On 9 March 2022, the signing of a strategic agreement between the Open University of China (OUC) and Beijing Jiaotong University (BJU) took place, promising cooperation in teaching and research, development of academic disciplines, and graduate studies by sharing resources and seeking collaborative innovation of teaching approaches. OUC president Jing Degang and BJU president Wang Jiaqiong signed the agreement on behalf of their universities, while Cao Guoyong, OUC executive deputy secretary, presided over the ceremony.

In the meeting that followed, Jing Degang introduced the history of the OUC, its current status, and its goals for reform. He noted that it seeks to balance progress against stability as it builds“four platforms” through “four transformations”. What it hopes to gain from the BJU is the advantage of its well-developed graduate programmes in order to develop its own in the future.

Wang Jiaqiong in turn discussed the BJU’s experience with graduate education, and mentioned the challenges it has faced developing IT. For both sides, assisting one another promoting lifelong learning in China is the ultimate goal.

Personnel from both universities attended the ceremony.

Written by Liu Yuxia, photographed by Zhuge Huanyu