SCHOOL OF FUTURE DESIGN, BEIJING NORMAL UNIVERSITY
SFD Recent International Exchange Activities and Programs Overview (2024)

Since its establishment, the SFD has actively engaged in international cooperation and exchanges, with its training model and curriculum highly globalized. Currently, the school has established intercollegiate cooperation programmes with universities such as the Royal College of Art (UK), POLI.design of Politecnico di Milano (Italy), California College of the Arts (USA), University for the Creative Arts (UK), City University of Hong Kong, Konkuk University (South Korea), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Singapore), and Kyrgyz State Technical University (Kyrgyzstan). These programmes include mutual credit recognition, student exchanges, and various levels of academic interactions, providing students with a platform for cross-cultural academic exchange.

The following outlines the recent international exchange projects, faculty and student visits, and international course lectures hosted by the SFD.

Part 1: SFD Signs Cooperation Agreement with Konkuk University, South Korea, to Launch Student Exchange Programme

This year, SFD signed a student exchange agreement with Konkuk University, South Korea, allowing for the exchange of two students each semester for either one semester or one academic year. Both institutions offer mutual tuition fee waivers and recognize each other's credits.

In July, a team of faculty and students from Konkuk University visited SFD to participate in the "Designing the Future" international workshop, engaging in in-depth interactions with SFD faculty and students.

In January 2025, SFD plans to co-host a design workshop at Konkuk University, in collaboration with Purdue University (USA), Konkuk University (South Korea), and Eastern University (Thailand). A group of 2-5 students will be selected to attend. In March 2025, the first group of exchange students from SFD will be sent to Konkuk University for study.

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Part 2: SFD and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore, Co-Host International Exhibition and Launch Student Exchange Programme

This year, SFD signed a memorandum of understanding and an overseas study agreement with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Singapore.

In June, the joint exhibition Innovative Horizons: A Showcase of Design Excellence, featuring works from students and faculty of SFD and NAFA, was successfully held at the China Cultural Centre in Singapore.

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SFD faculty and students attending the opening ceremony of the international exhibition in Singapore

In October 2024, two students from NAFA arrived at SFD for a three-month exchange programme, during which they will participate in courses, lectures, and project-based learning (PBL) activities alongside SFD students.

In 2025, SFD plans to send several students to NAFA for further exchange and practical coursework.

Part 3: SFD Delegation Visits UAE, Faculty and Students to Participate in the 24th Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition

In August this year, a delegation of SFD faculty and alumni travelled to the UAE for a study tour focused on Service Design and Sustainable Innovation. They conducted in-depth research and visits to well-known local organizations and enterprises specializing in sustainable innovation.

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The SFD delegation, consisting of faculty and alumni, visiting the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) for research and discussions on sustainable innovation.

In late November this year, SFD, together with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, will form a team of 11 faculty and students to participate in the 24th Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition, hosted by the EEG.

The Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition is a flagship event within the educational programmes led by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). Last year, the competition attracted 89 teams from 24 countries, with a total of 526 participants. Remarkably, no team from a mainland Chinese university has ever taken part in this event. This year, the team representing SFD will make history as the first university team from mainland China to compete in the competition.

The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is the first non-governmental organization (NGO) in the field of environmental protection to receive ISO 14001 certification globally. It is also the only NGO in the UAE recognized by both the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the United Nations Environment Programme.

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Scene from a past Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition

Part 4: SFD Faculty and Students Conduct Cultural Exchange Activities in Kyrgyzstan and KazakhstanIn 

October 2023, faculty and students from SFD travelled to Kyrgyzstan for cultural exchange activities. In May of this year, the team produced remarkable design achievements that were highly praised by various sectors of society. One of the standout projects, the "Issyk-Kul National Commemorative Plate," was selected by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an official national gift.

In May 2024, faculty and students from five universities in Kyrgyzstan, including Kyrgyz State Technical University, visited SFD for a seven-day cultural exchange programme. During the event, SFD signed a memorandum of understanding with the five national universities in Kyrgyzstan and the Youth Design Thinking Innovation Development Centre. The collaboration fostered deeper cooperation in areas such as talent development, course sharing, faculty-student exchanges, joint research, and project collaboration.

