Delegation from University of Cologne Visited

On October 19th, 2011, Prof. ZHANG Shujun, SYSBS Associate Dean, received the delegation from University of Cologne led by President Prof. Alex Freimuth. Rose LU, Director of the Office of International Affairs (OIA), Connie YAN, OIA Assistant Director & Manager of Exchange Programs, and Sandy SHI, OIA Secretary for Public Relations attended this conference.

President Alex Freimuth and Associate Dean ZHANG had a review on the friendly partnership between University of Cologne and SYSBS. The fruitful exchanges and cooperation in the past years was fully recognized, which has built up a good foundation for the future cooperative development.

President Alex Freimuth, on behalf of University of Cologne, set a high value on the partnership with SYSU and SYSBS. He indicated that SYSU was one of the key partners in China for Cologne’s strategic development. It would be hopeful to gain the opportunity of further cooperation with SYSBS. Associate Dean ZHANG briefly introduced the development of SYSBS. With an appreciation for the quality of “Made in Germany”, Associate Dean ZHANG stated that the example of “Made in Germany” could also be applied in education. Both parties were willing to explore the possibilities of joint academic programs.

Through a brief discussion on cooperation possibilities in the future, both sides shared the cooperative intentions on EDP study tour, PhD student exchange, joint degree and joint research. The meeting ended with group photo taking, which was a remark on friendly partnership between both schools.

Relevant Background:

University of Cologne was established in 1388, with a second longest history in Germany, two years later than the foundation of University of Heidelberg. Rebuilt in 1919, University of Cologne took just six years to become the second largest in Germany. Up to today, the University remains the second largest university, following Free University of Berlin. The University is a leader in the area of economics and is regularly placed in top positions for law and commerce, both for national and international rankings.

In 2005, University of Cologne signed Memorandum of Understanding with SYSBS on several cooperative programs. Student exchange program was launched in the same year; so far, both sides maintain a beneficial partnership.