From November 21 to 24, led by ZIBS Dean BEN Shenglin, ZIBS delegation visited the University of Turin, the Italian headquarters of Collège des Ingénieurs, the Polytechnic University of Milan, and Tsinghua University Milan Campus. The delegation also visited the Turin Chamber of Commerce, the OGR innovation hub, local entrepreneurs, the ZJU Alumni Association, etc. The visit was fruitful and effective, strengthening relations with existing partners while also developing new opportunities for international cooperation.
On November 21, ZIBS delegation visited the University of Turin and was warmly welcomed by the Director General of the University of Turin, Andrea Silvestri. BEN Shenglin, dean of ZIBS, gave a brief introduction of ZIBS and expressed the expectation of scaling up the cooperation with the University of Turin. The delegation also witnessed the graduation defense of some MCS students and participated in the alumni event for the 10th Anniversary of cooperation with the University of Turin. At the event, BEN Shenglin delivered a keynote speech, sharing ZIBS philosophy and story, and exchanged cooperation intentions with well-known Italian entrepreneurs.
In the morning of November 22, ZIBS delegation visited the Italian headquarters of Collège des Ingénieurs and held a meeting with its director CEO Silvia Petocchi. Both sides agreed to cooperate in the future in the fields of talent training, research exchange, and short-term joint projects. At the same time, the delegation also visited OGR, an innovative co-working and art space transformed by Turin train maintenance center, exchanged experience in entrepreneurship incubation and ecological integration.
In the afternoon of November 22, ZIBS delegation held a meeting with Marcella Costa, Vice Rector of the University of Turin. Both sides highly praised the solid foundation and fruitful results of the existing cooperation on the Master of China Studies Program and discussed the potential cooperation opportunities in academic research exchange, faculty exchange, language teaching, and European University Alliance, etc. Both sides decided to deepen the cooperation. After the meeting, BEN Shenglin exchanged gifts with Marcella and welcomed her to visit ZIBS in the near future.
On November 22, ZIBS delegation officially launched the ZIBS China Studies Centre at the University of Turin, which will be the ZIBS office in Italy in the future. It is fully responsible for degree cooperation projects, non-degree cooperation projects, academic research exchanges, faculty exchanges, and alumni engagement with the University of Turin. Both sides will have regular mutual visits, forming a positive interaction mechanism. In the future, the centre will also serve as the contact hub for ZIBS in Italy and Europe and continue to expand cooperation with other European universities.
On November 23, ZIBS delegation met with ZJU alumni association Italy branch and visited Tsinghua University Milan campus, listening to the overseas campus construction and operation experience.
On November 24, as the only Asian member of the International Advisory Board of Politecnico di Milano School of Management, BEN Shenglin attended the first meeting of the Board and discussed with other members on topics including how to remain attractive for international students in light of the current geo-political changes, How to support the growth of junior faculty and how can ZIBS build collaboration with the potential partners.
On November 24, BEN Shenglin was appointed as the member of International Advisory Borad at the Politecnico di Milano School of Management. He attended the first meeting of the International Advisory Board and discussed with other members on topics "How to remain attractive for international students in light of the current geo-political changes" and "How to support the growth of junior faculty."
By actively seeking global opportunities, ZIBS continues to expand its networks through international exchange, academic research, overseas centers, cultural exchange, etc. FANG Fan, Academic Director of Master of China Studies Program, and CHEN Danfeng, Program Manager of Master of China Studies Program, participated in the above activities of the delegation.
