HDU Delegation Visits Frederick University to Expand Education Ties

A senior delegation from China’s Hangzhou Dianzi University (HDU) visited Frederick University in Cyprus, for high-level talks aimed at strengthening and expanding their strategic academic partnership. The visit marks a significant step forward in China-Cyprus higher education cooperation and builds on an already successful joint undergraduate programme in Computer Science.

HDU is a leading public research university based in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of China’s major technology and innovation hubs. The university specialises in computer science, engineering and information technology and maintains strong links with the region’s dynamic tech sector. It is widely recognised for producing highly skilled graduates in technology and innovation and for fostering entrepreneurship.

Frederick University has already established a formal partnership with HDU’s Information Engineering College (HZIEE) to deliver a joint undergraduate degree in Computer Science in China. The programme is scheduled to begin this September and represents the first collaborative undergraduate degree ever offered by HDU. Chinese students admitted to the programme will commence their studies in the new academic semester, with early admission results exceeding expectations and demonstrating strong interest in the joint offering.

The HDU delegation included Wang Yaoxiang, Chair of the University Council; Professor Wu Jian, Director of the International Office; Professor Wu Huifeng, Dean of the School of Computer Science; Professor Chen Long, Associate Dean of the School of Electronic Information; Professor Guan Liming, Dean of the College of Information Engineering; and Professor Simon Su, Honorary Professor of the University.

Representing Frederick University were Vice-Chancellor Professor George Demosthenous; Vice-Chancellor for Research, Development and International Relations Professor Michalis Komodromos; Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Professor Costas Kyriakou; Dean of the School of Engineering Professor Christos Themistos; Professor Andreas Poullikkas of the School of Engineering; and Dr Haris Papadopoulos, coordinator of the joint IT programme and member of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics.

Welcoming the visitors, Professor George Demosthenous provided an overview of higher education in Cyprus and outlined Frederick University’s vision for deepening the partnership with HDU. “Our collaboration has already established a strong foundation of mutual trust,” he said. “Your visit reflects the meaningful progress we have made together and provides an excellent opportunity to deepen our relationship while jointly shaping the next steps towards an even stronger and more ambitious partnership. We are confident that, through constructive dialogue and a spirit of mutual understanding, we can develop a collaboration of long-term strategic value for both our institutions, benefiting our students, academic staff and the wider university community".

Professor Andreas Poullikkas reviewed the collaboration to date, highlighting the progress already achieved and the positive momentum established. He also presented opportunities for further academic and research cooperation, including joint initiatives, programmes and activities of mutual interest, as well as the development of additional joint degree programmes in various engineering disciplines to be delivered at HDU.

The HDU representatives spoke positively about the existing partnership and expressed particular satisfaction with the launch of the joint Computer Science programme. Wang Yaoxiang, Chair of the HDU University Council, stated: “This visit further strengthens the partnership between HDU and Frederick University. We are particularly pleased with the successful launch of the joint undergraduate Computer Science programme delivered by HZIEE and Frederick University. The programme has attracted an outstanding cohort of first-year students, with admissions results exceeding our expectations, demonstrating both the programme’s appeal and our two institutions’ shared commitment to developing graduates who are competitive in the global environment.

Also Read: Scaling AI Education Tools for Young Learners in Hong Kong

“Building on this success, we look forward to expanding our collaboration further through the development of additional joint academic programmes and the establishment of a jointly operated institute integrating high-quality education, scientific research, technological innovation, entrepreneurship and international cooperation. We also look forward to exploring opportunities for the supervision and education of Master’s and doctoral students, as well as expanding our collaboration in research, innovation and academic exchange.

We are confident that these initiatives will elevate our partnership to a new level and serve as a model for China-Cyprus cooperation in higher education. Together, we can make a meaningful contribution to talent development, scientific progress and innovation while strengthening educational links and the relationship between the peoples of our two countries".

During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Vice-Chancellor of Frederick University and the Dean of HZIEE. The agreement covers a range of collaborative activities, including the exchange of expertise and best practice in education, joint research, the provision of scholarships, and staff and student mobility programmes.

The HDU delegation also held courtesy meetings with senior Cypriot government officials. On 28 July 2026, the delegation and the Rector of Frederick University met with the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Dr Athena Michaelidou, who welcomed the partnership and expressed the Ministry’s support as part of its internationalisation strategy.

 On 29 July 2026, the group met with the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr Nicodemos Damianou, who referred to the Deputy Ministry’s bilateral cooperation with China and voiced support for academic and research partnerships of this kind.

The visit underscores the growing importance of international university partnerships in developing globally competitive graduates and advancing research and innovation. Both institutions have expressed clear intent to move beyond the current joint Computer Science degree toward broader academic collaboration, joint institutes, postgraduate education and expanded research links, positioning the HDU–Frederick University relationship as a model for China-Cyprus higher education cooperation.