Ya'an Polytechnic Forges New Educational Ties with Maldives, Establishes Overseas Tourism College
MALE, Maldives – In a significant development for Sino-Maldivian relations, a delegation from Ya'an Polytechnic College has successfully concluded a strategic visit, resulting in the establishment of the "Ya'an Polytechnic College Overseas (Maldives) Tourism College." The China-Maldivian Cultural Association (CMCA), which facilitated this initiative, views this partnership as a cornerstone for future educational and cultural collaboration.
The delegation, led by Mr. Fu Hongtao, a member of the college's Party Standing Committee and Vice President, visited at the official invitation of the CMCA. Their mission advanced a comprehensive "educational cooperation + cultural dissemination + talent cultivation" model, culminating in the formal launch of the Overseas Tourism College. This new institution will specialize in "Chinese Language + Vocational Skills" training and promote Chinese tea culture, directly addressing the Maldives' growing need for localized, international talent in its vital tourism and hospitality sector.
Through substantive dialogues with the CMCA, Maldives National University, and the Hanimaadhoo Island Council, the delegation secured multiple cooperative agreements, creating fresh momentum for educational connectivity under the broader Belt and Road Initiative.
The visit commenced with a meeting between the delegation and Mr. Mohamed Rasheed, Chairman of the China-Maldivian Cultural Association, at Villa College's Chinese Language Center. Both parties recognized the college's prior successes in hosting Maldivian students and promoting Traditional Chinese Medicine and tea culture. Chairman Rasheed expressed his appreciation for the 16 Maldivian students nurtured by the college over the past three years.
"With China-Maldivian trade and economic links strengthening daily, the demand for Chinese language education is surging," stated Mr. Rasheed. "We are eager to deepen our partnership with Ya'an Polytechnic, establishing regular exchange programs to enhance local Chinese teacher training and student instruction."
At the Maldives National University, the delegation met with officials including Ms. Aminath Shiyama, Quality Manager of the Tourism Management Faculty, to discuss international tourism talent development. Subsequently, Professor Ren Min, a National First-Class Tea Art Technician, delivered a masterclass on "Chinese Tea Tasting and Tea Art Appreciation," detailing the six major tea categories and the philosophy of the tea ceremony. A college student, Ms. Li Yiying, demonstrated traditional Gaiwan and the dynamic "18 Dragon Movements" long-spout pot techniques, captivating the audience and fostering deep engagement with Chinese tea culture.
The delegation also met with Mr. Abdul Sattar Hassan, Chairman of the Hanimaadhoo Island Council, to identify effective models for language and cultural training. The college team conducted "Chinese + Tea Art Vocational Skills" and "Living Tea Art" workshops at the island's community center, showcasing modern tea art, Song Dynasty-style tea whisking, and the "18 Dragon Movements." The events drew enthusiastic participation from local residents for both language and tea culture experiences.
In further talks with Chairman Mohamed Rasheed of the CMCA and Chairman Abdul Sattar Hassan of the Hanimaadhoo Island Council, the delegation worked on implementing the previously signed "Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Exchange and Knowledge Sharing." Discussions covered language and vocational training, teacher and student exchanges, online learning, academic advancement, and co-developing curricula.
The Maldivian partners proposed that the college dispatch teachers during winter and summer breaks to conduct Chinese language and tea art courses on Hanimaadhoo Island, suggesting the formation of a regular program to bolster cultural exchange. This was followed by the signing of the "Ya'an Polytechnic College Overseas (Maldives) Tourism College Cooperation Agreement" and the official unveiling of the college, celebrated with its inaugural Chinese tea art demonstration.
The China-Maldivian Cultural Association regards this visit as a pivotal and practical step by Ya'an Polytechnic College in deepening international cooperation, following its previous exchanges with Germany, France, Laos, and Sri Lanka. We are confident the college will ensure these agreements yield tangible results, transforming dialogue into action through the joint development of the tourism college, mutual faculty and student visits, Chinese language promotion, and shared talent cultivation.
This partnership opens new pathways for the internationalization of vocational education. The CMCA is certain these efforts will substantially enhance Sino-Maldivian educational and cultural exchanges and support our local tourism industry, demonstrating the unique "Yazhi strength" of this collaboration. We note with appreciation the participation of Liu Yong'en, a member of the University Party Standing Committee and Director of the Organization and Personnel Departments, signaling the college's strong commitment. The CMCA anticipates a continued, fruitful partnership to ensure the resounding success of these initiatives.