On 16 December 2025, Professor Ding Kuiling, President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), visited the SJTU Asia-Pacific Graduate Institute (SJTU-APGI) in Singapore. A key highlight of the visit was the launch of the International Technology Transfer Southeast Asia Center, a regional initiative aimed at advancing cross-border technology translation and innovation partnerships.

The launch ceremony was attended by Dr. Han Jun, Minister-Counsellor (Education) of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore, together with senior representatives from leading universities and partner institutions. Distinguished guests included Associate Vice President of National University of Singapore George Loh, Associate Vice President of Nanyang Technological University and CEO of NTUitive David Shem Tov, Head (Technology Development) of NTUitive Michelle Zhang, Director of China Affairs Office Connie Zhang, Secretary from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore Pan Chenwei, Director of SJTU Division of Global Cooperation and Exchange Yin Haitao, Deputy Director of SJTU Institute of Science and Technology Development and Dean of SJTU Institute of Advanced Industrial Technology Sheng Xinjun, Director of SJTU Alumni Association Office Gu Xiyao, Secretary of General, SJTU Education Development Foundation Wang Yushen, SJTU Division of Global Cooperation and Exchange Li Yahui..

Welcoming the guests on behalf of the Institute, Professor Peng Yinghong, Dean of SJTU-APGI, expressed his appreciation for their presence and continued support. Professor Sheng Xinjun subsequently outlined the Center’s strategic positioning, core functions, and development roadmap. The unveiling of the International Technology Transfer Southeast Asia Center was jointly officiated by Professor Ding Kuiling and Dr. Han Jun.

In his address, Dr. Han Jun reflected on Singapore’s strong emphasis on technology translation and the close integration between research and enterprise. He noted that the establishment of the International Technology Transfer Southeast Asia Center is timely, as innovation systems increasingly emphasize application-driven research, and expressed his expectation that the Center would leverage Singapore’s experience to facilitate deeper cooperation and mutual learning.

President Ding Kuiling, in his remarks, thanked government agencies and international partners for their longstanding support. He noted that SJTU’s sustained engagement in Singapore has created favorable conditions for expanded collaboration, and highlighted the new Center as an important step forward. He expressed his expectation that the Center would further integrate universities and industry, accelerate cross-border technology translation, and enhance connectivity among innovation ecosystems in China, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

The event was also attended by Vice Dean of SJTU-APGI Xu Min and Xi Junfang, CNSB-CREATE Scientific Director Xu Ping, Associate Director (Antai Asia Pacific Center) of SJTU-APGI Liu Xiaoyang, as well as CNSB staffs and students.

The visit and the launch of the Center underscore SJTU’s continued commitment to international collaboration and its strategic efforts to advance technology transfer and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.