On October 18th, the inaugural ceremony for the establishment of the CDUTCM-Keele Joint Health and Medical Science Institute at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with the opening ceremony for the 2023 freshman class, was grandly held at Baihui Hall, Wenjiang Campus. Distinguished attendees included Dai Zuo'an, First-level Inspector of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education; Li Daopi, Member of the Party Group and Deputy Director of the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Wang Yandan, Director of the British Council; Professor Pauline Walsh, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Keele and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Liu Yi, Party Secretary of CDUTCM; and Yu Shuguang, President of CDUTCM.Representatives from higher-level administrative departments, the British Council, the Keele University delegation, various functional departments of the university, and all faculty and students of CDUTCM-Keele Joint Health and Medical Science Institute also participated. The ceremony was presided over by Vice President Zeng Fang.

The establishment ceremony commenced with a captivating lion dance performance.

In his speech, Dai Zuo'an expressed that the joint establishment of CDUTCM and Keele University to form CDUTCM-Keele Joint Health and Medical Science Institute is not only a significant event for the university but also a joyous occasion for education in Sichuan. He hoped for strong collaboration to achieve high-level educational outcomes, contribute to the development of Sichuan's health industry, and further accelerate the internationalization of education in the province.

 Li Daopi pointed out in his speech that there are deep connections between China and the UK in traditional Chinese medicine, and CDUTCM-Keele Joint Health and Medical Science Institute is an innovative Sino-foreign cooperative institution established to adapt to the rapid development of China's health industry. It represents a significant achievement in Sichuan's active response to the "Healthy China 2030 Development Strategy" and the continuous promotion of international exchanges and cooperation. He believed that the two universities will work closely together, progress with the times, and jointly contribute to building a "Healthy China" and a global community for human health.

Wang Yandan, in her address, mentioned that China has always been an important partner for the UK in international exchanges and cooperation, showcasing the charm of cultural blending in various fields such as research, healthcare, education, and culture. She regarded the CDUTCM-Keele Joint Health and Medical Science Institute as an essential vehicle for cooperation in cultivating medical professionals between China and the UK and hoped the college would achieve high standards and distinct characteristics.

President Yu Shuguang highlighted in his speech that tthe CDUTCM-Keele Joint Health and Medical Science Institute is a collaborative institution established in response to the "Double First-Class" initiative, representing a high-level educational platform integrating disciplinary advantages. He urged students to connect traditional and modern medicine, contribute to the integration of traditional Chinese medicine concepts with modern health management, and strive to become high-quality, internationally-oriented professionals.

Professor Pauline Walsh expressed her delight at the establishment of the college and the enrollment of the first batch of students. She emphasized Keele University's strong global perspective, drawing from the experience of having students from different countries studying together, and highlighted the mature international education that the university can provide to students at the Keele Health and Medical Sciences College.

During the ceremony, representatives of dignitaries lit the ceremonial pillars of the CDUTCM-Keele Joint Health and Medical Science Institute. President Yu Shuguang and Professor Pauline handed over the college plaque to the Chinese and British deans, Dr. Chen Yuan and Dr. Clare.

Following this, Professor Jin Rongjiang, representing the faculty, delivered a speech encouraging students to uphold their ideals, actively engage in medical services, and contribute to the global cause of human health. Student representative Chen Ruijie expressed a commitment to approach learning with enthusiasm, actively practice, and explore the advanced concepts of health services and rehabilitation therapy both domestically and internationally.

In conclusion, student representatives presented a choral performance of "YOU RAISE ME UP" and "Friendship is Everlasting," expressing sincere congratulations on the establishment of the college and eager anticipation for the future collaborative professional learning experience between China and the UK.