Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan Engages With Chinese Counterpart To Enhance Educational Collaboration

In Beijing, Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan held discussions with China's Minister of Education, Professor Huai Jinpeng. The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi and Dr. Nasser Al-Aqeeli, the Ministry's Undersecretary for International Cooperation. They explored ways to strengthen partnerships in education between Saudi Arabia and China.

The dialogue centred on implementing the memorandum of cooperation between the two ministries. Both parties agreed to establish a joint working team to streamline communication and processes. They also considered creating detailed executive programs to further their collaboration.

Key topics included expanding partnerships between universities and research centres in both countries. This expansion aims to enhance scientific research, graduate studies, scholarships, and medical education training opportunities.

The meeting also addressed the potential for Chinese investment in Saudi Arabia's education sector through the "Invest Saudi" platform. Opportunities in Chinese language education, e-learning, research, development, and innovation were highlighted as areas of interest for investors.

Saudi Arabia introduced its scholarship program for Chinese students via the "Study in Saudi" platform. Discussions included mechanisms for activating Chinese scholarships for Saudi students and an executive program to secure seats for Saudi students in top Chinese universities.

The ministers examined the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to integrating Chinese curricula into middle and secondary education in Saudi Arabia. They also discussed training Saudi teachers to teach Chinese in public schools.

Curriculum Development

Exploring how China's experience could aid in developing gaming-related curricula was another topic of interest. This initiative aims to incorporate innovative educational methods into Saudi Arabia's curriculum development process.

The meeting underscored the importance of exchanging expertise to advance both countries' educational systems. By leveraging each other's strengths, they aim to foster growth and innovation within their respective education sectors.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing educational ties between Saudi Arabia and China, with both nations committed to mutual development and progress in education.

With inputs from SPA