
