The 2023 China-ASEAN International Symposium on Philanthropy and Professional Development (CAECW)
The 2023 China–ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (CAECW) stands as a momentous gathering, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Guizhou Provincial Government. The organizing committee has chosen the theme "New Vision for Education Cooperation—Shared Prosperity of the 'Belt and Road'" to underscore the pivotal role of education in fostering development and shared prosperity between China and the ASEAN nations. This year, commemorate the 10th anniversary of President Xi's visionary proposal to jointly build the "Belt and Road" initiative, and China extends its wholehearted commitment to collaborating with ASEAN nations, uniting our efforts to provide talent and innovation support for this transformative endeavor.
Distinguished academicians, experts, researchers, and industry practitioners hailing from ASEAN countries—including Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—have come together at this conference, illuminating the shared commitment to advancing education and fostering collaboration.
Professor Poppema Sibrandes, President of Sunway University, as the distinguished keynote speaker, addressing the captivating topic of "Philanthropy and Values in Higher Education and the Education System—Sunway University as an Example." In his enlightening discourse, he unveiled the background, vision, and mission of Sunway University, showcasing its role in navigating the complexities of the modern world. As a Not-for-Profit Private University in South East Asia, he expounded on the university's profound societal contributions, highlighting research in sustainable development aligned with UN goals, and the integration of this knowledge into the university's curriculum. He emphasized the paramount importance of research, proudly noting that Sunway University boasts world-class researchers listed among the top 2% by Stanford University and a record of highly cited publications. Professor Poppema Sibrandes expressed optimism that Sunway University's citation will soon rival those of the world's top universities in terms of both quantity and quality.
In his closing remarks, Professor Poppema Sibrandes shared his vision that, with all the pieces falling into place, Sunway University is poised to ascend to the ranks of the foremost universities in the ASEAN region—a realization of the founder Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah's audacious vision to establish the "Harvard of the East."
Furthermore, during this significant event, Professor Poppema Sibrandes sealed a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sunway University and Shandong Technology and Business University (SDTBU), cementing commitments to student and staff exchanges. The MOU also explores exciting prospects in the realm of 2+2 Study Abroad Training Collaboration, 4+0 Sino-foreign Collaboration, and articulation studies in partnership with Sunway University.
In the course of their visit to Guiyang, Professor Poppema Sibrandes and the accompanying delegates engaged with Guiyang University of Finance and Economics (GUFE), fostering discussions on potential collaborations in the fields of 2+2 programs and joint PhD initiatives at Sunway University.
This historic gathering has not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also laid the foundation for enduring partnerships, promising a brighter future for education and innovation in our interconnected world.
The trip was accompanied by Dr. Katta, the Associate Dean (International) from the School of Mathematical Sciences, and Mr. Lester Lee, Senior Manager from the International Office (International Partnership and Recruitment).
