China is one of the most influential and established countries in the world and an important and beneficial partner to CUT and the country. In 2016, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) was selected as one of the 12 universities amongst the 60 BRICS’s universities to form part of the international network. The Brazilian, Russian, Indian, China, South Africa (BRICS) Network University initiative was formed to serve as a research and educational project aimed at bringing together higher educational institutions from BRICS countries.

The two countries have since made laudable progress and on 12 October 2018, the Nanjing University delegates visited CUT to explore possible areas of collaboration and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Representatives from both universities gave brief presentations on their programmes to provide a broader understanding and a clear picture of their different operations.

Amongst the possible areas of collaboration identified, the two parties agreed to establish a co-operation relation in academic personnel and student exchanges, training and education. They also declared their intention to undertake joint activities including research, preparation of reports, cooperation in development projects, cross-cultural exchanges, working on joint research papers and applying for a Confucius centre in the region.

Currently, NUIST consists of 19 professional schools and is on the list of China’s national “Double First-rate” universities and disciplines and is also included in the provincial high-level universities in Jiangsu province.

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1: From left: Zhangjie Fu, Vice Dean, School of Computer and Software from Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Mr Jinlong Si, Chinese Student Union representative and CUT alumni are listening attentively to presentations of the day by Mr Gerrie Boysen, Director, Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing.

2: Mr Deng Zhiliang, Vice President of Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) holding Nanjing flag with Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement.