Bournemouth University held a forum jointly organized with Sias International University on June 27 and 28. This forum, called the 'Festival of Learning' was held to promote an exchange of ideas built on Sias' East-meets-West ethos.

Bournemouth University was represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Vinney, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sonal Minocha, and Associate Dean of Management Faculty, Dr. Lucy Lu. Sias was represented by Founder and Chairman of the Board, Dr. Shawn Chen; Sias President, Dr. Chen Sikun; Party Secretary, Fei Hexiang, Vice President, Liu Shuqin; and Deputy Party Secretary, Li Huafeng. Also in attendance was Deputy Mayor of Xinzheng, Gou Yunfeng.

The forum was opened by Dr. Shawn Chen. He welcomed the students and staff present and pointed out the importance of innovation in modern education. He also gave advice on how to implement ideas and continue with an innovative mindset throughout one's life. He also spoke about Sias' growth and fusion of an international cultural environment, guest lectures, activities that tap into students' potential, and the support provided to venture projects. He said that the East-meets-West model was a global and relevant one.

Sias President, Dr. Chen Sikun, pointed out that to continue a trend of development in international higher education institutions, universities need to be open, inclusive, complementary, and have specific initiatives to nurture their students' international outlook. During the subsequent forum, speakers spoke about Sino-UK education, innovation, and other topics.

On June 28, a joint Sias-BU Student Venture Forum was held, followed by the Sias-BY Research and Innovation Forum. Students from Sias' School of Nursing, School of Journalism & Communication, School of Business, among other departments, attended and shared their views with the faculty on research projects.

During the closing ceremony, Dr. Shawn Chen said that this joint venture between Bournemouth University and Sias aimed to promote an understanding of British culture and ideas, and different methods of learning for teachers and students alike. He said that he hoped that the two universities would enhance their understanding of each other and deepen their friendship through joint research projects.

Bournemouth University first signed a Letter of Intent with Sias International University in November 2014 and followed it with a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2016. Located in the port city of Bournemouth in southern England, Bournemouth University won the UK's "Queen of the Year Award," awarded by the British Government to recognize pioneering institutions of higher education. The university has achieved excellence in scientific and sociological research, with many of its graduates going on to highly successful careers.