To enhance connections with alumni in the UK and harness the strength of overseas graduates, Chengdu University of Technology (CDUT) held an online symposium with its UK-based alumni on July 13, 2025, at 18:00 Beijing time (11:00 London time). Attending the event were Qiao Qiuchun, Deputy Director of the Alumni Association (Education Development Foundation) Office; Zhang Zhenguo, Section Chief of the United Front Work Department of the Party; Lang Xianguo, Party Secretary of the College of International Education (Oxford Brookes College); Dean Li Shan and other school leaders; Alex Boyle, Program Lead for Business Management (UK side) at Oxford Brookes College; Wang Zhumin and Hu Junping, Heads of the Japanese Department of the College of Foreign Languages and Cultures; faculty representatives Liang Chen, Wang Han, and Zhou Xingyu; and staff from various departments. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Zhong Yingjia, Executive Vice Dean (UK side) of Oxford Brookes College. Representatives from CDUT and alumni across the UK gathered virtually to reconnect, celebrate their shared heritage, and explore future opportunities for cooperation.
Alumni Unite in Support of University Anniversary
The event began with alumni viewing the university’s promotional video, revisiting CDUT’s history and achievements. Qiao Qiuchun provided a detailed update on the university’s latest alumni affairs initiatives and preparations for its 70th anniversary. He emphasized that the university places great importance on staying connected with overseas alumni and hopes to use the Alumni Association as a key bridge to foster continued dialogue and collaboration. Qiao called on UK-based alumni to actively participate in building the Alumni Association and contribute to the upcoming 70th anniversary celebrations. He underscored the vision of deepening cultural and emotional bonds between alumni and alma mater, sharing resources, complementing strengths, and jointly writing a new chapter of cooperative development.
Deepening Collaboration: Looking to the Future
In his remarks, Party Secretary Lang Xianguo highlighted the vital role alumni play in the university’s development. He noted that CDUT has twice been selected for China’s national “Double First-Class” initiative, achieving notable success in talent cultivation and scientific innovation—outcomes made possible in part by the strong support of overseas alumni. Lang expressed the college’s hope that through alumni engagement, they could achieve three goals: first, listen to alumni experiences and understand their current development in the UK; second, leverage alumni connections to share access to high-quality UK resources; third, convey the university’s care and support, creating a warm spiritual home for alumni abroad.
Alex Boyle, the head (UK side) of Business Administration Course at Oxford Brookes College, praised the academic and professional achievements of CDUT alumni, noting that they represent the future of development. He encouraged alumni to make full use of the UK’s rich cultural and professional networks, which would be valuable assets in their careers. On behalf of the college, he pledged full support for alumni’s academic and research collaborations and warmly invited them to return to campus for exchanges.
Alumni Reflections: Sharing Experiences and Gratitude
Alumni representatives Chen Yanzhu, Zhang Longhan, and Zhang Xinzhu shared their personal journeys of studying and working in the UK. They spoke of the solid academic foundation provided by CDUT and the support from faculty and classmates that made them feel at home even while abroad. All three expressed deep gratitude for the education and care they received and looked forward to future collaborations with fellow alumni.
Bridging the World: Global Talent Recruitment
Dean Li Shan delivered a speech themed “Bridging the World: Global Talent Recruitment,” explaining Chengdu’s current talent policies. She highlighted that Chengdu, as a national central city, has been recognized as “China’s Best City for Talent Attraction” for six consecutive years. The city has implemented a series of appealing policies to attract global talent, offering excellent development opportunities and competitive support for overseas returnees. She emphasized that the university hopes to use the 70th anniversary as an opportunity to encourage alumni to return to China and pursue exciting new chapters in their personal and professional lives.
Messages for the Future: A Shared Vision
CDUT leaders and faculty extended heartfelt messages to alumni, offering best wishes and expressing hopes for continued friendship and cooperation. They envisioned a future where youth endures, bonds strengthen, and the spirit of CDUT lives on across generations and borders. The symposium not only deepened the emotional connection between UK-based alumni and their alma mater but also laid a strong foundation for the official establishment of the CDUT UK Alumni Association. Looking ahead, CDUT will continue expanding its global alumni network, improving alumni services, and leveraging the wisdom and strength of overseas alumni to build a collaborative platform for China-UK educational and cultural exchange, which advancing mutual development and shared success between alumni and their alma mater.
