Kyrgyzstan university teachers and students visited SFD for a cultural exchange activity

From May 8th to 14th, invited by Beijing Normal University, teachers and students from five Kyrgyzstan universities, namely Kyrgyz National Technical University, Issyk-Kul State University, Osh State University, Naryn State University, and Batken State University, participated in a 7-day cultural exchange activity in Zhuhai. They also attended the project presentation of the "International Youth Student Designer Exchange Program" initiated by BNU School of Future Design and Youth Design Thinking Innovation Development Center.

On May 12th, the BNU School of Future Design held the project presentation of the "International Youth Student Designer Exchange Program" at the Yuanbai Art Museum. A number of guests attended the event, including Wang Faxin, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of BNU at Zhuhai; Ning Shaolin, Deputy Director of the Administration Committee of BNU at Zhuhai and Secretary of the Party Branch of the School of Future Design; Gao Peng, Dean of the School of Future Design; Koenaliev Kylychbek, Dean of the School of Design at Kyrgyz National Technical University; Zheng Nanyang, Director of the Publicity Office of the Party Committee of BNU at Zhuhai; Chen Le, Secretary of the Communist Youth League of BNU at Zhuhai; Qiu Yue, Deputy Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation of BNU at Zhuhai; Li Congrong, Head of the Youth Design Thinking Innovation Development Center. Teachers and students from Kyrgyz National Technical University, Issyk-Kul State University, Osh State University, Naryn State University, Batken State University, and the School of Future Design also attended.

During the presentation, Secretary Ning Shaolin delivered a speech, emphasizing that international education is an important link to promote exchanges and cooperation among people of different countries. It is foundamental for building a community with a shared future for mankind and a significant guide for enhancing people-to-people connectivity among countries along the Belt and Road. The BNU School of Future Design actively serves the country's strategy of opening up to the world, promotes international exchange and cooperation, and provides a broad platform for students to engage in academic exchanges, learning, and cultural exchanges.

In his speech, Dean Gao Peng mentioned that in October last year, teachers and students from BNU School of Future

Design visited Kyrgyzstan and conducted education exchanges, cultural exploration, and innovative design activities with students from five Kyrgyz universities. After returning to China, Chinese and Kyrgyz teachers and students collaborated on innovative design works that integrate Kyrgyz traditional folk culture and modern elements, as well as excellent traditional Chinese craftsmanship, in areas such as ethnic cultural and creative gifts, nomadic lifestyle products, and clothing design. This project presentation is a testimony to the collaborative efforts and achievements of teachers and students from both countries.

Dean Gao Peng of Beijing Normal University School of Future Design delivered a speech.

Dean Koenaliev Kylychbek pointed out that this cultural exchange activity is beneficial for both sides to achieve cultural communication and cooperation based on mutual respect. It provides a rare opportunity for teachers and students from China and Kyrgyzstan to deepen their understanding of the history, art, language, and customs of both countries.

Koenaliev Kylychbek, Dean of the School of Design at Kyrgyz National Technical University, delivered a speech.

Deputy Director Qiu Yue expressed that Beijing Normal University, within the framework of the "One Body, Two Wings" education model, fosters a campus environment that is open and inclusive. Through various forms of cooperation such as joint training, exchange programs and visits, BNU cultivates a multicultural and international atmosphere, promoting students' cross-cultural communication skills and broadening their international perspectives. This exchange activity will greatly facilitate cross-disciplinary and cross-border cooperation between the two parties.

Deputy Director Qiu Yue of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation of BNU Zhuhai delivered a speech.

During the project presentation of the "International Youth Student Designer Exchange Program," over 40 design works by students from China and Kyrgyzstan were showcased. The works covered various categories, including national gifts, nomadic lifestyle products, and clothing design. The national gifts and nomadic lifestyle products were developed based on Kyrgyzstan's natural resources and diplomatic demands, with the aim of establishing a national brand and product system for Kyrgyzstan. The clothing design works were rooted in Kyrgyzstan's traditional cultural and focused on sustainable design, combining the spirit of nomadic life with innovative technology in the realm of sportswear fashion, exploring diverse possibilities for future lifestyles.

At the project presentation of the "International Youth Student Designer Exchange Program”

It is worth mentioning that the gift tray and honey gift box designed by teachers and students from BNU School of Future Design will be sent to the Prime Minister's Office of Kyrgyzstan for diplomatic selection. They may be used as state gifts for foreign affairs activities involving national leaders.

Two national gift products designed by teachers and students from BNU School of Future Design were showcased.

At the same event, a signing ceremony was held for a memorandum of cooperation between BNU School of Future Design, five Kyrgyzstan national universities, and the Youth Design Thinking Innovation Development Center. The three parties will engage in more in-depth collaboration in talent development, curriculum sharing, student and faculty exchange, joint research, and project cooperation.

BNU School of Future Design has signed a memorandum of cooperation with five Kyrgyzstan national universities and the Youth Design Thinking Innovation Development Center.

Dean Gao Peng and Dean Koenaliev Kylychbek exchanged gifts.

The "International Youth Student Designer Exchange Program" took place from May 8th to 14th, allowing students and teachers from five Kyrgyzstan national universities to visit China and engage in cultural exchange activities. During the program, the Kyrgyzstan students, accompanied by their counterparts from BNU School of Future Design, visited significant cultural sites and industrial and engineering facilities in Zhuhai, such as the Zhuhai Study Abroad Culture Museum, the Useless Handicraft Weaving Museum, the Rossini Clock and Watch Museum, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. They also traveled to Shenzhen to conduct two folk culture workshops for students at Nanshan Affiliated School of Beijing Normal University and participate in a local paper-cutting workshop.

The students and teachers from Kyrgyzstan visited the Zhuhai Study Abroad Culture Museum.

The visiting students and teachers from Kyrgyzstan conducted a workshop on traditional handicrafts, specifically the "Kurak wool blanket," for the students and teachers at the School of Future Design.

The "International Youth Student Designer Exchange Program" is a joint initiative by BNU School of Future Design and the Youth Design Thinking Innovation Development Center, with strong support from the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation at BNU Zhuhai Campus. The program aims to establish a platform for exchange and collaboration between international universities. It provides opportunities for young designers to communicate, deepen the understanding of different cultures, and promote the exellent Chinese culture.

Last October, teachers and students from BNU School of Future Design took a group photo with local representatives of teachers and students in Kyrgyzstan.