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Shanghai Electric Launches Sino-Pakistan Academy of Excellence for Engineers

On November 24, 2025, Shanghai Electric officially inaugurated the Sino-Pakistan Academy of Excellence for Engineers, marking a pivotal step towards cultivating talent for the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This initiative aims to create internationally competitive engineers, promoting both technical and cultural collaboration between China and Pakistan.

The launch event was held simultaneously online and offline across three different locations in both countries. Representatives from the integrated coal mining and power project at Thar Block-I, popularly known as the Thar project, and experts from Shanghai Dianji University signed a cooperation agreement, officially commencing the Academy’s training program.

Zhu Zhaokai, President of Shanghai Electric Group, highlighted the pressing need for versatile talents capable of meshing theoretical knowledge with technical practices and intercultural communication skills in an ever-evolving global industrial landscape. He stated, “The establishment of the Academy is a significant initiative to enhance the integration of industry, academia, and application, thereby constructing an international talent cultivation system.”

The Academy is poised to leverage the academic prowess of Shanghai Dianji University in advanced manufacturing, focusing on joint research, practical education, and faculty exchanges. This model aims to promote a new wave of international talent development within the BRI framework.

Gong Siyi, President of Shanghai Dianji University, underscored the Academy's status as a vital overseas demonstration project, committed to maintaining high standards in talent development systems, educational quality, and supportive services.

“The goal is to establish the Academy as a significant bridge enhancing friendship and technological collaboration between China and Pakistan,” she stated.

As the first company-led international program for engineering talent under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Academy will offer specialized master's programs tailored to meet the specific needs of the Thar project, emphasizing energy and electrical engineering. A dual mentorship system, involving professors and industry professionals, will empower students to tackle real-world challenges through the interplay of theory and practice.

In recent years, Shanghai Electric has prioritized systematic talent cultivation and strategic planning in forming the Academy, deepening collaborations between industry and academia to create an innovation ecosystem focused on globalization and advanced technology integration.

Since opening its doors in 2024, the Sino-Pakistan Academy of Excellence for Engineers has been dedicated to nurturing technology experts and training high-caliber personnel. This initiative works hand in hand with the industry to build a strong pipeline of future technology leaders.

The flagship initiative of the Academy, the Tech Expert Symposium, serves as a premier platform for top-tier professionals and scientists to foster knowledge exchange, technological collaboration, and talent development. Since its inception, five symposia have been held, addressing the latest technological trends and practical insights from the engineering realm.

At the heart of Shanghai Electric’s proactive talent strategy is a robust commitment to technological advancement and nurturing human capital amid rapid changes. In the first half of 2025, the company invested 2.546 billion CNY in research and development—a 9.4% increase year-on-year, representing 4.7% of total revenue—with 39.5% of the funding allocated to emerging sectors.

To maintain accelerated innovation, Shanghai Electric has positioned talent as its most crucial strategic resource, an approach they plan to continue moving forward.

For more information, visit Shanghai Electric.