AIOU to establish Chinese language and culture centre
Allama Iqbal Open University has decided to establish a Chinese language and culture centre under a new educational cooperation agreement with Chinese institution Teng Chinese International.
The agreement provides for joint academic programmes, the exchange of teachers and students and measures to promote Chinese language learning at the university.
AIOU Vice Chancellor Dr. Nasir Mahmood said young people equipped with modern technology and practical skills would be the real strength of the future.
He said the proposed centre would help students learn the Chinese language and gain a better understanding of Chinese culture.
Mahmood said the university was already successfully operating centres for Turkish, Japanese and Russian languages, and the addition of a Chinese language and culture centre would further expand its international academic offerings.
Under the agreement, the two institutions will work together on language education, academic exchanges, skills development and other areas of mutual interest.
Song Jiang, representing Teng Chinese International, said Allama Iqbal Open University was a strong partner for technology- and skills-based education in Pakistan.
He said the collaboration would help strengthen educational links between Pakistan and China and create new learning opportunities for students.
Dr. Saima Nasir said the partnership would provide students and teachers with access to international-standard research and academic opportunities.
She said the agreement would also support faculty development, student exchanges and the introduction of joint programmes designed to meet emerging educational and professional needs.
University officials said the initiative was aimed at improving language skills, strengthening cross-cultural understanding and expanding academic cooperation with Chinese institutions.
The planned centre is also expected to support students interested in higher education, research, business and employment opportunities linked to China.