University of Waterloo Delegation Visits GIFT

On January 27, 2026, a delegation from the University of Waterloo visited the Global Institute of Future Technology (GIFT) for in-depth discussions on joint talent cultivation and research collaboration. Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Waterloo signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the same day, covering various cooperative cultivation models.

The delegation was led by Alfred Yu, Associate Vice-President of the University of Waterloo, and included Mary Wells, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Jochen Koenemann, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics; Chris Houser, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Felix Arndt, Director of Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, along with Raouf Boutaba, Director of Cheriton School of Computer Science, joined by Graham Murphy (Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science), Fred Zhu (Executive Director of the Faculty of Engineering), and Mona Skuterud (Executive Director of the Faculty of Science). The delegation was received by Jun Ni, Dean of GIFT; Haibo Han, Deputy Chairperson of the GIFT Council; Weiliang Xia and Hua Bao, Associate Deans; David Hung, Associate Dean of SJTU Global College; and faculty representatives Ruigang Yang and Yi Zheng, along with staff from the Academic Affairs Office.

Jun Ni extended a warm welcome and outlined GIFT's educational philosophy, development progress, platform support and faculty composition. He highlighted the school's focus on future energy and future health, emphasizing its commitment to interdisciplinary integration, cutting-edge research, and teaching innovation to build a future-oriented education and research ecosystem.

Alfred Yu highlighted Waterloo's strengths across various disciplines, global networks, student enrollment, strategic goals, and particularly its distinctive Co-operative Education (CO-OP) program. He expressed a strong interest in future collaboration, noting that Waterloo's strategic priorities align closely with GIFT's education vision. He proposed collaboration in joint undergraduate/graduate programs, scientific research, and academic exchanges to cultivate future leaders with global-mindedness and innovative capabilities.

Both sides held constructive discussions on various collaborative models, including the “2+2” dual-degree undergraduate program, joint master's programs, dual master's degree programs, and doctoral cultivation, and reached a broad consensus. This exchange laid a solid foundation for strengthening global ties and expanding students’ international development pathways.

The University of Waterloo, located in Ontario, Canada, is a world-renowned public research university recognized for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. GIFT and Waterloo's Faculty of Engineering have jointly established a “3+1+1” bachelor's to master's program that allows students to study at Waterloo during their undergraduate years. After earning their bachelor's degrees from SJTU, students can directly enter a master's program at Waterloo Engineering. The program also offers a one-semester internship at top Canadian technology companies.