On January 10, 2011, the “2011 Symposium on Construction and Development of Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI)” was successfully held in the Institute. Participants present at the symposium included SISI Secretary-General Zhen Hong, Deputy Secretary-General Li Gang, and Office Director Zhang Jieshu; SMU Director Chen Weiping of Party Committee Office, Director Huang Juliang of organization Department, Deputy Secretary Tang Yongzhong of the Commission for Discipline Inspection, Director Yang Wanfeng of President Office, Deputy Directors Hu Zhiwu, Zhou Bin and Zhou Peimin of President Office, Director Yu Hongrong of Foreign Affairs Office, Director Yang Liping and Deputy Director Chang Huan of Academic Affairs Office, Director Yu Siqin of Postgraduate Faculty, Director Liu Yan of Student Affairs Office, Deputy Division Chiefs Shi Jianzhong, Li Zhipeng and Zhao Chaoqun of Student Affairs Office, and Deputy Division Chief Mo Jianying of Science and Technology Division; as well as Manager Su Fei of Yuhai Shipping Company. All participants put forward their views and suggestions for the development of SISI.

Fig. 1: At the “2011 Symposium on Construction and Development of Shanghai International Shipping Institute”

Hosted by SISI Secretary-General Zhen Hong, the Symposium commenced with a report from Mr. Zhen on SISI’s progresses in 2010 and summarized the task emphasis in 2011. The overall objective of SISI in 2011 is to build itself into a shipping research and consulting institution with greater influence in China’s shipping industry and a certain reputation in the international shipping sector. Mr. Zhen Hong outlined the specific tasks for SISI in 2011, and expressed gratitude to various divisions, departments and offices of Shanghai Maritime University for their strong support.

Fig. 2: Zhen Hong hosted the symposium and reported work

Then, leaders from various divisions, departments and offices of Shanghai Maritime University promised strong supports for SISI, and put forward views and suggestions on the future development of SISI. Director Yang Wanfeng of President Office suggested SISI to further strengthen its communication and cooperation with relevant departments, enhancing mutual information exchange. Director Chen Weiping of SMU Party Committee Office held that the core task for SISI is to figure out necessary infrastructure facilities and supporting services for the construction of Shanghai International Shipping Center and to provide consulting services to governments and enterprises. To achieve this, SISI shall send personnel to visit Hong Kong, Singapore and other renowned international shipping centers for investigation and research. Director Yu Siqin of Postgraduate Faculty looked forward to working with SISI in jointly promoting the industry-university-research base for postgraduates, providing them with good learning and research conditions. Deputy Division Chief Mo Jianying of Science and Technology Division recognized the great achievements of SISI in the past two years, and promised continued supports for SISI. Division Chief Yang Liping of Academic Affairs Office revealed intentions of cooperating with SISI in innovative education for undergraduates, so as to improve the qualities and abilities of students in all aspects.

Finally, SISI Deputy Secretary-General Li Gang delivered a concluding speech. He expressed gratitude to leaders of various divisions, departments and offices of the University for their presence at the symposium and valuable suggestions on the future development of SISI. Meanwhile, he expressed SISI‘s willingness in participating in research, consulting and services for the construction of Shanghai International Shipping Center, and making due contribution to the development of Shanghai Maritime University. The next step for SISI is to strive for social service, build SISI into a famous brand, and uplift the influence of Shanghai Maritime University and itself.