From 07 – 08 August 2024, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) played hosts to two distinguished visitors from the Chandigarh University, a key partner institution in India; Professors Rajan Sharma, the Director of International Affairs and Joint Registrar and Alka Dhingra, Program Leader in Banking and Financial Engineering and Industry.

The visit, orchestrated by the Faculty of Applied and Computer Science, is part of VUT’s ongoing efforts to boost its co-operation and partnerships with its international peers – something which is underpinned by one of its strategic objectives of strengthening international university alliances through engaged scholarships.

The two-day visit commenced with a ‘meet and greet’ session between Prof Sharma and the VUT leadership, including Prof Khehla Ndlovu, the Vice Chancellor and Principal, along with some members of his Management Committee, Executive Deans of the four faculties, as well as other key university stakeholders. Held at the Council Chambers, the session discussion centred around strengthening the already existing ties between the two universities. The two also explored potential areas of collaboration such as staff and student exchange programs, research collaborations, as well as community development initiatives.

Prof Christa Grobler, the Executive Dean, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences and host, said the visit by Chandigarh University to VUT merely solidifies the longstanding relationship between the two institutions. She said it comes hot on the heels of their return from the 8^th edition of the Interfaculty Development Program (IFDP) held at Chandigarh University in July where VUT presented on a range of cutting-edge topics during specialist sessions. She emphasized that for some time, the two universities have been cross-benchmarking and having discussions on curricula and the latest developments within their specific disciplines as well as collaborative research. Prof Grobler also added that the visit provided a additional opportunity for VUT to engage and collaborate on an international scale.

Day 1 of the visit proceeded with a noteworthy public lecture focusing on the theme of Internationalization in higher education. The lecture underscored the importance of global collaboration in academia and aimed to foster enhanced educational and cultural exchanges between South Africa and India.

Prof Chengedzai Mafini, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Quality kicked off the event with a warm welcome to all attendees. He further expressed his excitement about the growing collaboration between VUT and Chandigarh University, highlighting the significance of such partnerships in enriching the academic landscape. Prof Mafini also emphasized that internationalization is not merely an academic trend but a critical component for broadening perspectives, enhancing research opportunities, and preparing students for a globalized world. His remarks set an encouraging tone for the discussions that followed.

The first guest speaker was Prof Dhingra who delivered an engaging lecture on financial literacy and inclusion management. With her more than fourteen (14) years of experience in finance, banking sustainability, and financial engineering, Prof Dhingra provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of achieving financial inclusion in today’s world.

In her presentation, she shared findings from a comparative study on financial inclusion between South Africa and India. She focused on strategies to meet the United Nations (UN)’ goal of achieving a financially inclusive world by 2030, emphasizing the crucial role of financial literacy programs in this effort. Prof Dhingra offered practical tips on financial literacy, inclusion management processes, and risk management tools, highlighting their importance in empowering individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions.

Prof Sharma, who has been instrumental in shaping the Chandigarh University’s international outreach and academic leadership’s presentation followed. In his address, he spoke about the pivotal role of internationalization in propelling Chandigarh University to its current status as India’s top-ranked private university. He said, since its establishment in 2012, Chandigarh University has achieved remarkable growth and success in a relatively short period, earning an A+ accreditation and offering a wide range of programs in fields such as Engineering, Management, Liberal Arts, and Sciences.

Prof Sharma also highlighted the university’s extensive global network, which includes partnerships with over 500 institutions across 95 countries, including VUT. “This vast network has been crucial in enhancing the university’s academic reputation and fostering cross-cultural exchange,” he said. He further shared insights into how internationalization has contributed to Chandigarh University’s academic excellence, research advancements, and global visibility, adding that these partnerships aim to create more opportunities for collaborative research and student exchange programs.

The lecture was concluded by a word of thanks from Mr. Vido Kungune, Acting Director of VUT’s Department of Internationalisation. He expressed deep gratitude to the delegates from Chandigarh University for their insightful contributions and for taking the time to visit VUT. He also acknowledged the value of such international collaborations in fostering mutual understanding and shared learning experiences, further emphasizing that the event marked a significant milestone in the partnership between VUT and Chandigarh University. “This will undoubtedly be instrumental in paving the way for future academic and cultural exchanges between us and Chandigarh University,” Kungune concluded.

Day 2 of the event included a walk-about at the VUT Science Park and one-on-one meetings with VUT colleagues interesting in establishing new collaboration opportunities.