SETU representatives visit partners in China for the first time since Covid-19 pandemic

President of South East Technological University (SETU), Professor Veronica Campbell, and her team recently visited the University's partners in China for the first time since Covid-19 pandemic.

They were joined by Ambassador of Ireland to China, Ann Derwin, and her team from the Embassy of Ireland, the Consulate of Ireland in Shanghai, Education in Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland. The group were hosted by government and university officials at SETU partner institutions: Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy (HUAHE) and its joint institute Carlow International College of Technology (CICT); Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) and its joint Waterford Institute; and Jilin Normal University (JLNU).

Speaking about the visit, Prof. Veronica Campbell, commented, “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to visit China this past week with my SETU colleagues and Ambassador Derwin and team. We were given an enormously warm welcome from our partners at HUAHE/CICT, NUIST/Waterford Institute, and JLNU. I am spurred on by the strength of our partnership on display in the excellent showcases of student success and wonderful campus facilities. Seeing first-hand the positive effect of the quality of the programmes we’ve developed, the student experience on offer, and the ongoing work to provide educational opportunity that allows students to become innovative professionals and leaders in their disciplines was enlivening. I’m also delighted that we can continue to welcome many Chinese students to our campuses in Ireland every year, and we encourage them to take advantage of opportunities in Europe’s fastest growing economy or equally, to return home to add their talent to the innovative and dynamic Chinese economy. Sincere thanks to our partners, and to the SETU team who have nurtured these partnerships over the past number of years. I look forward to developing and expanding these into the future.”

The purpose of this visit was to create connection and strengthen relationships with global partners. SETU outlines this goal of generating a higher education experience in their plan ‘Connecting for Impact – 2023-2028’. Prof. Campbell’s visit alongside Ambassador Derwin demonstrates the University's commitment to expand their impact at international level with the increased access to higher education.