Wang Yongli, Minister Counselor for Education of the Chinese Embassy in UK Visits Scottish Confucius Institute for Business and Communication at Heriot-Watt University

On March 20th, local time, Wang Yongli, Minister Counselor for Education of the Chinese Embassy in the UK and his delegation visited the Scottish Confucius Institute for Business and Communication at Heriot-Watt University for operational inspection.

Wang, along with his delegation, inspected the offices and classrooms of the Confucius Institute, enquired about its teaching staff, teaching levels and scales and cultural exchange activities and listened attentively to the work report by Wen Xiuying, Chinese Director, on issues such as development of the Institute, educational and teaching activities, characteristics construction and integration with other universities.

Wang Yongli (middle) listening to the work report of the Confucius Institute

Wang fully recognized the achievements made by Tianjin University of Finance and Economics and Heriot-Watt University, speaking highly of their cooperation in exchanging students, academic visits between the two sides, the “Two-Plus-Two” program and the overseas instructor training base. He also greatly appreciated the integration of Chinese teaching into the credit and degree curriculum system of Heriot-Watt University, and the master program in Tourism and Culture Heritage Management, which featured the Institute.

Wang Yongli meeting teachers and volunteers of the Confucius Institute

Wang encouraged the Institute to actively explore into new domains, advance with the times, and constantly improve its education quality. He also hoped for a boost in cooperation with other universities for common progress, so that it could be an indispensable part for the development and improvement of universities.

Wang showed concerns on the working conditions and accommodation of teachers and volunteers, expressing that the Chinese government would continue to strive to better the overall treatment so that working in the institute becomes ever more attractive.

Wang Yongli holding talks with Ruth Moir (middle)

During his visit, Wang had talks with Ruth Moir, Assistant Principal in charge of international affairs and Council Member of the Confucius Institute, on cultural exchange, Chinese students’ study and life in Heriot-Watt University as well as scholarship programs offered by the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

(Story by Zhang Xinxin)