On December 15, the 2024 Annual Conference of SISA and the Forum on “High-Quality Development Pathways for Foreign Language Education under the National Strategy of Building a Strong Education System” were held at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE). The event brought together nearly 200 participants to weigh issues in advancing foreign language education amid building China in to leading country in education.
As a representative of USST, Dean Liu led an eight-member delegation to this forum, entourage including Vice Deans Han Geling and Zhang Le; Ni Jincheng, Director of the Institute of Linguistics; Huang Fang, Director of the Department of English (Sino-US Joint Program); Han Yang, Deputy Director of the Department of English (Translation for Science and Technology); Yang Benming, Director of the Department of Japanese; and Bian Hong, Director of the Department of German.
The Opening Ceremony was co-chaired by Professor Zhao Ke, Dean of School of Foreign Studies, SUFE, and Professor Yang Yanning, Vice President of SISA and Dean of School of Foreign Languages, East China Normal University (ECNU). The ceremony began with speeches delivered by such distinguished guests as Professor Cao Dongbo, Member of Standing Committee of Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Director of the Publicity Department of SUFE, Lu Hongqing, Research Consultant from the Society Management Office of Shanghai Federation of Social Science Associations (SFSSA). Professor Zha Mingjian, President of SISA and Vice President of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) delivered the association’s annual work report. And Keynote speeches were given by tenured Professor Zhu Zhiting from ECNC; Professor Peng Qinglong, Executive Vice President of SISA and Distinguished Professor of SJTU, and Professor Zhao Ke.
Annual Work Report by Zha Mingjian,President of SISA
The conference honored contributors in foreign language education with the 2024 SISA Annual Contribution Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. Dean Liu Qin was recognized with the Annual Contribution honor for her leadership in advancing USST’s foreign language disciplines.
Prof. Liu Bestowed the Annual Contribution Award
This conference held the Dean’s Forum, which featured four themes: the roles and responsibilities of foreign language disciplines under the mission of education for a stronger nation (the first sub-forum), the practices and experiences of foreign language disciplines to serve national strategies (the second sub-forum), the concepts and practices of talent cultivation under the innovative foreign language education model (the third sub-forum), and the AI boosting the quality of foreign language education under the intelligent enhancement of the education model (the fourth sub-forum). Professor Yang Benming shared the efforts made by the Department of Japanese in discipline construction and serving national strategies at the first sub-forum. He introduced the history of the Department and its current work and achievements in national projects, talent training and translation practice. He also mentioned that the Department, with its scientific and technological features, has applied for a number of national projects, and has guided students to carry out translation work in accordance with the national strategies and needs. By participating in activities such as the Japanese translation of the large-scale documentary film “The Great Shanghai” (《大上海》) and hosting the Japanese Youth Friendship Visiting Group, we have contributed to China’s foreign communication and Sino-foreign cultural exchanges, boosted Shanghai’s image, and promoted local culture.
A Speech by Prof. Yang
Professor Ni Jincheng shared the initiatives taken by the Institute of Linguistics at CFL in promoting scientific research at the fourth sub-forum. He mentioned that CFL has made achievements in the application of national social science projects. He also introduced in detail a series of measures taken by the Institute relating to research and development, academic exchange and training, symposiums, and cooperation of faculty members. These initiatives have made great strides, providing scientific research support for the development of foreign language education.
A Speech by Prof. Ni
The closing session was presided over by Dean Liu. Professor Wu Yun (Vice President, Secretary-General of SISA, and Dean of School of Foreign Studies, TJU) made a conclusive speec. He emphasized the forum’s role in mapping future directions for foreign language education and applauded its focus on innovation and strategic alignment. The event culminated with resounding applause.
Group Photo of Delegates from CFL
