Chairman of ZJU Council REN Shaobo meets with high-level South Korean delegation for academic and strategic dialogue

On July 1, REN Shaobo, Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council, met with a distinguished delegation from South Korea on Zijingang Campus. The visit marked a significant step in advancing academic exchange, research collaboration, and cross-sector cooperation between Zhejiang University and leading institutions in South Korea.

The South Korean delegation was led by Hong Seok-hyun, Chairman of JoongAng Holdings and President of the Korea Peace Foundation. It included Members of the National Assembly, former South Korean ambassadors, as well as presidents of Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

During the meeting, REN Shaobo highlighted the University’s comprehensive academic strengths, interdisciplinary development, and growing collaborations with Korean counterparts. He underscored Zhejiang University’s commitment to talent cultivation across all major disciplines, supported by an organized and systematic framework for fostering student innovation and entrepreneurship.

"Zhejiang University is committed to further deepening partnerships with South Korean universities," REN Shaobo said. "We look forward to strengthening faculty and student exchanges, co-developing research platforms, and promoting academic and cultural engagement. Together, we can contribute to innovation-driven development and mutual understanding between our two nations."

Hong Seok-hyun expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm reception and praised Zhejiang University's leadership in research and education. He expressed a keen interest in learning more about the University's development in artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies.

"This visit offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding," said Hong Seok-hyun. "We look forward to closer ties between Korean and Chinese universities through academic exchange, joint research, and innovation that supports both technological progress and cultural exchange."

vFollowing the meeting, Vice President ZHOU Jianghong hosted a roundtable discussion with the delegation, where both sides shared insights on higher education models, university governance, resource management, and student development. Representatives from the College of Information Science & Electronic Engineering and the College of Civil Engineering and Architecture presented their latest academic and research achievements.

Also in attendance were FANG Kun, Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea; CHEN Jiangfeng, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Zhejiang Province; and representatives from the Office of Global Engagement, the College of Information Science & Electronic Engineering, the College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, and the Institute of Korean Studies. Korean student representatives from Zhejiang University's International College also joined the discussion, adding a student perspective to the exchange.

This visit reflects Zhejiang University's ongoing efforts to build global partnerships that drive innovation, foster mutual understanding, and contribute to the development of higher education in Asia and beyond.

Adapted and translated from the article by Global ZJU

Translator: FANG Fumin 

Photos by Global ZJU

Editors: HE Jiawen, ZHU Ziyu