The Development Conference for the Tsinghua SIGS 25th Anniversary was held on May 10 at the University Town International Conference Center in Nanshan District. Over 800 guests, alumni, partner representatives, faculty members, and students attended the milestone event to celebrate the rich history of Tsinghua SIGS.
In his remarks, Zeng Rong, executive vice president of Tsinghua University, commended the achievements made by Tsinghua SIGS over the past 25 years in talent cultivation, scientific research, social service, and international cooperation. He called on the school to continue serving as a pioneer in reform efforts, while becoming a driving force for disciplinary excellence, global engagement, and innovation integration. He also expressed hope that the school would further contribute to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and support the country’s innovation-driven development strategy through enhanced international cooperation.
Zhang Jin, executive vice president of Peking University, noted in his speech that Tsinghua SIGS has written a remarkable chapter in the reform and innovation of high-level international graduate education over the past 25 years. “Looking ahead, we are eager to work alongside Tsinghua SIGS to make new and greater contributions to Shenzhen’s efforts to build a world-class scientific and technological innovation hub and a center for high-level talent,” Zhang said.
Over the past quarter-century, Tsinghua SIGS has remained deeply committed to promoting global academic cooperation and international exchange. In a video address, Juliane Winkelmann, senior vice president of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), extended her heartfelt congratulations. She noted that Tsinghua SIGS has developed into a truly outstanding institution known for academic excellence, innovation, and a strong global outlook.
“The flagship partnership between Tsinghua SIGS and TUM is a cornerstone of our international engagement. Many students from both institutions have benefited from the international cooperation, gaining not only academic knowledge but also valuable intercultural experience,” Winkelmann said, adding that TUM eagerly anticipates the next phase of their partnership.
Regina Nogueira, vice president of Leibniz University Hannover, also extended congratulations on behalf of her institution via a video speech. She emphasized that the Tsinghua SIGS 25th Anniversary milestone reflects the visionary leadership of the institution, as well as the unwavering dedication of its faculty and staff. She highlighted that graduates of the joint Resources and Environment master’s double-degree program have become outstanding ambassadors for both universities. “Excellence is our shared standard. We will continue to extend the double-degree program and intensify research collaboration in areas where our strengths meet urgent global challenges,” she stated.
During the Tsinghua SIGS 25th Anniversary event, Ouyang Zheng, dean of Tsinghua SIGS, reviewed the school’s landmark development achievements. Looking to the future, Ouyang affirmed that Tsinghua SIGS will continue advancing high-level international cooperation, cultivating high-caliber talent, and driving high-quality innovation. The school aims to serve as a global magnet for outstanding minds and an international hub for nurturing future innovation leaders.
The conference also witnessed the signing of strategic cooperation agreements between Tsinghua SIGS and several enterprise partners. Accompanied by the student choir’s rendition of the Tsinghua University anthem, the conference drew to a successful close. To further celebrate the Tsinghua SIGS 25th Anniversary, the school organized a series of vibrant events, including a symphony concert, a student carnival, and an exhibition showcasing the history and development of the campus.
Officially unveiled in 2019, Tsinghua SIGS was launched as an expansion of the Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, which was originally established in 2001. Currently, the Tsinghua SIGS campus is home to more than 6,000 students, including over 200 international students from more than 50 countries and regions. By 2030, the student cohort at Tsinghua SIGS is projected to reach 10,000, while the faculty body is expected to expand to 700.
