The ceremonial and inauguration of the Zeng He college and the Batch 2 of double degree programme was held at the Faculty of Economics and Business UNNES, Wednesday 5 November 2025. In the occasion Vice President of JVIC Mr. Wang Bing along with Vice Rector for Cooperation, Business, and International Relations UNNES Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus presented a speech that strengthen the relationship between UNNES and JVIC. Mr Wang Bing emphasised “the new students of Zheng He College Batch 2, as well as batch 1 students are the heart of this collaboration. that is, “culture” ambassadors and “future warriors” who can revive Zheng He’s spirit in the current context. It is more than just the pursuit of academic competence but also the challenge of building bridges of understanding, knitting professional networks, and creating cross-border innovations”.
The trilateral collaboration between UNNES, ITEA-ICCCM, Malaysia and Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Commerce since 2021 has proven that the partnership is not a static project, but a growing ecosystem. Starting with the Foreign Language & Skill Training program (FLST), the Friendship College Program was initiated in 2023. The success of Batch 1 as a pioneer and now the increasing presence of Batch 2 with total of 63 students from the Faculties of Economics & Business (FEB)-UNNES, students from the management & development economics bachelor study programme is clear proof that this collaboration model is not only feasible, but also sustainable. In this occasion also at present the Senior Manager of ICCCM Ms Loo Hui Ann, Dean of FEB UNNES Prof.Dr,Amir Mahmud, representative from Sam Poo Kong and Boen Hian Tong Foundation, Central Java Provincial Education Office and also Dr. Bahrodin Chief Expert Supervisor Central Java Education Office, the students of batch 1 and 2 also join this event and have calligraphic activities with Mr. Wang Bing.
The inauguration of the Zheng He Cultural Research Institute and the Batch 2 double degree is not just a ceremonial event. This is a strategic leap, a strategic leap that transforms our collaboration from the realm of vocational education to the realm of science creation and civilization. Through this research centre, it will be a hub that translates Zheng He’s cultural heritage and local wisdom into a framework to solve contemporary challenges in the fields of maritime economy, international trade, cultural diplomacy, and creative economy.
This programme supports the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international double degree collaboration, vocational–academic integration, and the establishment of the Zheng He Cultural Research Institute as a hub for innovation and cultural diplomacy.
