Building Bridges: Mohamed Rasheed's Visit Strengthens China-Maldives Cultural and Educational Cooperation
On the morning of July 27, Mohamed Rasheed, former Maldives Ambassador to China, Chairman and Founder of the China-Maldives Cultural Exchange Association (CMCA), and President of the Organization of South Asia Regional Friendship and Cooperation with China (OSARFCC), visited our school for an enriching cultural and educational exchange. The meeting was held at the Tea Innovation Space on the Qingnian Road Campus and chaired by Fan Zhengkang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of the school.
The event saw participation from Li Chunmo, Secretary of the Party Committee, Xu Gang, Deputy Director of the Ya’an Economic Cooperation and Foreign Affairs Bureau, faculty from the Continuing Education and International Exchange Department, teachers, and international students.
Fostering Global ConnectionsLi Chunmo warmly welcomed Mohamed Rasheed and provided an overview of the school's international exchange achievements. Highlighting the institution’s commitment to cultural integration, Li elaborated on programs such as partnerships with schools in Thailand, summer camps for Chinese youth in Spain and Ireland, and international collaborations in panda culture, tea culture, and traditional Chinese medicine.
He emphasized the school’s global outreach through initiatives like the "Chinese + vocational skills" model, overseas schools in Thailand and Cambodia, and foreign aid medical bases. With a growing enrollment of international students, including nine Maldivians studying tourism management, Li reiterated the institution's dedication to supporting Maldives’ tourism industry by cultivating skilled professionals for the local economy.
Regional Development OpportunitiesXu Gang highlighted Ya’an’s unique cultural heritage, strategic geographical location, and vibrant ecological environment. He proposed further collaboration in trade, cultural and tourism development, and educational exchanges between the two regions.
Strengthening Bilateral RelationsMohamed Rasheed expressed gratitude for the school’s hospitality and reflected on his educational experiences in China, which deepened his appreciation for its rich history and culture. He introduced the Maldives' educational system and the CMCA's role in fostering cultural and educational cooperation. Rasheed proposed signing a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaborations in areas such as Chinese language training, international tourism talent development, and the promotion of tea culture.
Student PerspectivesA highlight of the meeting was a speech by Han Aizhen, a Maldivian international student studying tourism management. Speaking in fluent Chinese, she shared her academic journey, the skills she acquired, and her gratitude for the school’s support, underscoring the value of the institution’s programs in her professional growth.
Exploring Future CollaborationsThe two sides discussed potential partnerships in teacher exchange, tourism and hotel management, and the tea industry. Both parties expressed optimism about further deepening cultural integration and fostering youth exchanges between China and the Maldives to advance educational and cultural ties.
Site VisitBefore the meeting, Mohamed Rasheed toured the training facilities of the School of Economics and Management. He praised the school's advanced infrastructure and its commitment to cultivating tourism talent.
The visit marked a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations, setting the stage for long-term collaboration and mutual development in education and culture.
Author: Jiang Ruihan Review: Literature and Art Release date: 2024-07-29