Portuguese education minister visits Shanghai University

Portuguese Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Fernando Alexandre pledged to strengthen support for the ULisboa school at Shanghai University on Wednesday, calling the first Sino-Portuguese joint educational institution an exemplary model of bilateral cooperation.

Alexandre led a high-level delegation, meeting with Chinese counterparts to discuss expanded collaboration in higher education, scientific research, and engineering talent development.

"Lisbon College exemplifies the deep integration of Chinese and Portuguese higher education and stands as a model for bilateral educational cooperation," Alexandre said. "The Portuguese government remains committed to supporting the college's continued advancement."

The visit underscored growing educational ties between the two nations as the college marks a milestone, having completed its first full academic cycle with more than 200 graduates.

Wu Jianyong, Party secretary of Shanghai University, told the delegation that the institution has invested substantial resources into the college's success. Shanghai University brings comprehensive academic strengths and extensive international experience to the partnership.

"We have equipped our three undergraduate programs — electrical engineering and automation, civil engineering, and environmental engineering — with top-tier faculty and facilities," Wu said, noting that educational quality has steadily improved.

Luis Ferreira, rector of University of Lisbon, acknowledged Shanghai University's contributions, pledging to encourage more Portuguese students to pursue studies and exchanges in Shanghai.

Addressing students and faculty, Alexandre emphasized education's role in addressing global challenges.

"Engineering training lies at the heart of our educational cooperation," he said. "We must cultivate exceptional engineers capable of solving real-world problems and improving society."

He urged students to maximize their unique educational opportunity, strengthen their technical expertise, expand their global outlook, and serve as cultural ambassadors between China and Portugal.

The delegation observed Portuguese instructors teaching Shanghai-based classes, praising the college's innovative, interactive pedagogical approach that blends Chinese and Portuguese educational methodologies.