The China-Thailand Marine and Aquaculture Center Facilitates the Exploration of Shandong Aquaculture Enterprises for Students in the KU-OUC Dual-Degree Program for Postgraduates and “CAMPUS Asia” Program
In response to the national “Belt and Road” Initiative and the “Double First-Class” construction, and to cultivate international talents in aquaculture in Asia and serve the fishery development in Asia, China, and Shandong Province, from November 16 to 18, 2023, the China-Thailand Marine and Aquaculture Center organized overseas students of KU-OUC Dual-Degree Program for Postgraduates between China and Thailand, and “CAMPUS Asia” Program to visit renowned aquaculture enterprises in Shandong Province. The activity was dubbed “Getting Close to Chinese Aquaculture and Experiencing Rapid Development.” Eleven overseas students from Thailand, South Korea, and Indonesia visited three selected enterprises: Xunshan Group in Rongcheng, Mingbo Aquatic in Laizhou, and Shengda Aquaculture Factory of SINOPEC Shengli Oilfield in Dongying. They learned about the history and achievements of aquaculture enterprises through investigation of the sea, visits to aquaculture facilities and exhibition halls, and discussions. The delegation was led by Li Jingyu, Executive Director of the China-Thailand Marine and Aquaculture Center, and Liu Yang, Director of the “CAMPUS Asia” Program. Zhao Jing, Vice Dean of the School of International Education, Ocean University of China, was invited to the activity.
During the visit to Rongcheng, the students and faculty took fishing boats to the Ailun Bay National Marine Ranch of Xunshan Group, where they learned about the company’s local shellfish and algae cultivation efforts. They also explored the exhibition hall and microalgae cultivation workshop, experiencing firsthand the concept of balancing economic development with sound ecological protection. The delegation then toured the Rongcheng Ocean Food Expo Center, deepening their understanding of the progress and achievements in Rongcheng’s aquaculture and processing industry. They had the opportunity to taste a variety of delicious seafood, enjoying the fresh delicacies of Rongcheng’s seafood industry.
In Laizhou, the delegation visited Mingbo Aquatic, exploring their North China marine seed breeding base, intelligent recirculating aquaculture workshop, and Laizhou National Marine Ranch Exhibition Hall. Mingbo Aquatic is known for designing and producing smart facilities for recirculating aquaculture and breeding high-value fish fry and adults in warm water. The students observed the highly-advanced smart facilities, examined the parent fish of the Miniatus Grouper species, and gained understanding about deep-sea aquaculture platforms and models of recreational fisheries, while appreciating the company’s pursuit of continuous innovation and excellence.
During the investigation in Dongying, the delegation visited the ponds where shrimps and crabs were raised together, along with the sea cucumber seedling workshop at the Shengda Aquaculture Factory of SINOPEC Shengli Oilfield in Dongying. They learned about the polyculture model, production scale, breeding technology, and sales channels. They also toured the Jinniwan Marine Ecological Protection Science Popularization Education Base, and engaged in discussions with branch company leaders. Wang Gang, member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Deputy General Manager of the branch, introduced the production of the branch. Liu Yang, assistant to the Dean of the Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, and Zhao Jing, Vice Dean of the School of International Education, Ocean University of China, respectively introduced the Fisheries College and overseas students. The visit provided an opportunity for fruitful discussions on university-enterprise cooperation, scientific research, and talent cultivation.
This initiative not only enhanced the overseas students’ understanding of the rapid and high-quality development of China’s aquaculture industry, but also opened new avenues for the visited enterprises’ international promotion. Additionally, it facilitated university-enterprise cooperation and international collaboration, laying a solid foundation for global outreach in higher education and aquaculture efforts in Shandong. The China-Thailand Marine and Aquaculture Center is committed to continuing such activities to further enhance the distinctiveness of the “Study Abroad at Ocean University of China” brand.
Correspondent: Zhang Xinyu
