29 July 2026 – Mr. Mengda Zhao, Board Member of the Shanghai Prospect Development Institute (SPDI) and Chief Executive Officer of Longcharm Group, together with Dr. Lina Wang, Board Member of SPDI and Co-founder of Longcharm Education, met with Andrew Pittams, Commercial Director, Arwa Due-Gundersen, Senior Strategic Collaboration Manager, and Sean Pryor, Account Manager, from the University of Cambridge Executive and Professional Education – Advance Online at the Triangle Building, Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
The meeting focused on opportunities for collaboration in international education, online learning, continuing education, executive education and the future development of the Chinese education market.
During the meeting, Arwa Due-Gundersen introduced the development of the University of Cambridge Executive and Professional Education – Advance Online, highlighting its achievements in online learning, executive education, professional continuing education and international partnerships. She also shared the University's experience in digital education innovation and its commitment to expanding global access to high-quality educational resources.
Representing SPDI, Mr. Mengda Zhao introduced the Institute's more than 30 years of development, its educational philosophy, organisational strategy and future vision. He also highlighted SPDI's achievements in continuing education, international educational exchange and talent development. Mr. Zhao noted that SPDI remains committed to its mission of serving society through education and talent development, and expressed his hope that both institutions would leverage their respective strengths to develop innovative models of international education tailored to the needs of the Chinese market, providing broader access to world-class educational opportunities.
The two sides held in-depth discussions on international programmes, online learning initiatives, continuing education, executive and professional development, as well as future collaboration models for China. The Advance Online team spoke highly of SPDI's long-standing experience and strengths in continuing education and expressed strong enthusiasm for working together to develop high-quality international educational programmes for Chinese learners.
Both parties agreed to strengthen communication and accelerate the next phase of collaboration, with the shared goal of moving into substantive cooperation in the near future. By combining their respective expertise, they aim to advance innovation in online learning and continuing education, promote UK–China educational collaboration, and cultivate globally minded professionals and future leaders.