Ateneo de Manila University, Xiamen University renew Memorandum of Understanding

Ateneo de Manila University and Xiamen University renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday, 8 June 2023. The signing, which was held at the Ateneo Art Gallery's Ben Chan ArtSuite, signals the renewal of a partnership agreement signed by both universities in 1992 and later renewed in 2009.

The MOU was signed by Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, President of Ateneo de Manila University and Prof Zhang Zongyi, President of Xiamen University. 

Also in attendance from Xiamen University were Prof Zhou Yinggang, Dean, School of Economics; Prof Hu Rong, Dean, School of Sociology and Anthropology; Mr Ma Jinlong, Chairman of School Council, School of Life Sciences; Mr Wang Haili, Director, Marine Operations; Mr Zheng Hui, Deputy Secretary-general, General Alumni Association; and Ms Yu Hongbo, Executive Director, Office of Overseas Campus Affairs/Office of International Cooperation and Exchange.

Attendees from Ateneo were Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education; Dr Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Dr Raphael A Guerrero, Dean, School of Science and Engineering; Dr Jose Jowel P Canuday, Chairperson, Department of Sociology and Anthropology; Fr Norberto L Bautista SJ, Director, Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs; and Ms Ma Cristina Alikpala, Assistant VP for University Partnerships and Internationalization.

During the meeting, the representatives from both schools discussed possible avenues of cooperation including student and faculty exchanges, and research projects.

Established in 1921 by overseas Chinese businessman Tan Kah Kee, Xiamen University is the first university founded by an overseas Chinese in the history of modern Chinese education. Xiamen University has been listed among China’s leading universities on the country's national 211 Project, 985 Project, and Double First-Class Initiative. It has also forged partnerships with 259 universities in countries and regions, including the UK, the US, Japan, France, Russia, and the Philippines.