DMU Confucius Institute Celebrates Year of the Rabbit with USTB

On January 16^th, DMU Confucius Institute (CI) held a joint celebration of the 2023 Chinese New Year with USTB (University of Science and Technology Beijing) at De Montfort University (DMU). DMU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Katie Normington, USTB President, Professor YANG Renshu and other colleagues from both sides graced the event with speeches.

In her speech, VC Katie Normington extended a warm welcome to USTB colleagues and thanks to all and wished everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. She said that in 2022 the two universities had overcome difficulties with mutual support to ensure smooth running at both ends. She commended the CI for its contribution to the cultural diversity of DMU. She also expressed her hope of in-person visits between the two universities in the Year of the Rabbit, a year of contemplation and reflection.

President YANG Renshu conveyed Chinese New Year greetings and best wishes to the staff and students of DMU. As a response to VC Normington, he hoped to see more mutual visits and closer cooperation for the healthy and long-term development of both universities. He congratulated the CI on its striking achievements in both Chinese language teaching and cultural activities, which are indispensable for both universities to promote more people-to-people exchanges and traditional friendship. That would ensure a new chapter with more benefits for USTB and DMU.

The brief speeches were followed by festive performances.

The CI is also thankful to the presence of Jill Cowley, Interim Dean of ADH (Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities) of DMU, Louise Peacock, Interim Head of ADH and Chair of the CI Management Board, Jas Sandhu, Business Development Manager, Philip Rule, Director of the Centre for English Language Learning, Gavin Kew, Head of ADH Faculty of Operations.