In March 2014, a delegation from Heriot-Watt visited China to meet with partner universities and further develop collaborations in teaching and research.
The visit was attended by representatives of the Schools of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Textiles and Design and Built Environment, with support from the University's China Office and Assistant Principal (International Development). The group visited universities in Beijing, Tianjin, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Guilin and Shenzhen.
Outstanding Overseas Partner University
During the visit, Heriot-Watt received an award from the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange(CSCSE) for "Outstanding Overseas Partner University". The CSCSE is a public organisation under the Ministry of Education, founded in 1989 through an initiative of Mr Deng Xiaoping. The CSCSE plays a central role in internationalising education in China and Heriot-Watt has been working closely with the CSCSE since 2009, developing partnerships which now play a significant part in the overall profile of the university's links with Chinese universities, scholars and students.
An example is the relationship with Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and Heriot-Watt third year International Business Management student, Ruariridh McPherson, who joined the group in Beijing. Ruariridh is studying at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics for a year as part of his degree programme.