LSBU delegation visits partner universities in China
A delegation from London South Bank University (LSBU) has visited two of the University’s partner institutions in China, strengthening links with universities that deliver LSBU education to students there.
During the visit, the delegation welcomed new students to the LSBU-NJUIT Joint Institute in Nanjing and unveiled a new joint robotics and artificial intelligence laboratory in Hangzhou.
The delegation was led by LSBU Group Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor Paul Kett, with colleagues from LSBU Global, the University’s transnational education arm. The visit formed part of LSBU Global’s annual quality assurance cycle.
A second cohort at the LSBU-NJUIT Joint Institute
At Nanjing Vocational University of Industry Technology (NJUIT), Paul spoke at the LSBU-NJUIT Joint Institute’s opening ceremony for its 2026 intake, the second since it opened last year. The Joint Institute offers engineering degrees in mechanical and electronic engineering, automation and new energy vehicle engineering.
Paul said both universities share a tradition of practical education closely linked to industry. He said students at the Joint Institute would gain the skills, creativity and adaptability that global employers demand, as well as a deep academic grounding.
“This is a joint institute where theory will meet practice, where knowledge will be applied, and where students will be prepared not just for their first job, but for lifelong professional growth,” he said.
Speaking directly to the new students, he added: “This joint institute is for you. It is a place where you will receive both a British and a Chinese perspective, where you will study in a truly international environment, and where you will be supported to develop into leaders of the future.”
Earlier in the day, Paul had visited NJUIT’s exhibition hall dedicated to Huang Yanpei, a pioneer of vocational education in China. He told students that the university’s philosophy of education for employment and fulfilment at work closely matched LSBU’s own mission.
Looking ahead, he described the Joint Institute as “more than a partnership between two universities; it is a bridge between nations, built on knowledge, innovation, and friendship.”
A new joint laboratory at ZUME
At Zhejiang Polytechnic University of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (ZUME), Paul joined a meeting of the management committee of the ZUME-LSBU Digital Technology Joint School.
During the meeting, the two universities unveiled the ZUME-LSBU Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. The laboratory will support joint teaching, research and exchanges in robotics, AI and intelligent manufacturing.
Paul praised what the Joint School had achieved and said LSBU looked forward to deepening cooperation in staff exchanges, student progression and research.
“Both our universities were founded with a strong sense of purpose – to provide opportunity through education, to connect learning with industry, and to transform the prospects of individuals and communities,” he said.
The delegation also toured ZUME’s teaching and practical training facilities and met new students on the joint programmes.
The Joint School has welcomed students since 2022 and offers three-year programmes leading to LSBU Diplomas of Higher Education in industrial design, internet of things, cross-border e-commerce and intelligent manufacturing.
Partnerships and pathways
The visit reflects the focus on partnerships and pathways in LSBU Group’s strategy, Connecting. Through LSBU Global, the University works with partner institutions to deliver UK qualifications that combine academic standards with industry relevance.
“We are proud of our roots as an institution that has always worked side by side with employers, businesses, and communities to provide education that is practical, professional, and transformative,” said Paul. “Together, we are building a future of opportunity.”