A delegation from Foshan University, China, visited Technology University of the Shannon a year after the two colleges signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
The visit took place here from Tuesday May 20th to Thursday May 22nd and focused on two joint programmes in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics and Automation.
The delegation was led by President Luo Shaoming and also included: Zhu Fanxi, Director of the International Office for Global Engagement; Guo Shuaiping, Director of Academic Affairs; Luo Lufeng, Director of Human Resources; Zhou Yueyun, Head of the School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation; and Hu Zhiqiang, Head of the School of Computer and Artificial Intelligence. TUS and Foshan University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 21st, 2024.
Dr Maria Kyne, Dean of Faculty of Engineering & Technology Midwest, and Dr Sean Lyons, Dean of Faculty of Engineering & Technology Midlands, discussed the content of programmes and toured the laboratories at the Athlone, Moylish and Coonagh campuses.
Foshan University is home to an Art and Design School and the delegation visited the Limerick School of Art & Design. Mike Fitzpatrick, Dean of the Limerick School of Art and Design, outlined preparations for the LSAD graduate showcase.
Foshan University was established in 1958 and is located in Foshan City, China.
Foshan City is designated an important economic zone in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) with a population of 9.6 million.
It boasts a strong manufacturing industry including machinery equipment, home appliances, furniture, building ceramics and materials, food and beverage, and emerging industries such as robotics, new energy, new materials, electronic information and biomedicines.
President Luo Shaoming and Professor Vincent Cunnane discussed the importance of TUS and Foshan University being located close to economic zones in their regions.
The delegation visited the Shannon Airport Business Park and was briefed on developments at the business park by Caroline Kelleher, Director of Public Affairs, and Vanessa McTigue, Head of Business Development & Leasing.
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, commented, “I am delighted to host the delegation led by President Luo and to further strengthen our partnerships in the Greater Bay Area of China. TUS has one of the highest approval ratings amongst Irish HEIs for Ministry of Education-approved undergraduate level programmes in China, with seven programmes approved by the Ministry of Education in China in disciplines of Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, Graphic Design, Hotel Management, Civil Engineering, Business and Accounting. I look forward to seeing TUS and Foshan University further deepen and strengthen our partnership and to increasing the number of students who choose to complete their studies at TUS”.
Donnacha McNamara, Vice President, Internationalisation & Alumni, commented: “Since the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding during our visit to Foshan in May 2024 I am pleased to see the development of two joint programmes in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics and Automation.
“I am confident that this partnership will be a significant one for TUS in the coming years and will lead to educational, economic and cultural developments between our regions. Foshan University hosts an international school, which will lead to opportunities for TUS students to join short exchange programmes.”