China has its eye on Flemish education

China is fast joining the world top in the field of education and research, and the University of Leuven does not intend to miss this boat. China’s interest in collaboration was confirmed when Liu Yandong responsible for education in the powerful Politburo signed a number of agreements on collaboration with the university, including the promotion of student exchange. KU Leuven’s Chinese student and researcher numbers currently stand at about 600. Bart De Moor, vice-rector for International Policy, is in favour of this exchange: “Scientific research benefits from international collaboration. China has considerable talent. Moreover, studies abroad are conducive to a wider perspective.” As it is, many Chinese rectors studied at European or American universities and are familiar with the Western education model. The downside, of course, is the lack of openness and the violation of human rights in the country, and De Moor admits that these are problems to be concerned about. “Commitment from western countries can bring a change,” he says. De Moor further stressed that talks with countries like Brazil and India about collaboration are running.  Moreover, the University of Ghent has also set its sights on Asia, and recently started a campus in South Korea. With its EDGE project, KU Leuven has a different approach which entails “a franchise model of sorts,  giving foreign universities the opportunity to create a hub in Leuven”, De Moor explains, adding that, “A Chinese university could, for example, provide training in Louvain”. He further believes EDGE is the ideal vehicle to attract talent, saying, “Chinese engineers in training will enjoy the opportunity to study here for 6 years, adding surplus value to Flanders during their stay in our region”.