Sias International University signed a Letter of Intent with Bournemouth University as a precursor to a possible Memorandum of Agreement, signaling the start of a close partnership.

The delegation from Bournemouth University included the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, Dr. Sonal Minocha, the Head of the Graduate School, Prof. Tiantian Zhang, and the Partnership & International Development Manager, Dr. Alastair Morrison.

Sias President, Dr. Richard Li Hua, shared his vision for Sias including the establishment of three invisible campuses, i.e. International Campus, the Innovation Campus, and the Entrepreneurial Campus. This would tie in well with Bournemouth University's values of creativity, authenticity, responsibility, achievement, and innovation.

Bournemouth University has a long-term goal for the fusion of education, research, and professional practice. A study has shown that 92% of their graduates are employed or have engaged in further studies within 6 months of graduating, showing the university's focus on the employability of their students. They have partnerships with 120 universities involving research exchanges, staff exchanges, and student exchanges.

Bournemouth University has also been awarded two Queen's Anniversary prizes for higher and further education. They are especially renowned for their Media School. They have recently invested £200m for new buildings and information technology (IT), as well as £5m for attracting new staff.

The partnership between Sias International University and Bournemouth University will be a research-based strategic partnership.

Discussions

The signing of the Letter of Intent

President Richard Li Hua and Dr. Alastair Morrison

President Richard Li Hua with Dr. Sonal Minocha at the Chinese Garden during a campus tour

(L-R) Dr. Sonal Minocha, President Richard Li Hua, Prof. Tiantian Zhang

Dr. Sonal Minocha, and Prof. Tiantian Zhang, with Chen Zhao, the Managing Partner of Sias-Amidi US-China Startups Incubation Center

(L-R) Prof. Tiantian Zhang, President Richard Li Hua, and Dr. Sonal Minocha, at the Sias Administration Building

Dr. Sonal Minocha was invited to take part in the English Corner

The delegation from Bournemouth University, along with students at the English corner.