ASU joins China–GCC Higher Education Dialogue, visits top institutions in Hangzhou

Applied Science University (ASU) participated in the China–GCC Higher Education Cooperation Dialogue, held as part of the 2025 World University Presidents Forum and the International Forum on Higher Education in Hangzhou, China. The dialogue aimed to strengthen academic collaboration between higher education institutions in China and the Gulf region and to promote the exchange of expertise in language, research, technology, and higher education governance.

The ASU delegation was headed by Prof. Waheeb Al-Khaja, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and included Prof. Hatem Masri, President of the University, and Mr. Abdulla Al-Khaja, President’s Advisor for Follow-up Affairs and Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs. Throughout the sessions, the delegation discussed prospects for academic cooperation between Chinese and Gulf universities and ways to advance education in line with digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

During the dialogue, Prof. Waheeb Al-Khaja highlighted several key areas for future collaboration, including cultural and language programs aimed at promoting Chinese-language education in Gulf universities and schools through smart classrooms and educational camps, in addition to initiatives supporting student mobility and scholarship exchange to enhance mutual understanding.

He also emphasized the importance of developing institutional partnerships in applied sciences, engineering, digital technologies, and sustainable energy, as well as establishing joint research centers and academic programs that foster innovation and capacity building. Furthermore, he stressed the need to strengthen educational governance frameworks and policies to ensure mutual recognition of qualifications and to enhance higher education quality between the two regions.