The University of Queensland’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Peter Høj, has received a prestigious award in recognition of his contribution to the global Confucius Institute Network.
Chinese Vice-Premier and Council of Confucius Institute Headquarters Chair Madam Liu Yandong, presented the award on 6 December at the Confucius Institute’s Global Conference in Shanghai.
The 2015 Outstanding Individual of the Year Award is from the Confucius Institute headquarters, known as Hanban.
The award recognises Professor Høj for his active approach to integrating the UQ Confucius Institute into the University and the local community, and for his contribution, guidance and support to the UQ Confucius Institute and the Confucius Institute global network.
The UQ Confucius Institute, formally established in 2009 in partnership with Hanban and Tianjin University, has thousands of students, and links with school students through Confucius classrooms in Brisbane and regional Queensland.
Professor Høj is one of 16 senior consultants to Hanban. He represents Oceania.
He said he was extremely honoured to receive the 2015 Outstanding Individual of the Year Award, stressing that the achievements of the UQ Confucius Institute were not due to an individual, but to many people.
“Teams of students and staff at UQ contribute to the success of the Confucius Institute, and we are seeing growing interest and enthusiasm from the community, business and the public sector,” Professor Hoj said.
“As a Senior Consultant since 2013, I have been very impressed by how receptive Hanban is to the ideas and strategies we are developing at UQ.
“It shows genuine interest in a two-way conversation, which is a good sign for the future of the network and its capacity to enhance intercultural understanding and global co-operation.”
Professor Høj said the UQ Confucius Institute had presented valuable opportunities to deepen UQ’s relationship with Tianjin University.
This was highlighted by the recent signing of a series of agreements with Tianjin University Administrative Council Chairman Professor Liu Jianping.
The UQ Confucius Institute aligns with teaching and research objectives in the field of Chinese studies at UQ, and promotes cultural and language exchange.
It celebrated its fifth anniversary in November 2015 at a reception attended by senior UQ staff and community representatives.
Hanban Chief Executive and Director General Madam Xu Lin sent a congratulatory message to all who had contributed to the development of the UQ Confucius Institute and the friendship between Australia and China.
