Tropical universities band together in new organization
By CHEN BOWEN in Haikou | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2023-08-29 16:48
Eight leading tropical institutions united to announce the inception of the League of Tropical Universities — LTU — on Sunday in a bid to foster the exchange of knowledge and establish research cooperation.
The LTU, a multilateral platform to advance international academic collaborations, aims to foster an "ecosystem" of exchanges and research partnerships. The tropical regions, home to 40 percent of the world's population, are expected to become powerhouses of sustainable development through innovation and collaboration. Hainan University serves as the permanent governing body for the league.
Member institutions are Cairo University in Egypt, the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, Hainan University, Institut Teknologi Bandung in Indonesia, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Malaysia.
"As an institution based in Hainan, China's largest free trade port, we understand the intricate interplay of climate, economy and sustainable development in the tropics. ... We are eager to facilitate collaboration and innovation between our members, leveraging Hainan's strategic location and economic vibrancy for the growth of the tropical world," said Luo Qingming, president of Hainan University.
The Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences is dedicated to improving agricultural practices across China's diverse tropical landscapes.
"Our participation in the LTU allows us to contribute this expertise for humanity on a broader and deeper scale. We are truly enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with universities around the world, sharing knowledge and developing strategies for sustainable and resilient agriculture that can benefit tropical regions," said Huang Sanwen, director of the academy.
Mohamed Ibrahim bin Abdul Mutalib, vice-chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Petronas, said, "Our emphasis on technology and energy, combined with our commitment to sustainable practices, places us at a significant juncture in this initiative.
"We aspire to create a distinctive imprint, not merely by sharing our insights but by pioneering tech-driven energy solutions that resonate with the rhythm of the tropics. This collaboration marks an exciting chapter in our journey toward sustainable development."