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SFD faculty and students engaging in exchange activities with Kyrgyz students

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The interdisciplinary STEAM Rural Education Public Practice project team, composed of SFD faculty, students, and students from the "Excellence in Teaching Programme," conducting cultural exchange activities in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

In October 2024, the interdisciplinary STEAM Rural Education Public Welfare Practice Project team, composed of SFD faculty and students, and participants from the "Excellence in Teaching Programme," travelled to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan for cultural exchange activities. The team was invited to visit the Chinese embassies and consulates in these countries, where they were warmly received by Du DeWen, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Kyrgyzstan. They also held discussions with Huang XiaoMin, the Education Consul, and Zhang Wei, the Science and Technology Consul, at the Consulate General of China in Almaty.

During the exchange, the team of faculty and students visited several universities, including Kyrgyz State Technical University, Bishkek State University, Issyk-Kul State University, and Suleyman Demirel University (SDU) in Kazakhstan. They conducted academic exchanges with local faculty and students and participated in a series of cultural exchange activities and field visits.

In the future, SFD will continue to engage with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, offering students more unique and diverse cultural exchange opportunities.

Part 5: SFD Collaborates with POLI.design at Politecnico di Milano for Design Study Programmes

From its inception, SFD established a strategic partnership with POLI.design at Politecnico di Milano, with plans to collaborate on courses and research at various levels.

In April 2023 and 2024, SFD organized study trips to POLI.design at Politecnico di Milano for two consecutive years, allowing participants to engage in academic exchanges and learning. During these trips, participants gained in-depth insights into major international exhibitions and important design institutions, including Milan Design Week, Salone del Mobile, the Museo del Novecento, Triennale Milano, and the Prada Foundation.

In April 2023 and 2024, SFD organized study trips to POLI.design at Politecnico di Milano for two consecutive years, allowing participants to engage in academic exchanges and learning. During these trips, participants gained in-depth insights into major international exhibitions and important design institutions, including Milan Design Week, Salone del Mobile, the Museo del Novecento, Triennale Milano, and the Prada Foundation.

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SFD study group in Milan, Italy, participating in exchange and learning activities

Part 6 BRICS International Youth Camp Video: SFD Participates in BRICS International Youth Camp

In August this year, SFD was invited by the Beijing Youth League Committee to participate in the "BRICS International Youth Camp" held in Russia, with Dean Gao Peng representing the school. The camp, centred around cultural creativity, aimed to promote exchange and cooperation among young people from BRICS countries in the field of culture, fostering the development of youth-led projects in cultural and creative industries across these nations.

Looking ahead, SFD will continue to leverage its expertise by actively participating in international projects focused on cultural creativity and design innovation, creating more opportunities for exchange and learning for faculty and students, and broadening students' global perspectives.

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the BRICS International Youth Camp

Part 7: SFD Regularly Hosts International Expert Courses and Lectures

Course by Professor Soojung Ham from the Rhode Island School of Design

In September this year, Professor Soojung Ham from the Industrial Design Department at the Rhode Island School of Design visited the SFD. She engaged in interactive discussions with the faculty and students. Using the teaching philosophy, curriculum design, and student work from the Industrial Design Department at the Rhode Island School of Design as examples, Professor Ham explained the ongoing impact of technological advancements on the role of industrial designers.

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Lecture by French Architectural Artist and Painter Alain Bony

In March this year, French architectural artist and painter Alain Bony visited SFD and delivered a lecture titled "Space as Art."

As an internationally renowned master of artistic design, Alain Bony’s works span the globe, from the Belfort Theatre in France to the Branly Museum in Paris (inaugurated in 2006 by former French President Jacques Chirac), from the 44th Venice Biennale in Italy to the Water Management Building in Barcelona, Spain. His collaborators include famous French architects such as Paul Andreu and Pierre Faguerre. In this lecture, Alain Bony shared the design concepts behind the classic projects he has been involved in, as well as his personal insights on architectural forms and colour design.

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SFD actively attracts and integrates high-quality resources from both domestic and international sources, fostering the development of innovative top-tier talent through various forms of exchange, visits, and academic collaborations. The school creates a multicultural and international environment, enhancing students' cross-cultural communication skills and broadening their global perspectives. In the future, SFD will continue to expand its international cooperation and exchange activities at different levels, providing students with broader international platforms for learning and growth.