The 40th Anniversary Conference on High-Quality Development of Shandong University's Weihai campus is held in Weihai, Shandong Province, on Oct 27. [Photo/Shandong University]

On Oct 27, the 40th Anniversary Conference on High-Quality Development of Shandong University's Weihai campus was held in Weihai, Shandong Province. Over 1,600 participants, including faculty, students, alumni, experts, scholars and guests from all sectors of society, gathered to witness and reflect on the past 40 years of educational development at the Weihai campus.

Deng Yunfeng, vice-governor of Shandong, highlighted that Shandong University, in collaboration with Weihai, pioneered a new model of university-regional cooperation in higher education. Over the past 40 years, the Weihai campus has seen significant improvements in academic competitiveness, social influence, and international recognition.

Ren Youqun, Party secretary of Shandong University, stated that the university has witnessed the reforms that have taken place in China’s higher education system and the acceleration of educational modernization, and it has served as a pioneer in forging a new chapter of high-quality development through its collaboration with Weihai. Looking to the future, he added, Shandong University will continue to focus on becoming a more responsible, confident, and world-class university with Chinese characteristics.

A new phase of cooperation between Shandong University and the Weihai Municipal People's Government was launched at the conference on Oct 27. [Photo/Shandong University]

Shandong University President Li Shucai summarized the achievements of the Weihai campus over the past 40 years, emphasizing its educational development and accumulated experience. He stated that the university will continue to meet the country's strategic needs, focus on cultivating virtue and talent, and strengthen international cooperation and exchange. He added that greater efforts will be made to transform the Weihai campus into a key growth engine in building a world-class university with Chinese characteristics.

An Shi, executive deputy Party secretary of the Harbin Institute of Technology, extended his best wishes to Shandong University. He highlighted the strong foundation of cooperation between the two institutions over the years and expressed his hope that they will continue to work together, contributing to the development of a strong education system in China.

Cui Weihang, Party secretary of the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,shared his memories as an alumni representative and reflected on his time studying at the Weihai campus. He noted that Shandong University's academic legacy has been continued, expanded, and carried forward at the Weihai campus.

A new phase of cooperation between Shandong University and the Weihai Municipal People's Government was launched at the conference. Shandong University will continue to deepen its comprehensive collaboration with Weihai, harnessing their respective resources and strengths to create a new model of university-regional cooperation.