26 May 2021

 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between 21st Century English Education Media and University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC for short) was held on 26 May, 2021 at New International Conference Centre, UNNC.

 

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The ceremony began with a brief welcome speech delivered by Dr. Derek Irwin, Head of School of Education and English, and remarks from 21st Century’s Deputy General Manager Mr. Haigang Zhang.

During his speech, Dr Irwin emphasized his belief that the cooperation would bring about tangible benefits for both parties: “I think this is really a tremendous opportunity for our staff, because we get engaged with TESOL academics and practitioners across China and in the world. I hope this partnership can be beneficial in lending our expertise well to the Global English Education China Assembly and its publications. I look forward to seeing where this MoU takes us forward together.”

 

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Commenting on the tie up, Mr. Haigang Zhang believes the MoU is the beginning of the prosperous cooperation between two organizations: “I think this is a landmark in the industry and academic cooperation between 21st Century and UNNC, and I look forward to future cooperation in different fields – teacher training program, student internship and also the exchange of staff.”

 

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Professor Gary Rawnsley, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of UNNC and Haigang Zhang, Deputy General Manager of 21st Century signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations. The process of MoU signature was witnessed by participants from both sides.

 

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By signing the MoU, both parties agree to establish direct and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and to share academic knowledge. 21st Century recognizes UNNC as an academic supporter of Global English Education China Assembly, and UNNC agrees to be an issuing authority for certificates of participation for all attendees, presenters and volunteers at the annual conference.

21st Century and UNNC are to collaboratively conduct joint TESOL training programs. With the MoU, more opportunities for exchanges, cooperation and joint research, and development in disciplines of mutual interest are expecting to be identified.

 

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21st Century English Education Media is a brand affiliated with China Daily, China’s national English-language daily newspaper. The “21st Century” brand comprises 10 media platforms, including print and electronic newspapers, websites and mobile apps, Weibo and WeChat public accounts. 21st Century has promoted high-quality education and created powerful teaching and research methodologies since it was established in 1993, as well as high-profile brand activities that include the 21st Century English Newspaper, 21st Century English Education Newspaper, the 21st Century Cup English National English Competition, the Global English Education China Assembly and the Tribute to the Classics series.