On 3 March 2026, Lord Mayor of Birmingham Zafar Iqbal led a delegation to Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU), where both sides discussed strengthening educational cooperation.
The meeting was attended by BNBU Provost Patrick Chau and BNBU Associate Vice President (Global Engagement) Huang Yu, with Deputy Director of the Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office Zhang Ting accompanying the delegation.
Chau noted that BNBU maintains close ties with the UK. Many faculty members have studied there, and British universities remain a popular destination for BNBU graduates pursuing further study. He also highlighted the recent establishment of BNBU’s London Center in January and its talent recruitment events in Birmingham. "We are very interested in exploring opportunities for collaboration between Birmingham and Zhuhai, and our university," he said.
Iqbal welcomed the growing number of BNBU students studying in Birmingham and expressed hope that more students would visit the city for academic exchange. He also looked forward to strengthening ties with BNBU and partners in Zhuhai.
Zhang said Zhuhai attaches great importance to international educational cooperation. As an important city in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, Zhuhai sees broad prospects for collaboration with Birmingham, a major educational centre in the UK. He expressed hope that the visit would promote cooperation in faculty exchange, student mobility and joint research.
Huang noted that as the first university jointly established by the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong higher education institutions, BNBU combines the strengths of both regions and aims to attract more British students to enroll.
Director of BNBU's International Development Office Dr Darren Weng introduced the University.
Executive Vice President of the United Kingdom Chinese Education Foundation Nicola Lin noted that this approach, which integrates the strengths of both educational systems, holds significant appeal for British students. Secretary General of the Birmingham Chinatown Business Association Dorian Chan highlighted BNBU's English-teaching environment, noting its potential to overcome language barriers and encourage British-born Chinese to pursue further studies in China. Dean of BNBU's School of General Education, Guo Haipeng, said the University also welcomes overseas students to study Chinese language and culture on campus.
Over the past three years, the number of BNBU students pursuing further studies in the UK has continued to grow. The University has established partnerships with more than ten British universities, covering student exchange and visiting programmes. The launch of BNBU’s London Center earlier this year is expected to further strengthen cooperation with European partners.
Following the meeting, the delegation visited BNBU’s Learning Resource Centre and Yiming Art Space, and watched a shadow puppetry performance of Wu Song Fights the Tiger, experiencing the university’s blend of Chinese and international campus culture.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photographer: Season Li
Video: Owen Li
