To deepen the integration of industry and education and cultivate globally competent, innovative talent, Central China Normal University Wollongong Joint Institute held an appointment ceremony in September 2025, officially welcoming Mr. Qi Zhou, Deputy General Manager of Baidu’s AI Technology Ecosystem, as an Industry Professor.
Distinguished attendees included Xu Du, Dean of the Joint Institute,Vice Dean Jun Xu, other Institute representatives, Mr. Qi Zhou and representatives from the corporate sector.The ceremony was presided over by Vice Dean Jun Xu.
In his address, Dean Xu Du noted that since its inception, the Joint Institute has been dedicated to its mission of nurturing innovative professionals equipped with a global perspective, cutting-edge knowledge, and outstanding practical skills. He stressed that in the face of rapid technological revolutions and industrial transformations, the Institute must remain steadfast in its commitment to industry-education integration and collaborative talent development. Dean Xu highlighted that appointing Industry Professors is a vital initiative in breaking down the barriers between academia and industry. By bringing the most dynamic industry practices, cutting-edge technological developments and real-world project cases into the classroom, the Institute can significantly enhance students' innovation and practical skills.
In the presence of all guests, Dean Xu Du read out the “Decision on the Appointment of Industry Professors at the CCNU Wollongong Joint Institute”, formally presented the certificate of appointment to Mr. Qi Zhou, and joined him for a commemorative photo.
In his subsequent remarks, Mr. Qi Zhou expressed his gratitude for the trust and support of the Joint Institute. He shared insights from his own academic journey, his extensive practical experience in artificial intelligence, and his perspectives on industry trends. He pledged to actively contribute to the Institute's talent development, curriculum design, scientific research, and career guidance. Furthermore, he engaged in an in-depth discussion on key topics, including the future of AI technology, the development of innovation platforms, and the establishment of internship bases. Mr. Zhou affirmed his commitment to empowering the Joint Institute in cultivating high-caliber, internationally minded, and application-oriented innovative talent.
The successful conclusion of this appointment ceremony marks a solid milestone in the Joint Institute’s ongoing efforts to deepen industry-education integration. Leveraging this new partnership, the CCNU-UOW Joint Institute will further broaden and deepen its industry-academia-research collaborations. By building a seamless bridge from the classroom to the workplace, the Institute strives to nurture a new generation of talent capable of shouldering the responsibility of national rejuvenation. Ultimately, it aims to cultivate innovative professionals who can overcome critical technological bottlenecks, as well as versatile, application-oriented talents needed by society, thereby contributing to the building of a strong educational nation and the acceleration of Chinese modernization.
