Academics represent UM at Xiamen University’s 70th anniversary celebrations

Prof. Leonie Baldacchino, Pro-Rector for Internationalisation, Enterprise & Outreach, and Prof. Dennis Mizzi, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute (CI), recently attended the 70th Anniversary Celebrations of Xiamen University’s Overseas Education and International Chinese Language Education, held on 2–3 October 2026 in Xiamen, China.

The UM and Xiamen University enjoy a strong partnership and together run the CI at UM, established in 2009. This is one of fourteen CIs set up by Xiamen University across twelve countries on five continents, with the primary goal of promoting Chinese language education and culture internationally.

During the Forum on International Chinese Language Education and Cross‑Civilisation Dialogue, Prof. Baldacchino delivered a keynote speech titled From Civilisation Dialogue to Creative Discovery: Co-Creating Across Cultures.

During her presentation, she highlighted that “cross-civilisation dialogue is not only an opportunity to understand different perspectives, but also a potential source of new ideas, possibilities and ways of addressing shared challenges.”

Her keynote explored how meaningful encounters across cultures can move beyond exchange and understanding towards creative discovery and co-creation, and thus dialogue can become a foundation for mutual learning, innovation, and shared progress.

This visit further strengthened the bilateral relationship between the UM and Xiamen University, and provided valuable networking opportunities with other CIs and universities.