GeoScience University Of Wuhan, Chow Tai Seng, HRD Antwerp sign pact

HRD Antwerp has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Geoscience University of Wuhan, China and CTS in the presence of HHRRHH King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.

The MoU signing ceremony was part of a Royal mission promoting bilateral trade between Belgium and China, and a significant step forward towards establishing a new Gemmology College in Shenzhen. The new college aims to welcome its first students in 2016 and counts four founding partners including the Government of Shenzhen, GeoScience University of Wuhan, Chow Tai Seng (CTS) and HRD Antwerp.

HRD Antwerp has been selected as an international partner by Chow Tai Seng and will provide the GeoScience University of Wuhan with constructive support, which among other include the development of course programmes and the optimization of teaching principles.

“ We are extremely honoured Chow Tai Seng has selected HRD Antwerp as a structural partner for developing this project with the Gemmology College in Shenzhen and feel confident this newfound collaboration will prove to be the basis of a very successful long term partnership”, explains Peter Macken, CEO HRD Antwerp.

“As the world of diamond and diamond jewellery is rather complex, it’s paramount for aspiring gemmologists to be up to date with the most recent industry developments. At HRD Antwerp we have an experienced in-house research department monitoring the latest industry trends in order to make absolutely sure that graduates to our courses are fully aware of the latest trends in the market. The fact that we have been chosen as a structural partner only underscores the need for high quality industry education programmes.” adds Dr De Corte, Chief Education Officer HRD Antwerp.

Leading up to the signing ceremony, Professor Yang from the GeoScience University of Wuhan has already visited HRD Antwerp in May in order to meet with key HRD Antwerp Education staff involved in the project.