On July 8, 2025, Professor Zeng Xiaoqin, Vice President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), visited the SJTU Asia-Pacific Graduate Institute (SJTU-APGI) in Singapore. His visit marked the official inauguration of the New Materials Innovation Southeast Asia Center, a regional platform dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and collaboration in materials science. The ceremony was graced by Mr. Han Jun, Minister-Counsellor (Education) of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore.

Amongst the distinguished guests are Dean of SJTU-APGI Peng Yinghong, Acting HoD of Materials Science and Engineering in National University of Singapore Xue Jun Min, Associate Chair of Materials Science and Engineering in Nanyang Technological University Li Shuzhou, Third Secretary from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore Shi Hui, Deputy Director of SJTU Institute of Science and Technology Development and Dean of SJTU Institute of Advanced Industrial Technology Sheng Xinjun, Deputy Director of SJTU Division of Global Cooperation and Exchange Wang Qian, Dean of SJTU School of Materials Science and Engineering Dai Qing, Vice Dean of SJTU School of Materials Science and Engineering Chen Ke, School of Materials Science and Engineering Liu Jing and Wu Yating, SJTU Division of Research Management Zhu Shu, SJTU Division of Global Cooperation and Exchange Li Yahui, as well as SJTU alumni and student representatives.

As host of the event, Professor Peng Yinghong welcomed Professor Zeng, Mr. Han, and other honored guests. Professor Dai Qing presented the background, mission, and operational vision of the new Center. The unveiling of the New Materials Innovation Southeast Asia Center was jointly conducted by Professor Zeng and Mr. Han.

In his speech, Mr. Han highlighted the longstanding collaboration between China and Singapore, which spans over 35 years and encompasses eight key sectors, including Science and Technology Innovation. He reaffirmed the Chinese Embassy’s strong support for SJTU-APGI, highlighting its exemplary role as a model for other Chinese universities seeking to establish a presence in Singapore. Emphasizing that materials science is a strength of Singapore’s universities, he expressed hope that this new center would deepen collaboration among top institutions such as SJTU, NUS, and NTU.

Professor Zeng expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for its continued support and to NUS and NTU for their valuable collaborations. He noted the strategic advantages of both Singapore and Shanghai in technology innovation and commercialization and expressed hope that the establishment of the Center and the ongoing development of SJTU-APGI would foster new opportunities for collaboration, talent development, and scientific advancement.

Also in attendance were Vice Dean of SJTU-APGI Xu Min, CNSB-CREATE Scientific Director Xu Ping, Co-Investigator (Track C) Zhang Jingxin; along with CNSB staffs and students.

This visit and the inauguration of the new center mark a new chapter in SJTU’s collaboration with Singapore, laying a strong foundation for future research and innovation in materials science.