By Zayed Alzyoud
The University of Jordan (UJ) welcomed a delegation from the China Association of Higher Education (CAHE), People’s Republic of China, to explore new avenues for academic collaboration, joint research, and innovation in higher education, aiming to deepen academic ties and promote scientific exchange.
The meeting took place in the lead-up to the Second International Conference on “Universities and Artificial Intelligence Technology (UAIT 2025),” organized by the Association of Arab Universities (AArU) in partnership with CAHE and scheduled for 18–19 October 2025 in Amman. The conference brings together leading academics from Arab and Chinese universities to discuss how artificial intelligence can advance higher education and scientific research.
Vice President for Scientific Schools Prof. Ashraf Abu Karaky welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the long-standing ties between Jordan and China and noting that the visit opens new horizons for cooperation in joint programs, applied research, and student and faculty exchanges. He added that Chinese expertise in engineering, medicine, and technology enriches UJ’s academic development and innovation efforts.
Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Financial Affairs and Digital Transformation Prof. Ziad Hawamdeh highlighted UJ’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Chinese institutions, referencing the recent “Honorary Professors Forum,” which honored several scholars, including Chinese academics. Vice President for Quality and Local Accreditation Prof. Amira Masri noted that UJ’s receipt of the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence in Government Performance and Transparency reflects its dedication to quality, transparency, and academic leadership.
Director of the International Affairs Unit Dr. Sameh Al-Zubiedi and Director of the International Program, Alumni and Marketing Unit Prof. Zaid Obeidat outlined UJ’s growing cooperation with leading universities in Beijing, Dalian, and Shanghai. They highlighted ongoing exchange programs, Arabic-language instruction for Chinese students, and plans for joint research projects in innovation and advanced learning methodologies.
The Chinese delegation, led by CAHE Vice Chairman Li Jiajun and including Deputy Secretary-General Wu Yingce and Executive Director of the Business Development Department Bai Yixian, praised UJ’s academic leadership and expressed interest in deeper collaboration in engineering, applied sciences, and artificial intelligence. The delegates also welcomed UJ’s initiative to bestow an honorary professorship on a distinguished Chinese academic, describing it as a gesture of mutual respect and academic appreciation.
Chief of Staff to the Secretary-General and Acting Director of International Relations and Cooperation at AArU Ziad Amara attended the meeting, expressing appreciation for UJ’s hospitality and longstanding collaboration, and noting that a broader delegation representing 22 Chinese universities is scheduled to visit UJ the following day to continue academic discussions.
At the conclusion of the visit, both sides exchanged commemorative shields, and the delegation extended an invitation for UJ to participate in the Higher Education Expo China (HEEC), one of Asia’s premier platforms for higher education, research, and innovation.