President Thomas Hofmann and President Zheng Qinghua sign a memorandum of understanding for a dual-degree program in Master of Management. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A day of celebration and collaboration unfolded as the delegation from the Technical University of Munich was warmly received at Tongji University in Shanghai on April 11. Led by President Thomas Hofmann, the delegation, comprising two senior vice-presidents, department heads, and professors across various disciplines, engaged in a series of events aimed at fortifying the partnership between the two institutions.

President Zheng Qinghua of Tongji University outlined the institution's latest development concept, focusing on digitalization, green steps, and integration. He emphasized the pivotal role of the Munich university as a key global partner and expressed hope for expanded and higher-level collaborations, a sentiment that was warmly acknowledged by President Hofmann.

Hofmann underscored the crucial role of universities in scientific innovation, talent cultivation, and stressing the necessity of international cooperation and exchanges among universities.

Vice-President Lou Yongqi and representatives from various schools provided an overview of Tongji University's international cooperation efforts, expressing strong interest in expanding collaboration with the Munich university. This culminated in an agreement to promote exchanges and interactions among researchers and administrators, enhancing joint research capabilities and institutional governance for greater societal development and impact.

The Munich university delegation embarks on a tour of Tongji University. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The presidents of both universities signed a memorandum of understanding for a dual-degree program in Master of Management.

The Munich university delegation embarked on a tour of Tongji University's facilities, including the Intelligent Construction Laboratory at the College of Architecture & Urban Planning, and the creative spaces and factory at the College of Design and Innovation. President Hofmann delivered a keynote speech to Tongji students at the China-Germany Building, stimulating lively discussions.

An exhibition showcased the extensive collaboration between the universities since 1995 across multiple levels and disciplines. The Tongji-TUM Day also culminated in a grand alumni gathering of Technical University of Munich at Tongji University, attended by numerous alumni now working at Tongji University.

Since signing their first inter-university collaborative agreement in 1995, Tongji and the Munich university, a flagship German institution and elite member of TU9, have forged close partnerships in numerous areas, yielding substantial results through student exchanges, dual-degree programs, joint research, integrated courses, and international conferences.