On the afternoon of June 14, 2025, a delegation from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) visited Dongguan City University (DGCU). The main representatives from both universities gathered in the conference room on the 6th floor of the administrative building to engage in comprehensive discussions regarding the Sino-US 1+2+1 Dual Degree Program, with a particular focus on the field of Robotics Engineering.

Meeting Highlights

 

 Zhenhua Li

    ●Zhenhua Li, President of Dongguan City University, extended a warm welcome to James T. Minor, Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Professor Terry Yan, Director of the Department of Mechanical and Electromechanical Engineering. Principal Li provided a detailed introduction to the university, highlighting its storied history, academic strengths, research accomplishments, and achievements in international collaboration.

 

James T. Minor

    ●SIUE’s Institutional Vision : Chancellor Minor highlighted the favorable location of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, its comprehensive academic offerings, and its dedication to cultivating international students. He emphasized that both universities are well-matched in their goals for international education and are eager to seek new opportunities for cooperation.

 

Weihua Fang

    ● Regional Edge & Program Expansion: Executive President Weihua Fang noted Dongguan’s unique advantage as a core city in the Greater Bay Area for cultivating global talent. Dongguan City University joined the Sino-US 121 Program in 2024 and expanded to five majors in 2025, with a focus on deepening robotics cooperation with SIUE.

Yonghu Yang

● Details of Academic Collaboration:

    Yonghu Yang, Dean of the Future Science and Technology College, provided an overview of the faculty, highlighted the college's achievements in academic competitions, and discussed the collaborative efforts with UBTECH in establishing an industry-focused college. He emphasized the importance of enhancing students' practical and innovative capabilities through a focus on cutting-edge technologies and the application of advanced teaching methodologies.

 

Terry Yan

    Professor Terry Yan underscored the notable benefits of Southern Illinois University 1+2+1 dual degree. He pointed out that students who achieve a GPA of 70 or above in their first year are qualified for the GEO Scholarship for International Students, which provides a 50% tuition waiver. Furthermore, students with exceptional academic achievements have the opportunity to apply directly for a master's degree at their university, bypassing the need for language proficiency scores.

    ● Milestone: At the meeting’s conclusion, representatives from both universities formally signed an institutional cooperation agreement, marking the official launch of the Sino-US 1+2+1 Program. The two sides exchanged souvenirs to commemorate the partnership.

    ●Campus Tour and Facility Demonstration: After the meeting, the representatives from Southern Illinois University toured the campus, focusing on the Robotics Disassembly and Assembly Laboratory, the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory, and the College of International Education. They gained an in-depth understanding of Dongguan City University's practical teaching facilities and international curriculum development.

●About the Sino-US 1+2+1 Dual Degree Program

    The project, jointly initiated by the China Education Association for International Exchange and other organizations, is a Ministry of Education registered program. It has been implemented for 25 years in China, covering over 200 universities in China and the United States, with nearly ten thousand students obtaining dual degrees.

    Students will complete their first and fourth years of study at Dongguan City University, and spend their second and third years at the partner institution in the United States. Upon graduation, they will be awarded degrees from both the Chinese and American university.

● About Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (SIUE)

    This renowned American university offers over 100 undergraduate programs and more than 70 graduate programs, with majors such as Robotics Engineering accredited by ABET. The university has approximately 14,000 students enrolled, including over 800 international students from more than 60 countries. It is committed to providing high-quality and affordable higher education.

    This collaboration highlights the shared vision of both institutions in promoting international academic exchange and cultivating modern talents.

International Cooperation and Exchange Department

 

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