ULSTER University, competing against more than 500 Confucius Institutes in 140 countries, has won the Confucius Institute of the Year award, an international accolade that recognises its commitment to furthering the teaching of Chinese language and culture in primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland.
Opened in 2012, Ulster University’s Confucius Institute aims to develop academic, cultural, economic and social ties with China. It supports the teaching of Chinese in over 100 schools across Northern Ireland, as well as the education of Chinese culture through community liaison initiatives and events.
The accolade was awarded by Hanban, a public institution affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Ulster University’s pro-vice-chancellor for global engagement Professor Ian Montgomery received the award from China's vice-president Madam Liu Yandong at the 11th Global Confucius Conference in Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province.
He said: "This international accolade is an extremely positive endorsement of Ulster University's Confucius institute and a much deserved acknowledgement of our talented, committed staff to supporting exceptional growth in the number of Chinese language learners in Northern Ireland, which has risen from 101 in 2012 to over 18,000 in October past.
"Ulster University’s Confucius Institute plays a key role in supporting our vision to build a globally engaged and globally relevant University. It offers valuable opportunities for increased cooperation between the people of Northern Ireland and China, creating mutually beneficial and prosperous partnerships in education, culture, science, technology and business."
Ulster University (www.ulster.ac.uk) is ranked in the top three per cent of universities worldwide and it among the top 150 global young universities under 50.
