A delegation from Saint Mary's University (SMU), led by its President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Robert Summerby-Murray, visited Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions and strengthen their long-term collaboration on 29 April 2025.

Dr Robert Summerby-Murray (left) and Prof Chen Zhi sign the MoU

SMU is one of Canada's oldest top primarily undergraduate universities, with its origins dating back to 1802. It is renowned for international collaborations, entrepreneurship and research. Since 2006, BNBU and SMU have maintained a strong cooperative relationship by cooperating in student exchanges and BNBU's International Internship Programme.

BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi welcomed the delegation and spoke highly of the partnership with SMU and its strengths in interdisciplinary collaboration and internationalisation. He reaffirmed BNBU's dedication to providing enriching resources and opportunities for student development, and emphasised the university's commitment to expanding global academic partnerships and facilitating student and faculty exchanges.

Dr Summerby-Murray praised BNBU's liberal arts education and its global achievements, expressing strong interest in advancing joint programmes and deepening collaboration in areas such as student mobility, co-teaching, and interdisciplinary research. He expected more potential to be released from both institutions in the future by strengthening the relationship with BNBU.

The meeting reflected a shared vision of fostering cross-cultural academic connectivity and nurturing globally minded graduates. Both parties reaffirmed their intent to further discussions and formalise cooperation through strategic agreements with a renewed MoU.

BNBU is dedicated to global engagement and promoting internationalisation. With SMU remaining its constant partner in North America, and the establishment of its Boston Center and Alumni Association of America in January 2025, BNBU is able to better foster international partnerships and interdisciplinary amalgamation in education in the surrounding region.

Currently, BNBU has established partnerships with nearly 100 renowned educational institutions worldwide, offering students opportunities for global engagement and collaboration.

The meeting was presided over by the Director of BNBU's International Development Office Dr Katherina Yu. SMU representatives at the meeting included: Vice-President and Advancement and External Affairs of Saint Mary's University, Ms Erin Sargeant Greenwood; Mrs Susan Summerby-Murray; and Senior Advisor in China Affairs of Saint Mary's University's Office of the President, Mr Bill Bu.

BNBU senior management also attended the meeting, including Provost and Acting Associate Vice President (Internationalisation) Prof Patrick Chau; Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Prof Adolf Ng; Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof Tze-ki Hon; Acting Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology Prof Ye Huajun; Assistant to President, Deputy Registrar of Academic Registry and Chief Strategic Development Officer Ms Ashura Lam; and Head of Master of Arts in Film, Television and New Media Dr Felicia Fan from the School of Culture and Creativity.

From MPRO

Reporter: Cecilia Yu

Photographer: Camelia Deng