Warm welcome for Joint Education Institute partners Hubei University

Manchester Met hosted a senior delegation from Hubei University, strengthening its partnership and celebrating shared goals in education and cultural exchange.  

Led by the Chairman of the University Council, Professor Xie Hongxing, the delegation’s two-day visit brought together leaders from both universities for a series of collaborative meetings and celebrations, culminating in the launch event for the Dalton building and 200 year celebrations. 

The visit highlighted the ongoing success of the Joint Education Institute (JEI), which offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Science and Engineering at Hubei University. 

In June 2025, the first cohort of JEI students will graduate in Wuhan, joining Manchester Met’s international alumni community. 

The delegation also met with the Chinese Consul-General in Manchester, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, and the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council. These meetings highlighted the commitment to fostering international relationships and supporting cross-cultural engagement within the community. 

A highlight of the visit was a performance from Hubei University’s renowned Loong and Lion Dance Art Troupe. 

The 20 students – and Chinese national champions – performed an exhilarating Lion Dance in the Dalton building and at the Students’ Union. The performance to celebrate the partnership and the official opening of the Dalton building. 

Commenting on the visit Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Sterling, said: “It was an honour to host Professor Xie and his team from Hubei University. This visit and the incredible performance by the Loong and Lion Dance Art Troupe highlighted the strength of our partnership and the shared commitment to enriching our students’ experiences through global perspectives and cultural exchanges.”