From April 6^th to 13^th, Led by Mr. WU Guilong, Chancellor of USTB, the USTB delegation visited Japan and South Korea, where they engaged in in-depth exchanges with multiple universities and enterprises. The visit aimed to deepen international educational cooperation, expand collaborative innovation in scientific research, and inject new vitality into the development of a high-level international cooperation network.

USTB Delegation at the Hokkaido University

During the visit to Japan, the USTB delegation visited Hokkaido University and met with President Kiyohiro Houkin. Chancellor WU Guilong introduced USTB's progress in internationalization and the development of international student programs. He emphasized that the two universities should strengthen academic exchanges to build a bridge of communication between Chinese and Japanese youth and jointly undertake the role of promoting mutual learning between civilizations. President Houkin noted that next year marks the 40^th anniversary of cooperation between USTB and Hokkaido University, and expressed his hope to further expand educational exchanges and collaboration across various fields. Later, the delegation attended a meeting with exchange students from USTB at Hokkaido University. Chancellor WU Guilong warmly inquired about the students' academic and daily lives, encouraged them to communicate, support one another, and sincerely stated, "USTB will always be your home."

Visit to the Embassy of China in Japan

The delegation visited the Embassy of China in Japan and held discussions with Minister ZHAO Baogang and Minister-Counselor DU Kewei. Chancellor WU expressed his gratitude to the Embassy for its continued support of USTB and emphasized USTB’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Japanese universities and enterprises, in support of people-to-people exchanges and long-term friendship between China and Japan. Minister-Counselor DU offered valuable guidance on talent cultivation, student exchange programs, and language and cultural engagement.

Visit to the Hosei University

Visit to the Chuo University

The delegation visited Hosei University and Chuo University, where they held discussions with President Diana Khor and Vice President Maki Kunimatsu, respectively. Chancellor WU provided a brief overview of the development and construction of USTB and reviewed the history of cooperation between the institutions. Both sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics such as talent cultivation programs and collaboration in science, technology, and the humanities.

Visit to POSTECH

Visit to the Sunchon National University

During the visit to South Korea, the delegation visited POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) and held talks with President Keun-kim Seong. Both sides exchanged views on potential areas of cooperation, including student exchange programs and joint training of master's and doctoral students. At the Sunchon National University, the delegation met with Vice President Seung-tae Moon. Chancellor WU Guilong emphasized USTB’s commitment to further promoting internationalization and disciplinary innovation between the two institutions, and expressed strong support for the resumption of the Four-University Symposium to foster shared development.

Visit to POSCO

The delegation also visited POSCO (Pohang Iron and Steel Company), where they held discussions with Mr. Myoung-kyun Shin, Director of the Low-Carbon Ironmaking Research Institute. Chancellor WU expressed that both sides have achieved key technological breakthroughs in areas such as green metallurgy and intelligent manufacturing, and will further deepen innovation and R&D in low-carbon technologies and artificial intelligence. During the meeting, the two parties reached a consensus on international talent cultivation and the development of low-carbon steel, and renewed their scientific and technological cooperation agreement.

This visit has further deepened multidimensional cooperation with universities and enterprises in Japan and South Korea, fostering in-depth integration in scientific and technological innovation and talent cultivation. Moving forward, USTB will make every effort to advance and implement the outcomes of this visit, contributing USTB's strength to the global development of science and education.

Draft: WANG Qiuyu

Revision: CHENG Mingyuan