WKU hosts Sino-US Entrepreneur Roundtable

In a bid to bolster bilateral relations between China and the United States, Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) hosted an important Sino-US Entrepreneur Roundtable on April 25. The event brought together key figures in education and economics from both countries, underscoring the university's decade-long commitment to integrating Sino-US educational resources and fostering collaborative development.

Attendees comprised professors and educators from Kean University and WKU, alongside government officials and entrepreneurs representing New Jersey and Zhejiang. The Roundtable discussions were centered around talent cultivation and industry-academia-research cooperation, probing into the effective collaboration between universities and cities. Key topics of exploration included city-university integration, talent development, industry-academia partnerships, and service integration.

Wang Beijiao, Party Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Wenzhou-Kean University, shared the institution's forward-thinking vision. "We aspire to emerge as a beacon of research excellence, propelling economic growth and nurturing local enterprises through technological innovation and the cultivation of inventive talent," he said.

Dr. Lamont Repollet, president of Kean University, underscored the significance of collaborative efforts, highlighting the strategic partnership between Zhejiang and New Jersey in driving local development through educational initiatives. Repollet emphasized the pivotal role of expertise and research in addressing present challenges and shaping a prosperous future.

Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, emphasized New Jersey's global connectivity and economic strength. He expects WKU and KUSA to strengthen educational ties and enable mutual learning between Wenzhou and New Jersey.

Zhejiang CPPCC Standing Committee member and Vice Chairman of the Provincial Federation of Overseas Chinese, Feng Dingxian, expressed his commendation for WKU's role in promoting Sino-American economic and trade exchanges and driving local development. He anticipates WKU's continued contribution to bilateral relations and economic development.

Vice Chairman and Party Member of Wenzhou CPPCC, Chen Shengfeng, highlighted WKU's pursuit of excellence in education and cooperation between China and the United States. He emphasized the university's role in attracting international talents and fostering innovation to support Wenzhou's development.

During the event, WKU solidified partnerships with eight esteemed local enterprises, extending industry mentorship opportunities to their leaders. This ongoing synergy between academia and industry aims to bolster innovative productivity and propel mutual growth. Notably, the university has established a "University-Enterprise Joint Research and Development Center" with two local entities, infusing innovation and global perspectives into regional development initiatives. Currently, the Center is poised to jointly tackle scientific and technological challenges in critical areas such as healthcare, water management, and environmental conservation.

Officially established in 2014, Wenzhou-Kean University is a collaborative endeavor in higher education between Zhejiang in China and New Jersey in the United States. Over the past decade, WKU has emerged as a shining example and a leading force in Sino-US education cooperation. With a dedicated focus on fostering local economic development through talent cultivation, WKU proudly fulfills roles such as the National Service Center for Overseas Intellectuals, the Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base for Bioinformatics, and the Zhejiang Foreign Experts Workstation.