Hosted by Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), undertaken by Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), the APSCO 9th International Symposium was successfully held during November 15-16 in Beijing, with the theme of “Developing Next-Generation Aerospace Innovative Talents through Space Cooperation”. As the part of the celebration activities of APSCO 10th Anniversary, the symposium aims to promote the joint development and cultivate the next generation of space innovation talents, hence, to benefit the people in the Asia-Pacific region by enhancing more cooperation and sharing among space organizations and institutions in the Asia-Pacific region.
The opening ceremony of the Symposium was held on November 15 and was attended and addressed by invited VIPs including Mr Li Xinjun, Secretary General of APSCO, Mr. Feng Changhui, Director General of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China, Prof. Wang Jinsong, President of NPU, Dr. Jean-Yves Gall, President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Dr. Li Xinjun welcomed all participants and encouraged space related international organizations, institutes and universities in the world, as well as other partners, to take an active part in these endeavors
Mr. Feng Changhui expressed that China would conscientiously implement the responsibilities as a host country, actively support the work of the APSCO, including cultivating next generation of aerospace talents, and engaging more stakeholders in the cooperation, sticking to the principle of open and sharing, eventually, making people of Asia-Pacific region benefited and developed together.
Prof. Wang Jinsong introduced NPU’s achievements on space innovation talents cultivation and technological innovation and emphasized that “NPU sincerely welcome cooperation with global partners in various fields to jointly promote the prosperity and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the countries along the Belt and Road in the space field, and to make greater contributions to the development of space science and aerospace industry.”
The Symposium was actively attended by more than 100 participants from Bangladesh, Belgium, China, France, Germany, India, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, the UK and the USA. During the Symposium, total 35 selected reports , including 6 keynote presentations and 4 APSCO success stories have been shared with participants covering 4 important topics:New Demands and Trends of Cultivating Aerospace Innovative Talents; Developing College Students’ Capability of Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Developing Aerospace Innovative Talents’ Practical Ability; Developing Next-Generation Aerospace Innovative Talents through Space Cooperation.
Professor Zhang Fuli, director of the Office of International Cooperation and dean of the International College of NPU co-chaired the first session. Professor Yu Xiaozhou from the School of Astronautic of NPU and the international student Muhammad Azeem Aslam of NPU were invited to give the speeches at the Symposium. The symposium was closed successfully on November 16, 2018.
During the APSCO’s 10th Anniversary High-Level Forum on November 14, Prof. Zhang Wei, Chairman of Board of Trustees of NPU delivered the keynote speech with the theme of Cooperation, Sharing and Outlook---- Aerospace Innovative Talent Cultivation for and beyond the Future. Under the joint witness of Minister of MIIT Miaowei, Pro. Zhang Weiand representatives from APSCO member states, the “APSCO-NPU Development Base for Aerospace Talents Memorandum of Understanding” and “Agreementfor cooperation on Degree Education Programs of APSCO between APSCO and NPU” were signed by Professor Zhang Weihong, on behalf of NPU and the secretary-general of APSCO, Mr. Li Xinjun. The unveiling ceremony of “APSCO-NPU Development Base for Aerospace Talents” was also held.
NPU supported APSCO withits 10th Anniversary High-Level Forum and organized theAPSCO 9th International Symposium successfully. All the efforts made by NPU were highly recognized by APSCO and the participants.
