THE Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has embarked on a new venture with Foshan University (FOSU) in China, announced during an official state visit to Beijing led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
During the visit on January 6, TUS and FOSU signed an expression of intent to cooperate in the establishment of a joint institute, as part of their participation in the Transnational Education Event organised by Education in Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
TUS has been active in China since the launch of the Government’s Asia Strategy in 2002 and currently maintains more than 35 active partnership agreements.
TUS president Professor Vincent Cunnane said “the proposed joint institute represents a natural and strategic next step in the partnership between TUS and Foshan University”.
“It offers an opportunity to strengthen our long-term cooperation with our Chinese partner and enhance TUS’s global engagement.
“The development of programmes in science and engineering disciplines within this proposed joint institute directly supports TUS’ strategic goals of international engagement, applied research collaboration and the delivery of industry-aligned education,” Professor Cunnane stated.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin met Chinese President Xi Jinping during the visit, where both leaders discussed strengthening trade and educational links between Ireland and China.
The TUS delegation was led by Professor Raphaela Kane, chief academic officer, and included Mary Simpson, director of global engagement and partnerships, and Jack Meng, director of Asia.
Foshan University was represented by chairman Luo Shaoming; Professor Xu Xiangmin, president; Zhu Fanxi, director of the international office for global engagement; Li Ping, director of the president’s office; and Chen Dongchu, director of planning and development.
There are seven programmes approved by the Ministry of Education in China for joint programmes in the disciplines of software engineering, mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical science, graphic design, hotel management, civil engineering, business and accounting at Chinese partner universities.
TUS’ most recent joint programmes commenced in September 2025 at FOSU, with the first intake of 124 students to programmes in mechanical engineering and robotics and automation. This followed on from the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2024.