July 14, 2025 - The opening ceremony of the 2025 Shanghai Summer School - ECUST Arab Youth “A Smart Journey in China” Global Competence Talent Training Summer Program was held at the Yifu Auditorium. This marks the university’s first technology-focused summer program dedicated to young talents from Arab nations, attracting 33 outstanding participants from nine countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco.
Attendees included ECUST Vice President Prof. Zhu Weihong, U.A.E. Consul General to Shanghai H.E. Muhannad Alnaqbi, Director of the International Exchange Department, Shanghai Municipal Education Commission Mr. Zhou Qinjian. ECUST faculty representatives and leadership members from Chinese and Saudi Arabian companies also participated in the ceremony, including Mr. Wang Chuang, President of General Business Department at Shanghai Zhiyuan New Creation Technology Co., Ltd and Mr. Ameeri-Al Nawaf Ali, Director of Glycols Greater China, Chemicals, SABIC. The event explored innovative approaches to cultivating globally competent talent.
A highlight was the appearance of Zhiyuan’s humanoid robot AgiBot A-2, which hosted the ceremony with futuristic flair and interacted with participants.
AgiBot A-2 hosting the opening ceremony
Students taking pictures with AgiBot A-2
In the opening ceremony, ECUST Vice President Zhu Weihong welcomed attendees, emphasizing the program’s goal to empower Arab youth with a global perspective and deeper understanding of China. “In an era driven by AI, biotech, and green energy,” he noted, “we hope participants will harness science to contribute to the China-Arab community.”
UAE Consul General Al Nakbi praised ECUST’s role in strengthening bilateral ties through education, urging future collaboration in tech and culture. Zhou Qinjian commended ECUST’s leadership in international education, urging further alignment with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Shanghai’s development goals.
From the perspectives of industry leaders, Wang Chuang showcased China’s advancements in humanoid robotics, inviting global youth to join Zhiyuan’s mission of “precision-engineered productivity.” Nawaf Ali outlined SABIC’s six-month training initiative with ECUST, stressing youth innovation as key to sustainable growth.
UAE delegate Abdulaziz expressed excitement for Shanghai’s “future-forward ethos” and the program’s potential to bridge cultures, closing with a Mandarin wish: ”May everyone have a wonderful summer in Shanghai!”
The three-week program combines academic sessions, workshops, and cultural exchanges to nurture future leaders. ECUST reaffirmed its commitment to global competence training, supporting the vision of a shared human future.
