The University of Limerick received the Higher Education Partnership of the Year accolade at the 2023 Asia Matters Business Awards. This recognition, bestowed by former government minister Alan Dukes during a ceremony held at the Radisson Blu, Golden Lane in Dublin, celebrates outstanding collaborations with Asian institutions. The award category acknowledges exemplary partnerships between Higher Education Institutions, including departmental initiatives, research institutes, and business schools, showcasing noteworthy collaborations in 2023.
UL received recognition for its joint institute status with Henan Polytechnic University, officially sanctioned by the Chinese Ministry of Education in April this year. Spearheaded by Associate Professor Sean McGrath from the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and Yi Bao, Director of China Engagement at UL, this collaboration was acknowledged at the Asia Matters Business Awards. These awards honor Irish entities prioritizing the Asian market and companies making significant investments in Ireland.
Associate Professor Sean McGrath, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, expressed delight at receiving the joint Institute award with Henan Polytechnic University. Despite the recent acknowledgment, UL has maintained robust connections with Chinese universities for over two decades, graduating numerous electronic engineers at various academic levels.
McGrath highlighted the institution's anticipation of expanding this fruitful partnership further, focusing on delivering adaptable learning methods within the joint institute. This approach aims to cater to evolving industry trends, address regional and national skill requirements, and nurture future professional leaders.
Professor Kenneth Stanton, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, also present at the awards, emphasized the innovative learning opportunities such collaborations offer. Sharing expertise with a university in one of the world's largest economies benefits UL and its students. Stanton extended congratulations to McGrath and Yi for their achievement and thanked them for their dedication in fostering these collaborations.
