Prof. Pei Gang, President of Tongji University was awarded the Medal of Honor titled Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland by the President of Finland, Mr. Sauli Niinisto, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to furthering Sino-Finnish cooperation in university education, innovation and design. The medal of honor was given out by Finnish Consul General, Ms Marja Joenusva on November 17th.

Consul General Marja spoke highly of President Pei’s outstanding contribution to Chinese Finnish University co-operation, to the introduction of Finnish design education in China and to promotion of Finnish design in China in the medal conferring ceremony. In 2009 President Pei made the initiative to establish the Sino-Finnish Centre at Tongji University. In 2010, Aalto-Tongji Design Factory was established. Sino-Finnish Centre is now not only a platform for Aalto and Tongji but it has developed into a stage for collaboration between China and Finland, even broader international collaboration.

Prof. Lou Yongqi, Dean of Design and Innovation College, Executive Vice Director of Sino-Finnish Centre, Tongji University, was awarded the Medal of Honor titled Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland.

The Order of the Lion of Finland was founded on September 11, 1942 for individuals distinguishing themselves in civilian life or military service. Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland is among the highest insignias of the Orders in Finland.