UISG & Sun Yat-sen University Write a New Chapter | 誉德莱与中山大学共绘新章

Sun Yat-sen University Forum

At the end of November, under the warm winter sun and with the kapok blossoms adorning the branches, a dialogue concerning cultural heritage and educational collaboration took place in the conference hall of Sun Yat-sen University’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature. Amid the quiet winter atmosphere, the gathering resonated with profound significance. Representatives from both institutions—including Party Secretary Wang Zheng, Deputy Party Secretary Xie Jinhua, and Associate Professor Deng Shulan, Deputy Director of the International Chinese Language Center at Sun Yat-sen University met with Dr. Dan Mullen, Head of Utahloy International School Guangzhou, along with Secondary School Principal Martin Grist, Chinese Department Head Cindy Li, Human Resources Manager Serena Zhong, and Human Resources Specialist Kelly SiTu. Together, they renewed old ties and envisioned new chapters.

01. Tracing the Roots:

Reflecting on the Heart of Education Through a Century of Legacy

Before the symposium began, representatives from both sides, accompanied by faculty from Sun Yat-sen University’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature, visited the University History Museum and campus museums. In the presence of time-honored classics, manuscripts, and physical collections, educators from both schools paused to observe and immerse themselves in the enduring intellectual heritage of this century-old institution. Through the lens of history, they jointly contemplated the profound foundations and mission of education.

02. The Beginning:
Where Shared Efforts Bear Fruit

At the start of the symposium, Party Secretary Wang Zheng of Sun Yat-sen University’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature warmly recalled the journey of collaboration between the two institutions over the years. He emphasized that in an increasingly globalized context, international Chinese language education is not merely about language instruction but also serves as a vital bridge for mutual learning among civilizations. The partnership with Utahloy International School Guangzhou has infused the discipline with a broader international perspective and practical relevance. Deputy Party Secretary Xie Jinhua expressed her warm welcome to the deepening exchanges between the two sides. She specifically extended heartfelt thanks to Utahloy International School for providing valuable internship opportunities to students of the Chinese Department each year. These internship experiences have comprehensively enhanced the students’ overall competencies, laying out a solid foundation for their future professional development.

In response, Dr. Dan Mullen, Head of Utahloy International School Guangzhou, highlighted the school’s educational philosophy. He noted that understanding, valuing, and preserving Chinese culture is a profound aspect of Utahloy’s educational approach. The interns, he added, bring vibrant linguistic energy and cultural inspiration to the campus. Principal Martin Grist remarked that education is about connection, and the collaboration between the two institutions fosters student growth. Interns carry academic insights into classrooms and cultural activities, returning with the joyful smiles of children and a stronger foundation for their future roles in society. This two-way illumination, he said, makes education and growth a truly inspiring cycle.

03. Setting the Ink:
A New Chapter Begins with a Signed Accord

In the presence of all attendees, Party Secretary Wang Zheng and Dr. Dan Mullen signed the cooperation agreement on behalf of their respective institutions and exchanged commemorative gifts. The act of signing represented not only a commitment to responsibility but also a resonance of shared aspirations. Though modest in form, the gifts carried the sincere dedication and hopes both institutions hold for education.

A Signed Accord

The symposium drew to a close in a meaningful and reflective atmosphere. Yet, the dialogue on education never ceases, just as the flow of culture knows no end. Utahloy International School Guangzhou and Sun Yat-sen University’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature will continue to use language as their vessel and culture as their oar, sailing together across the vast seas of international Chinese language education. Side by side, they will cultivate gardens of excellence and paint a brilliant starry sky for global education.

中山大学座谈会

十一月末，冬阳煦暖，紫木棉缀满枝头。中山大学中文系会议堂内，一场关乎文化传承与教育合作的对话，正于宁静的冬日中透出深意。中山大学中国语言文学系党委书记王琤、系党委副书记谢金华、国际汉语中心教研室副主任邓淑兰教授等教育同仁与广州誉德莱外籍人员子女学校校长Dr. Dan Mullen、中学校长Martin Grist、中文部主任Cindy Li、人力资源经理Serena Zhong及专员Kelly SiTu一行，共叙旧谊，共绘新章。

01. 溯源：于百年文脉中照见教育初心

座谈会开始前，在中大中文系的陪同下，双方代表共同参观了中山大学校史馆及校园博物馆。面对历经岁月沉淀的典籍、手稿与实物藏品，两校教育同仁驻足观摩，沉浸于这所百年学府绵延不绝的精神传承之中，也在历史的镜照下，共同凝视教育的深远根基与初心使命。

02. 缘起：星光不负同行人

座谈会伊始，中山大学中文系党委书记王琤以温煦之言回顾两校多年来携手深耕的足迹。他指出，在全球语境不断打开的今天，国际中文教育已不仅是语言的传授，更成为文明互鉴的重要纽带。与广州誉德莱外籍人员子女学校的合作，为学科发展注入了开阔的国际视野与实践温度。中山大学中文系谢金华副书记在发言中，对双方的深入交流表示热烈欢迎。她特别对广州誉德莱外籍人员子女学校每年为中文系学生提供宝贵的实习机会表示衷心感谢。这些实习经历，更全方位提升了他们的综合素质，为他们未来在职业生涯中展翅高飞奠定了坚实基础。

广州誉德莱外籍人员子女学校校长Dr. Dan Mullen在回应中，着重分享了学校的教育理念。他表示，对中国文化的理解、重视与传承，是誉德莱教育哲学中的深沉一笔，而实习生们为校园带来了鲜活的语言气息与文化灵思。中学校长Martin Grist则指出教育即连结，而两校的合作促进学生成长的过程。实习生们带着学术的星光走进课堂和文化活动，又带着孩子的笑脸回归学术，并为未来步入社会奠定扎实的基础，这种双向的照亮，让教育与成长真正成为一场动人的循环。