To further advance its internationalisation strategy and strengthen the development of a high-calibre sports talent cultivation system, the School of Sports Science and Engineering recently dispatched a delegation comprising Dean Xinming YE, Associate Dean Mei DU, and Director of the General Office Li ZENG to visit and engage in exchanges with multiple universities in Malaysia and Singapore. The delegation conducted in-depth discussions on collaborative initiatives encompassing joint training programmes, co-developed curricula, and reciprocal faculty and student exchanges.
The delegation's first visit was to the National University of Malaysia (UKM). Established in 1970, it is one of Malaysia's five research-intensive universities and currently ranks 126th in the QS World University Rankings. UKM holds a strong reputation in fields including education, engineering, medicine, and sports science. The delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with the School of Education at UKM regarding multi-level joint talent cultivation programmes in sports science at undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels, alongside international faculty and student exchanges. Particular emphasis was placed on comparing and exchanging insights between the curriculum systems of ECUST’s Sports Training and UKM's Sports and Health Education. Both parties reached preliminary cooperation intentions concerning joint training initiatives and short-term faculty and student exchange visits. Following the meeting, the delegation toured UKM's sports facilities to study its advanced venue management and sports science practice environments, aiming to draw insights for enhancing and optimising corresponding facilities at our university.
Subsequently, the delegation visited Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) and its National Institute of Education. As a globally renowned comprehensive research university, NTU currently ranks 12th in the QS World University Rankings and holds significant influence in engineering, business, education, and sports science. Its undergraduate programme in Sports Science and Management, alongside the Master's programme in Sport and Physical Activity Studies, emphasise integrating theory with practice, having cultivated numerous high-calibre sports professionals. The delegation gained in-depth insights into the training models and curriculum design of these programmes, while also touring teaching and sports facilities, thereby laying a solid foundation for further collaboration.
The delegation then visited the American Centre for Education (ACE) in Singapore. Established in 2007, ACE is a higher education institution registered with Singapore's Council for Private Education (CPE). Co-founded in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin, it serves as a vital overseas platform for advancing the American university education system across Asia. ACE collaborates with renowned institutions including the University of Wisconsin System, the State University of New York System, and the Florida State University System. Through its credit accumulation system, it assists students in pursuing further studies at world-class universities. The delegation toured its teaching, laboratory, and sports facilities, gaining detailed insights into the institution's history, academic management team, and collaborative networks. Recognising a strong alignment in their shared vision for cultivating internationally oriented, high-calibre sports professionals, both parties expressed mutual intent to pursue substantive collaboration in areas including faculty and student exchanges, as well as joint curriculum development.
This visit has not only deepened mutual understanding with high-calibre educational institutions in Southeast Asia, but also opened new avenues for advancing the school's internationalisation strategy and enhancing the quality of talent cultivation. The school will continue to expand high-level international cooperation, drive innovative development in sports disciplines, and elevate its global influence.