On October 11th, 2013, the seventh U6 Forum was held in the International Conference Hall of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Under the theme of Innovation in Higher Education, representatives from six universities exchanged ideas on management systems, talent training models, scientific research and social service capabilities. These universities included Universidad Santo of Chile, Ling Tung University, Wenzao Ursuline University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Anhui University and Zhejiang Yuexiu University of Foreign Languages.

Opening ceremony of the U6 Forum, 2013
 

Initiated in 2006 by the Universidad Santo in Chile, Ling Tung University of Taiwan and GDUFS, the U6 Forum has, altogether, seen seven sessions. It has proven to be an ideal platform for leaders from different institutions to exchange opinions on higher education issues.
 

The forum of this year started with a welcome speech by Dr. SUI Guangjun, CPC Secretary of GDUFS.  

"With economic globalization, internationalization of higher education has been a trend that nobody can resist." In SUI' s opening speech, he mentioned the significance of international strategy in the area of higher education. He also pointed out the challenge of cultivating talents with global vision and with the ability of cross-culture communication. He encouraged every representative to contribute to the forum by exchanging ideas and promoting cooperation. 

The following presenter, President ZHONG Weihe, spoke on the recent development of GDUFS. In reference to internationalization, he mentioned four points: firstly, create opportunities for teachers to research abroad and introduce high-level talents overseas through the project--"Yunshan Scholar" ; secondly, establish exchange programs for students to study abroad. Until now, GDUFS has joined in the CAMPUS Asia--Collective Action of Mobility Program of University Students; thirdly, cooperate with universities and institutions abroad to establish research mechanisms; fourthly, train administrative staff abroad to cultivate their global vision.  

Moreover, Lucia Shih-Ling LIN, President of Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages and Angela Vivanco, Academic Vice-President of Universidad Santo both extended their appreciation to GDUFS and praised the U6 Forum as an excellent platform for members to exchange ideas and promote collaborations. 
 

Angela Vivanco speaking
 

After these two sessions, a lively discussion was hosted by JIAO Fangtai, Director of International Office from GDUFS. Representatives discussed topics such as environmental management in Europe and Taiwan, the difference between "Walking-to-learn" and traditional internships and regulations encouraging teachers to be self-motivated, and more. 
            
In the closing ceremony, FANG Fanquan, Vice-President of GDUFS spoke highly of the achievements of the conference and announced that the 2014 U6 Forum would be held in Ling Tung University next October.

Representatives from the six universities