Professor Wilson, Dean of the College of Social Sciences at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Visits the School of International Studies and School of Global and Area Studies at Renmin University of China

On September 17th, 2025, Professor Jon Edward Wilson, Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, visited the School of International Studies and School of Global and Area Studies at Renmin University of China.

The meeting was attended by Professor Di Dongsheng, Dean of School of Global and Area Studies and Deputy Dean of the School of International Studies; Professor Li Wei, Deputy Dean of SGAS and SIS; Associate Professor Li Chen, Deputy Dean of SIS; Associate Professor Huang Chen, Deputy Director of the Department of Political Science; Associate Professor Ji Xianbai, Director of the Institute for South and Southeast Asian Studies; and Associate Professor Wang Zhaodong, Deputy Director of the Department of National Security Studies.

Professor Di Dongsheng first extended a warm welcome to Professor Wilson and provided a comprehensive introduction to the development history and academic achievements of the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China. He reviewed the school's development journey as a key institution for political science and international relations education in China, highlighting how, through decades of growth, it has become a highly regarded platform for talent cultivation and academic research, both domestically and internationally.

Professor Wilson then shared innovative practices in the organizational structure of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Nanyang Technological University, with particular emphasis on its pioneering efforts in integrating technology with social sciences and deepening the convergence of digital technologies with humanities and social science research. He noted that NTU is actively promoting programs that combine data science with social sciences, addressing the new questions and challenges posed by the digital era for humanities and social science research.

During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on the contemporary significance and academic value of imperial history studies, and engaged in in-depth dialogue regarding the development trajectory and methodological innovations of area studies as an emerging discipline. Professor Wilson specifically introduced NTU's academic framework and policy focus in South Asian and Southeast Asian studies. Professor Di Dongsheng elaborated on the area studies system with "Chinese characteristics and Renmin University style," emphasizing the academic mission and practical significance the discipline should undertake during China's advancement toward the center of the world stage, while sharing specific cases of Renmin University's efforts in cross-cultural, cross-regional, and interdisciplinary integration.

Deputy Dean Li Wei shared innovative practices in talent cultivation at the School of Global and Area Studies. Deputy Dean Li Chen presented an overview of the School of International Studies' international exchanges and cooperation, including recent developments, and highlighted the school's distinctive approach to integrating historical research with social sciences. He emphasized the school's exploration of applied history, aiming to achieve deep interdisciplinary convergence between historical studies and political science.

Furthermore, the two parties explored potential avenues for collaboration, including joint degree programs, student exchanges, faculty visitation mechanisms, and the joint establishment of inter-school research initiatives.