November 8, 2025 -- The Campus Opening Ceremony for Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (hereinafter referred to as "BiUH") was held grandly in the Yangpu Economic Development Zone, Danzhou.

Representatives from relevant government departments, partner enterprises and institutions, media, parents, members of the BiUH Presidium, and BiUH faculty and students participated in the ceremony.

The ceremony, themed "New Campus, New Beginning, New Future: An innovative educational model in Hainan", was hosted by 2024 students JING Yujuan and FANG Tianze. The official opening of the campus not only signified the establishment of this Sino-German cooperatively built international "Work-integrated" university in the Hainan Free Trade Port but also symbolized a new stage in Sino-German educational cooperation, injecting new international educational momentum into Hainan's high-quality development.

Opening

The ceremony was declared open by Prof. Dr. Ingeborg Schramm-Wölk, President of Hochschule Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI) and President of Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences. In her speech, she pointed out that the completion of BiUH is not only an important achievement in Sino-German educational cooperation but also a vivid practice of education transcending national boundaries and connecting the world. The new campus is not just an expansion of teaching space but also a key carrier transforming Sino-German educational concepts from "vision" into "reality." The university will rely on the German "work-integrated" education model, closely aligning with the industrial development direction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, to provide students with "Work-integrated" education that combines international perspectives and local practice.

Introduction of BiUH Presidium

President Prof. Dr. Schramm-Wölk introduced the core members of the Presidium. The four Vice Presidents took the stage in turn, giving brief introductions regarding their respective areas of responsibility, demonstrating the diverse background and international character of the university's management team.

Speech by the leader of Danzhou

Mr. ZHANG Huawei, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Danzhou Municipal Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of the Danzhou Municipal People’s Government, addressed the ceremony, congratulating the university on its successful establishment in Yangpu. He noted that the arrival of Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences is both timely and significant. As a core area for the “port-industry-city integration” development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Danzhou Yangpu has a strong need for high-level international talent to support industrial upgrading. The university’s program offerings are highly aligned with the development needs of key local industries such as international logistics and the digital economy, and will inject new momentum into regional development. The Danzhou Municipal Government will demonstrate utmost sincerity and take concrete action to continuously provide high-quality services and policy support for the university’s development, working together to build a model zone for the deep integration of education and industry.

Unveiling Ceremony

Ms. Cui Ying, Deputy Director of the Education Department of Hainan Province; Mr. ZHANG Huawei, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Danzhou Municipal Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of the Danzhou Municipal People’s Government; BiUH President Prof. Dr. Ingeborg Schramm-Wölk; Vice Presidents Mr. ZENG Weilu, Judith Peltz, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schäfermeier, and Dr. Jari Grosse-Ruyken; along with Mr. Prof. XU Jiaming, General Manager of Hainan BiKe Education Development Co., Ltd., jointly took the stage for the unveiling. As the sand-pouring ceremony commenced, colored sand symbolizing the new chapter of Sino-German cooperation and education slowly filled the display unit. The emblem of Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (BiUH) gradually emerged, drawing warm applause from the audience and bringing the ceremony to a climax. This creative segment symbolized BiUH taking root and blossoming with new life and promise on the fertile ground of the Hainan Free Trade Port through the joint efforts of China and Germany.

Speech by the Student Representative

Student representative Pan Yingning then spoke on behalf of the incoming Class of 2025. She shared her expectations for the university's future development and expressed her commitment to treasuring the learning opportunities in an international educational environment, striving to become an "Work-integrated" talent equipped with innovative capability and a global vision.

"Work-integrated" Corporates Unveiling Ceremony

Witnessed by the university's Presidium, representatives from partner enterprises in China and Germany jointly unveiled the plaque, marking the official start of the collaborative industry-academia education system. This moment not only demonstrated the university's resolve to deepen industry-education integration but also reflected a shared determination with the industrial sector to cultivate "Work-integrated" talent.

Corporate Representative

Mr. André Sombecki, Chief Financial Officer of the Weidmüller Group, delivered a speech as the enterprise representative. Focusing on "long-term sustainable cooperation" and "joint growth" he emphasized that Weidmüller's cooperation with BiUH constitutes deep engagement in educational innovation, rather than a short-term partnership. He stated that the group will deepen collaboration across multiple dimensions going forward, including supporting Sino-German joint education programs, providing practical experience opportunities in Germany, imparting the respect for technology and spirit of cross-cultural inclusivity inherent in the "German DNA," and opening its global network to provide development platforms for graduates. He expressed his hope that students would grow into industry leaders, innovation pioneers, and envoys of Sino-German friendship.

Concluding

In her concluding address, President Schramm-Wölk sincerely thanked the Hainan Provincial Government, the Danzhou Municipal Government, and all partners for their support and trust. She also offered special thanks and greetings to the journalists present, noting that the day coincided with Chinese Journalists' Day. She encouraged faculty and students to continue upholding the spirit of openness, innovation, and cooperation to collectively write the future of BiUH.

Campus Tour

Following the ceremony, guests and media representatives, guided by student volunteers and senior university leaders, toured the campus. They visited teaching and living facilities such as the Student Center, Teaching Buildings, and the Welcome Center, experiencing the modern and open campus environment.

Looking Ahead

The successful holding of this campus opening ceremony not only displayed the substantial outcomes of Sino-German educational cooperation but also set BiUH on a new journey. In the future, the university will remain rooted in Hainan while engaging with the world. Through innovative educational concepts and an open international vision, it will cultivate more high-quality talent with practical competence and social responsibility, contributing further to the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port and to Sino-German cultural exchange.