(NEWS) WMU China Programmes: 20 Year Anniversary, Graduation, and Alumni Association Launch

July

2025

WMU China Programmes: 20 Year Anniversary, Graduation, and Alumni Association Launch

From 23 -25 July, the World Maritime University (WMU) celebrated the graduation ceremonies, and 20 year milestone anniversary, of the two Master of Science (MSc) in Maritime Affairs specializations offered in China. Established in 2005, the International Transport and Logistics (ITL) specialization is delivered in Shanghai in partnership with Shanghai Maritime University (SMU), and the Maritime Safety and Environmental Management (MSEM) specialization is delivered in Dalian in cooperation with Dalian Maritime University (DMU). To date, there are 1,407 graduates since the inception of the programmes.

In conjunction with the anniversary, celebratory events following the graduation ceremonies were held in both Shanghai and Dalian to honor two decades of achievement in capacity development, education and research in service of the maritime community. The celebrations included the launch of China-based alumni associations, and signing of MoUs with SMU and DMU respectively.

In his graduation remarks, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., President of WMU, thanked the academic partners, faculty, staff, and alumni around the world who contributed to the success of the programmes in China over the past two decades. He highlighted the consistent delivery of academic excellence, educating high-impact professionals, and strengthening global capacity in the maritime sector.

In relation to the launch of the alumni association, President Mejia noted a strong personal connection, being a WMU alumnus himself. “WMU gave me the academic foundation, global perspective, and enduring professional values that have guided my journey. To stand before you today as the University’s President and as a fellow graduate is truly one of the greatest honours of my life. I am not only representing WMU’s leadership, I am standing with you, as one of you,” said President Mejia.

WMU was further represented by Professor Daniel Moon, Professor Dong Cheng, Associate Professor Gang Chen, Ms Woo Seung Shin, and Ms Charlotte Wara. WMU Professor Emeritus, Dr Shuo Ma, who initially founded the programmes was also in attendance.

In Dalian, IMO Secretary General Emeritus and former WMU Chancellor Mr. Kitack Lim, the Executive Director of IAMU and WMU Professor (ret.) Takeshi Nakazawa, WMU Professor Emeritus PK Mukherjee, and former Senior Deputy Director of IMO Mr. DU Da-Chang, were in attendance.

The outreach MSc specializations in Shanghai and Dalian were designed specifically for the maritime market in China and to extend WMU’s professional education to a new and thriving clientele from the region and beyond. The programmes have been instrumental in meeting the maritime industry's demand for high level specialized professionals in China’s maritime market. The subjects are taught entirely in English by WMU (75%) and the respective partner (25%) faculty. The entry requirements, grading system and quality assurance processes are those in force at WMU. Successful graduates receive a WMU Master of Science in Maritime Affairs degree. To learn more about the programmes, click here.

ITL Class of 2025 Graduation, Shanghai

The graduation ceremony of WMU’s MSc in Maritime Affairs specialization in International Transport and Logistics (ITL) took place in Shanghai, China on 23 July with a total of 33 graduates, all from China.

Professor YIN Ming, Vice President of Shanghai Maritime University (SMU), delivered a speech and extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on their achievement. Former Vice President of SMU Professor GAO De-Yi, and the Head of International Cooperation Department Professor RUAN Wei, as well as the WMU representatives and the SMU faculty involved in the delivery of the ITL programme were also in attendance.

Mr. ZHANG Lei received the Award for Academic Excellence, and Ms. LIU Yang made a speech on behalf of the Class, thanking both WMU and SMU, as well as the faculty and the staff for the excellent delivery of the programme.

To date, the ITL specialization includes 613 graduates from 17 countries. To learn more about the MSc in Maritime Affairs with a specialization in International Transport and Logistics offered in Shanghai, click here.

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MSEM Class of 2025 Graduation, Dalian

The 2025 graduation ceremony of WMU’s MSc in Maritime Affairs specialization in Maritime Safety and Environmental Management (MSEM) took place in Dalian, China on 25 July with a total of 54 graduates, all from China aside from three graduates from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Professor SHAN Hong-Jun, President of Dalian Maritime University (DMU), congratulated the graduates and expressed gratitude to the faculty and the representatives of China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) attending the graduation ceremony. The WMU representatives and the DMU faculty involved in the delivery of the MSEM programme were also in attendance.

Mr. FANG Xin-Liang received the Award of Academic Excellence and Mr. CHANG Jian made a speech on behalf of the graduating class thanking both WMU and DMU, as well as the faculty and the staff for the excellent delivery of the programme.

To date, 794 graduates from 12 countries have completed the MSEM programme. To learn more about the MSEM specialization offered in Dalian, click here.

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