York University's Asian Business & Management Program (ABMP) and the Faculty of Science were honoured with the ninth Canada China Business Excellence Academic Collaboration Bronze Award at the Canada China Business Council's 46th Annual General Meeting and Business Forum in Beijing.
The award celebrates visionary Canadian organizations advancing educational ties with China. It acknowledges the efforts of organizations that demonstrate leadership in cross-border collaboration and academic innovation. The award is a testament to the success of York's ABMP and Faculty of Science in fostering resilient academic partnerships with Chinese institutions. Despite complex geopolitical dynamics, ABMP and the Faculty of Science have strategically built sustainable collaborations that not only enrich students and faculty but also provide unique educational opportunities across borders in the post-pandemic era. Key collaborations that contributed to the award include the Global Perspectives program and the Career Bootcamp, both of which exemplify ABMP and Faculty of Science's adaptability in the face of challenges.
The Global Perspectives program, launched in 2022, is a virtual engagement initiative that has connected over 350 Chinese students with Canadian educators, focusing on global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A strategic partnership with the Jiangsu-Canada University Consortium, encompassing 29 academic institutions in China's Jiangsu province, has been instrumental in equipping students with cross-cultural skills and preparing them to tackle global challenges. These efforts have not only strengthened academic ties between York University and Jiangsu universities but also fostered bilateral co-operation in education and research.
ABMP and the Faculty of Science were among the first educational organizations to resume in-person engagement with Chinese students following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Career Bootcamp, tailored for Chinese undergraduates, combines theoretical learning with real-world application, helping students bridge the gap between classroom education and industry demands, while giving them an edge in an increasingly competitive job market. Beyond fostering career readiness, the program promotes intercultural interactions, shaping participants into cultural ambassadors and strengthening ties between Canada and China.
Hugo Chen, director of international collaborations and partnerships in the Faculty of Science, emphasized the broader impact of these partnerships: "In fostering these collaborations, both countries are not only advancing academic excellence but also promoting international co-operation, cultural exchange and sustainable development."
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, ABMP and the Faculty of Science's proactive approach - blending virtual and in-person initiatives - sets a powerful example of how academic collaboration can transcend borders and foster mutual understanding, said Elena Caprioni, ABMP director. "Through these efforts, we are shaping a future where Canada and China remain interconnected through shared values, knowledge exchange and a commitment to tackling the world's biggest challenges."
This Bronze Award serves not only as recognition of past achievements but also as an inspiration to further strengthen academic and cultural ties that benefit both nations and contribute to global progress.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
