March 19–27, 2024 — A delegation led by Zheng Qinghua, President of Tongji University and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, visited Singapore and Kenya. The delegation included Wang Ying, Vice Dean of the Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD) and the College of Environmental Science and Engineering. The visit focused on key areas such as AI empowerment, transformation of traditional disciplines, and sustainable development. Through in-depth exchanges with international institutions including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, National University of Singapore (NUS), government agencies, and enterprises, the delegation achieved significant consensus, laying a solid foundation for Tongji University to further "connect with the world" and enhance its global influence.

Singapore Visit: Advancing AI and Academic Collaboration

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
The delegation met with Chu Jian, Singaporean Academy of Engineering Fellow and Dean of the College of Civil and Environmental Engineering, to discuss mechanisms for research collaboration and high-level talent cultivation aimed at advancing AI-driven transformation in traditional fields such as environmental and civil engineering. Both sides explored the latest developments in talent development and scientific research in smart, low-carbon, and resilient infrastructure. A "3+1+1" bachelor's-master’s joint talent development program between Tongji and NTU was officially launched, with agreements exchanged.

National University of Singapore (NUS)
At NUS, the two parties agreed to collaborate on a "1.5+1" master’s program, joint doctoral training, international research projects, and administrative staff exchanges. Discussions also included piloting a pathway program linking Tongji University’s affiliated science-focused high school to NUS. Additionally, the delegation engaged with NUS’s Department of Environmental Engineering to strengthen cooperation in basic scientific research, interdisciplinary integration, and global academic exchanges.

Meeting with Alumni in Singapore
The delegation held a forum with alumni representatives in Singapore, expressing gratitude for their continued support and discussing collaborative opportunities to advance the university’s intelligent transformation.

Kenya Visit: Driving Sustainable Development and Engineering Excellence

March 23–26 — The delegation visited Kenya to engage with UN agencies, the Kenyan Ministry of Education, universities, and Chinese enterprises, focusing on international engineer training, technology transfer, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
President Zheng Qinghua met with UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mrema and Jian Liu, Director of the Early Warning and Assessment Division, to discuss talent development, scientific collaboration, and capacity-building in developing countries. A renewed cooperation agreement was signed to support the UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development.

UN-Habitat
During talks with UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach, both sides exchanged ideas on climate change, resilient cities, and AI-driven sustainable urban development. A letter of intent and a joint research institute were established to formalize collaboration.

 •Signing ceremony with UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach

 •Inauguration of the joint research institute with UN-Habitat

University of Nairobi
President Zheng and University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson signed agreements to establish a joint International College of Excellence Engineers, promoting global engineering talent development. Vice Dean Wang Ying also inked a separate pact with the university’s environmental faculty to deepen cooperation in research, academic exchanges, and sustainability projects.

Kenyan Ministry of Education
The delegation signed a letter of intent with Kenyan Education Minister Ezekiel Machogu Oganba to expand partnerships in student exchanges, faculty mobility, and joint research programs. Minister Oganba praised Tongji’s contributions to Africa’s sustainable development and endorsed plans to localize international engineer training in Nairobi.

Media and Cultural Engagement
At Xinhua News Agency’s Africa Headquarters, the delegation discussed enhancing media cooperation, promoting China-Africa cultural exchanges, and strengthening international communication capabilities.

Chinese Enterprises in Kenya

During the Kenya Visit, the delegation prioritized engagements with Chinese enterprises including Huawei, ZTE, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), focusing on two core themes: Global Excellence in Engineering Talent and Industry-Education Integration.

At Huawei Kenya, the delegation held in-depth discussions with Mr. Gao Fei, Regional CEO, and his team, centered on Huawei’s guiding principle of In Africa, For Africa. The talks focused on Chinese enterprises’ strategies for globalizing technology and models for localized talent cultivation. A key highlight was Huawei Kenya’s ICT Academy, which trains engineering professionals and supports early-warning research for sustainable environmental development. This initiative exemplifies how Huawei integrates corporate social responsibility (CSR) with academic collaboration, reinforcing its commitment to fostering both technological advancement and long-term socio-economic growth in Africa.

During the visit to CCCC Kenya Branch and CRBC Kenya Office, the delegation toured the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Kenya, a project invested in and operated by CRBC. They engaged in detailed discussions with Du Shan, Party Committee Secretary of CRBC Kenya Office, and Yu Jing, Deputy Representative to UN-Habitat, focusing on the comprehensive package approach adopted by Chinese enterprises in Kenya. This approach integrates engineering construction, operational management, and talent development, reflecting China's commitment to delivering holistic solutions that align with Kenya's infrastructure needs and long-term capacity-building goals.

At ZTE Kenya Office and Kilimall, the delegation explored strategies for localized development of Chinese enterprises, particularly focusing on cultivating and training local technical and skilled talent. Discussions emphasized how companies like ZTE and Kilimall adapt their operations to align with Kenya’s socio-economic priorities, such as bridging digital divides and enhancing logistics efficiency. By sharing best practices in technology transfer, vocational education partnerships, and workforce upskilling, these enterprises demonstrate a dual commitment to business growth and empowering local communities through capacity-building initiatives tailored to Africa’s evolving market demands.

This visit reinforced Tongji University’s commitment to global collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development, marking significant strides in bridging academia, industry, and international governance.