New Year Reception
Speech by Li Jiangtao, Deputy Secretary of CUMT Party Committee
Speech by Jason Blake Cohen, recipient of the Jiangsu Friendship Award
Live Performance
The CUMT New Year Reception in Honor of Foreign Teachers was held on December 30. Attending the reception were international teachers from Russia, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Nigeria, Tunisia, Iran, and others. Also present were heads of CUMT administrative departments including the International Office, the Academy of Science and Technology, the Graduate School, and the Security Office, along with representatives from units where the international faculty are based. Li Jiangtao, Deputy Secretary of CUMT Party Committee, attended the reception and delivered a speech.
Li Jiangtao began by extending New Year greetings to the international teachers attending the reception. He briefly reviewed the achievements made in 2024 regarding the university's reforms, development, and international cooperation and exchange initiatives. He expressed gratitude for the support and dedication of all international teachers. Li emphasized that the university is committed to cultivating an “educator spirit” and continuously strengthening the internationalization of its faculty. International teachers have played a crucial role in promoting international educational practices, enhancing teaching and research standards, and facilitating cultural exchanges between China and other countries. CUMT will continue to strive to create an excellent working and living environment for international teachers. He hoped that they would leverage their unique strengths, actively engage in teaching, research, and international exchange activities, and contribute to the high-quality development of the university.
Professor Cohen, a recipient of the Jiangsu Friendship Award, shared his story at CUMT, expressing his gratitude for the support and assistance provided by the university in both his work and personal life. Receiving the Friendship Award signifies the high recognition of his efforts and accomplishments by the university. Looking forward, Professor Cohen said that he will continue to focus on atmospheric environmental monitoring, closely aligning with China's “dual carbon” goals. With his academic influence, he aims to continuously enhance the university's international voice and impact.
Students from the School of Humanities and Arts performed the traditional Chinese folk music piece "Flowers in Full Bloom and a Round Moon" (花好月圆). Through the combination of traditional instruments such as the guzheng, pipa, yangqin, erhu, and dizi, and by varying their playing techniques, they presented a visually and aurally stunning performance. The ensemble showcased the richness and beauty of Chinese traditional music, offering the audience a captivating experience that highlighted the elegance and depth of this cultural heritage.
International teachers are a crucial component of our international cooperation and exchange efforts. In recent years, we have introduced high-quality international teaching resources through multiple channels. We have also continuously improved management and services to actively leverage the role of international faculty in teaching and research. In 2024, the number of full-time international teachers reached 50, while the number of foreign experts and scholars participating in short-term exchanges and collaborations stood at 251. These individuals have played an increasingly important role in the university's strategy of international educational practices, significantly contributing to the development of a world-class university with distinctive energy and resource features.
