Bournemouth University’s (BU) Festival of Learning landed in Zhengzhou, China, with two days of events and lectures showcasing the best of the university’s knowledge and research.
The Festival of Learning, in its fourth year, began on Saturday in Bournemouth, before heading to Sias International University in the Henan Province of China.
The Festival of Learning in China was opened by Dr Sonal Minocha, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) at Bournemouth University, Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, and Sias University’s Chairman, Dr Shawn Chen.
The day then began with a discussion about education and innovation, and the ‘East meets West’ nature of the event, and the collaboration between both BU and SIAS Universities.
Speaking at the event Professor John Vinney said, “It has been an amazing day, the launch of our first global Festival of Learning. We’ve had some brilliant events and some great interaction with the students.
“The Festival of Learning is an expression of what makes Bournemouth University so great but what has impressed me is how the model has been so well received in China, and how we are really partnering with Sias to deliver this event.
Professor Vinney’s comments were echoed by Dr Sonal Minocha, who said, “This is the single largest mobility exercise BU has undertaken and I don’t know many other universities across the globe who put on such a celebration of learning on such an international scale.
“This is an innovative example of what learning should be about, it should be accessible, fun and I’m delighted that it has been co-produced by staff, students and members of the community both in Bournemouth, and here in China.”
In the afternoon, a number of parallel sessions ran, with academics from both universities sharing knowledge and presenting research to the benefit of those listening in. Sessions included research into news websites in China and the UK, an event into tax planning, and a talk on new developments in orthopaedic surgery.
Other events included an insight into learning in the UK, some tips on social media use, and a session on building your own personal brand.
After a dinner reception, the day culminated in a basketball match between the two Higher Education Institutes, with dance displays from the gifted performing students at Sias, all to a 300 strong crowd.
The Festival makes its final stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 28 and 29 June 2016.
The China leg of the Festival of Learning will finish on Tuesday 27 June with a presentation from a number of BU students who have been on a ‘Destination China’ exchange programme at Sias University. There will also be a chance to experience some of China’s culture, as Festival-goers will be treated to a tour of a local Shaolin temple and entertained with traditional kung Fu.
