On August 26th, on the occasion of Mayor Yang Xiong visiting Aalto University, Tongji University signed Memorandum of Understanding with Aalto University on sustainable campus and innovation ecosystem development.

Professor Lou Yongqi, dean of College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University and executive vice director of Sino-Finnish Centre, signed the MoU with Professor Hannu Seristö, vice president of Aalto University, Finland in the Aalto Design Factory. Mayor Yang Xiong and the delegation, Martti Raevaara, vice president of Aalto University, Professor Kalevi Ekman, director of the Aalto Design Factory, Professor Yrjö Sotamaa attended the signing ceremony.

This MoU is signed as the decision made in 5th Advisory Board Meeting this July, and aiming at promoting the cooperation on sustainable campus and innovation ecosystem development between Tongji University and Aalto University, and reaching a consensus on education, research and development programs about international innovation ecosystem construction. The two sides will offer innovative system solutions for the construction of smart sustainable campus (SSc) and smart sustainable city (SSC) in education, research and practice areas. Meanwhile, Tongji University and Aalto University will cooperate in interdisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurship training and education, such as the international minor, double degree, ensuring that students from both sides can benefit from these actions. Tongji Entrepreneurship Valley and the actors of Aalto Entrepreneurship ecosystem are closely connected to the course work and projects. Besides, both parties will seek support for the collaboration from industries, government, NGOs and alike.

After the signing ceremony, Mayor Yang Xiong and the delegation visited Aalto Design Factory and Otaniemi Science Park. On August 27th, Mayor Yang Xiong visited College of Art, Design and Architecture, Aalto University and was introduced the transformation from old industrial area to the world famous innovation and design centre through combing production, education and research by Professor Helena Hyvönen. Then he visited the exhibition room and production plant of Fiskas, which is a famous company of Finland located in Arabia campus.

It is reported that Mayor Yang Xiong’s visit is invited by Espoo, Finland, the sister city of Shanghai. He will visit Espoo from August 25thto 27th, celebrating the 15th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Shanghai and Espoo. During his visit, Mayor Yang Xiong will meet Niinisto, President of Finland, Vapaavuori, Minister of Economic Department, Kiuru, Minister of Education and Science Department and Maceara, Mayor of Espoo.