On June 7, the 2025 Graduation Ceremony and Degree Conferral for the joint master’s programs in International Trade and Economic Relations, Hospital Management, and Educational Leadership and Management—co-hosted by Nankai University and Flinders University (Australia)—was held at the Tian Jiabing Concert Hall on Nankai’s Balitai Campus. Vice President of Nankai University Zhu Shoufei and President of Flinders University Professor Colin Stirling attended the ceremony. Leaders from the Institute of Economics and Social Development of Nankai University and relevant departments from both institutions were also present.
Prior to the ceremony, Zhu Shoufei met with Colin Stirling and his delegation to discuss ongoing cooperation between the two universities. Both university leaders acknowledged the 25-year partnership and held in-depth discussions on potential new collaborative programs. Heads of Nankai’s Institute of Economics and Social Development, Graduate School, and Office of International Academic Exchange also participated in the meeting.
Zhu Shoufei warmly welcomed the Flinders delegation, noting that Nankai University has always placed a high value on international development. Over the past two decades, the two universities have achieved remarkable outcomes in joint education programs, academic exchanges, and scientific research collaboration. He expressed hope that the friendly relationship would continue, and that deeper cooperation in areas such as talent development and international research projects would follow. He also proposed exploring new collaborative programs in Technology Transfer and Science & Technology Finance and Smart City Management, opening a new chapter in international education and academic exchange, and contributing to educational and cultural exchange between China and Australia.
Colin Stirling praised the long-standing partnership, providing a detailed overview of Flinders University’s history, academic strengths, international collaborations, scientific research, and student training. He emphasized that the partnership with Nankai University is one of Flinders’ longest standing and most significant overseas collaborations. Thanks to joint efforts by faculty and students, the partnership has yielded fruitful results in education, research, and academic exchange. He expressed hope that the two universities would expand and deepen their collaboration in this new era.
Following the meeting, Chinese and Australian guests jointly attended the graduation ceremony and master’s degree conferral at the Tian Jiabing Concert Hall. The grand event welcomed 450 graduates from across China, along with faculty representatives from both universities.
Flinders University, established in 1966 and located in Adelaide, South Australia, is a member of the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) group. As one of Australia's top universities, Flinders ranks among the nation's leading institutions and is known worldwide for its dynamic, modern, and progressive spirit, as well as its excellence in teaching and research.
Nankai University began its partnership with Flinders University in 2000 (International Trade and Economic Relations), 2003 (Hospital Management), and 2012 (Educational Leadership and Management). To date, the two institutions have successfully hosted 36, 33, and 16 cohorts respectively, training over 10,000 outstanding graduates.
