Enhancing Collaborative Innovation for Nurturing Future Young Scientists

The 2024 “Air Silk Road” International Forum for principals and educators , held from November 11–14, 2024, at Nanjing and Wuxi, China), brought together principals, educators, and STEM leaders to explore innovative strategies for advancing global STEM education. Organized under the theme "Enhancing Collaborative Innovation for Nurturing Future Young Scientists," the forum was marked by vibrant discussions and significant milestones in international academic cooperation. Co-organized by WiseAdmit Technology and the WiseAdmit Language and Culture Institute, the event was hosted at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) and Wuxi Institute of Technology (WXIT).

Highlights of the Forum:

Day 1: Opening Ceremony and Key Discussions

The forum commenced with a keynote speech by Shi Daning, Vice President of NUAA, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration in STEM education. This was followed by a pivotal MOU signing ceremony led by Liu Changjiang, Dean of the College of International Education at NUAA, and representatives from participating institutions, symbolizing strengthened global partnerships.

Keynote Sessions and Expert Panels:

"The International Competences of Future Scientists" – Presented by Liu Changjiang, this session delved into cultivating globally-minded young scientists through international partnerships.
"Cultural Diplomacy and Educational Exchange" – Mr. Albert Otara Ombiro, Education Attaché, Embassy of Kenya, Beijing, China discussed how cultural diplomacy drives mutual understanding and collaboration in education.
"Adaptive Internationalization: Tailoring Academic and Scientific Partnerships to the Needs of Emerging Economies " – Delivered by Dr. Rupesh Regmi, Founder of WiseAdmit, this session explored the importance of adaptive internationalization, an approach that fosters flexible and tailored academic and scientific partnerships to suit the unique needs of different countries.
"Innovation for Social Impact" – Ghedia Abdala Omar, Founder of Girls I Save, shared insights into empowering young women in STEM to create societal change.

Special Presentations:

"A Brief History of Aviation" by Prof. Chen Zhaolin, a leading scholar from the College of Aerospace Engineering at NUAA.
"Future Young Girl Scientists" by So Piten, Director of Happy Chandara School, focused on inspiring the next generation of women in science.
"Innovative Pathways for Educational Collaboration" by Bishnu Hari Pandey, an esteemed educational leader from Nepal, highlighted successful models of cross-border academic cooperation.

Engaging Activities and Networking Opportunities

In addition to intellectual discussions, attendees participated in vibrant cultural activities, including a tour of Nanjing city, a campus visit to NUAA, and attended an International Students Singing Competition. These events provided opportunities to experience Chinese culture while fostering connections among global educators.

Closing and Future Impact

The forum not only fostered dynamic discussions but also included an insightful visit to Wuxi Institute of Technology, no.1 vocational college among over 1,500 such institutions. During this visit, participants engaged in meaningful conversations about the significance of vocational education and explored collaborative opportunities. A notable highlight was the signing of an MOU between one of Kenya’s prominent vocational colleges and WXIT, symbolizing a commitment to global educational partnerships. Additionally, WXIT organized a comprehensive campus tour, showcasing five of their eight specialized colleges, further emphasizing their dedication to hands-on, practical learning.

WiseAdmit extends its gratitude to all speakers, participants, and partners for their contributions to the success of the Air Silk Road Principal Forum 2024, setting a precedent for future collaborations in global education.

Event Recap in Numbers

Total Participants: 15
Countries Represented: 4 (Nepal, Kenya, Cambodia, Mongolia)
MOUs Signed: 5
Event Dates: November 11-14, 2024
Hosting Institutions: Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics (NUAA) and Wuxi Institute of Technology (WXIT)