SIGS celebrates 25th anniversary with development conference

The Development Conference for the 25th Anniversary of Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS) was held May 10 at the University Town International Conference Center in Nanshan District. 

Guests, alumni, partner representatives, faculty members, and students attend the Development Conference for the 25th Anniversary of Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School at the University Town International Conference Center in Nanshan on May 10. Photos courtesy of Tsinghua SIGS

Over 800 guests, alumni, partner representatives, faculty members, and students attended the event. 

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 Tsinghua SIGS to continue serving as a pioneer in Tsinghua University’s 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 the country’s innovation-driven development strategy.

(From L) Zhang Jin, executive vice president of Peking University, Juliane Winkelmann, senior vice president of the Technical University of Munich, and Regina Nogueira, vice president of Leibniz University Hannover, deliver speeches during the event. 

Zhang Jin, executive vice president of Peking University, said 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, as well as to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernization,” Zhang said.

Over the past 25 years, Tsinghua SIGS has remained 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 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 collaboration, gaining not only academic knowledge but also valuable intercultural experience. Our research cooperation continues to grow in both depth and impact,” she said, adding that TUM looks forward to the next phase of the partnership.

Regina Nogueira, vice president of Leibniz University Hannover, also extended congratulations on behalf of the university in a speech via video. She said the 25th anniversary milestone reflects the visionary leadership of Tsinghua SIGS as well as the dedication of its faculty and staff.

She noted that graduates of the Resources and Environment master’s double-degree program have become outstanding ambassadors for both institutions.

“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 said.

Guests attend the Development Conference marking the 25th anniversary of Tsinghua SIGS on May 10. 

Following speeches by three distinguished alumni representatives, Ouyang Zheng, dean of Tsinghua SIGS, reviewed the school’s development achievements. 

Looking ahead, he said 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, an international hub for nurturing future innovation leaders, and a cutting-edge center for addressing humanity’s most critical challenges. 

Representatives from  Tsinghua SIGS and several companies sign cooperation agreements during the conference. 

The conference also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between Tsinghua SIGS and several companies. 

Amid the singing of Tsinghua University’s anthem by a student choir, the conference drew to a successful close.

Tsinghua SIGS also organized a series of events to celebrate its 25th anniversary, including a symphony concert, a student carnival, and an exhibition on the development of Tsinghua SIGS.

Officially unveiled in 2019, Tsinghua SIGS was founded as an expansion of the Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, which was established in 2001.

Currently, Tsinghua SIGS 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 is expected to reach 10,000, while the faculty body is expected to reach 700.