Source: Office of International Cooperation & Exchange
Written by: Office of International Cooperation & Exchange
Proofread by: Yang Dan
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On the morning of December 14, 2013, SYSU signed a cooperation agreement with Volkswagen (China) Investment Company Limited (VCIC) to conduct collaborations in the field of industrial relations and social development. Prof. Wei Minghai, Vice President of SYSU, and Mr. Klaus Dierkes, Executive Vice President Human Resources, Organization and ITP of VCIC, signed the cooperation agreement. Ms. Li Hanrong, Director of Education Development & Alumni Affairs Office of SYSU, and Mr. Klaus Dierkes signed the donation agreement. Prof. Ma Jun, Assistant President of SYSU, representatives from School of Government, Office of International Cooperation & Exchange, Education Development & Alumni Affairs Office of SYSU, Mr. Frank Patta, General Secretary of Volkswagen AG World Group Works Council, and representatives from Volkswagen Group China, attended the signing ceremony.

According to the agreement, Volkswagen Group China will set up an endowed chair at SYSU in 2014 with the aim to grasp the present and future change of industrial relations and social development through teaching and research, and provide consultation for industrial and social adjustment. Meanwhile, the two sides plan to conduct close collaborations through seminars, researches and visiting lectures, and establish research institute at SYSU when favorable conditions are created.

Vice President Wei Minghai placed high hopes for the cooperation. He pointed out that situated in Guangdong, the frontier of reform and opening up, SYSU puts emphasis on academic and scientific research as well as cooperation with enterprises. It is hoped that through the cooperation with Volkswagen, SYSU will learn advanced technology and sustainable development from Germany.

Mr. Klaus Dierkes expressed his expectation for the cooperation between the two sides. He stressed that Volkswagen values technological innovation and cooperation with first-class universities. Mr. Frank Patta said that World Works Council of Volkswagen AG will continue to support university education.

Volkswagen Group China takes stable labor relations and win-win relations as one of its strategies. At present in China, the drastic social and economic changes pose a challenge for employer and employee relations. The university-enterprise collaboration is of positive significance and far-reaching influence to the establishment of healthy industrial relations and the promotion of social development.