UIC signs one MoU and exchange agreement with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David

A UIC delegation visited top-notch music and arts institutions in the UK during the week of 21-25 November. The purpose of this trip was to strengthen existing ties and explore new collaboration opportunities.

Led by UIC President Prof Ng Ching-Fai, the delegation visited the Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff; the Wales International Academy of Voice; the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff; Swansea University; three campuses of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David; Aberystwyth University; as well as the Trinity Laban College of Music and Dance, London.

A visit to the Gate Arts Centre

In addition, President Ng presented the honorary fellowship certificate and regalia to Prof Sir John Meurig Thomas at the University of Cambridge, who was absent from the conferment ceremony at UIC back in June.

Prof Sir John Meurig Thomas (m) puts on the gown for a UIC honorary fellowship

Inspirational experience

The UK trip was also attended by Prof Lilian Kwan, Associate Vice President; Prof Mei-hwa Sung, Dean of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences and Chairperson of the Committee for International Development; Prof Aaron Chiu, Interim Dean of the Division of Culture and Creativity; Dr David Walters, Assistant Professor and Programme Director for Music Minor; and Dr Katharina Yu, Director of International Development Office.

The UIC delegates at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea

According to Dr Katharina Yu, the visit aimed to deepen existing partnerships, to initiate new collaborative projects as well as to gather information on academic management of arts and music institutions.

Dr Yu added that the visits to Wales and London were "a very successful and inspirational experience." UIC signed one MoU and exchange agreement with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and is preparing to sign another one with Aberystwyth University.

New areas of collaboration were discussed with the potential partner institutions. UIC students would have the opportunities to participate in summer activities of world class music institutions. What’s more, through the Erasmus+ scheme it would be possible for UIC students who plan to study at Swansea University to be granted a limited number of scholarships.

Nonstop visits

Their first port of call was the Gate Arts Centre in Cardiff. Well-known Welsh composer and music director Eilir Owen Griffiths introduced the facilities and community engagement of the institution.

Talking with the students of the Gate Arts Centre

The delegation continued to visit the Wales International Academy of Voice that provides advanced voice, music and drama coaching to young professional opera singers. Euros Rhys Evans, the academic director of the Academy, gave an introduction to the programme and facilities.

The first day were concluded with a tour of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama led by Kevin Price, interim Director of Music at the institution. The possibilities of UIC students to visit the institution for summer workshops were explored.

Visiting the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Highlights also included a visit to UIC's partner institution Swansea University. The delegation discussed with the Head of the College of Arts and Humanities, Prof John Spurr, as well as the faculty from the field of media and arts, to explore new formats of collaboration. Current UIC exchange students joined the meeting and shared their study abroad experiences.

Moreover, Swansea University received an EU grant for Erasmus+ and invited UIC to register as a partner with the EU. The grant would provide a scholarship for up to two students on both sides for exchange.

A visit to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

New partnership was established between UIC and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. On the Carmarthen campus of the university, President Ng Ching-Fai and Prof Catrin Thomas, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, signed an MoU and exchange agreement.

On 24 November, the delegation went to Aberystwyth University, of which President Ng is an Honorary Fellow. Prof Chris Thomas, Pro Vice-Chancellor, affirmed a strong interest on the Aberystwyth side for future cooperation.

Prof Chris Thomas (l) presents a souvenir to Prof Ng Ching-Fai

During the morning of 25 November, the delegation visited the Trinity Laban College of Music and Dance in London, which offers highly competitive music and dance programmes. Prof Anthony Bowen, principal of the College, received the delegation.

At the Trinity Laban College of Music and Dance

The delegation then visited Prof Sir John Meurig Thomas at the University of Cambridge to present his UIC honorary fellowship certificate and regalia. Prof Thomas, who was not able to travel to Zhuhai in June for the conferment ceremony, expressed his heartfelt thanks.

Prof Sir John Meurig Thomas (l) presents a book to Prof Ng

Reporter: Deen He
Photographs provided by IDO
Editor: Samuel Burguess
(from MPRO)