On July 8, 2025, The New Materials Innovation Southeast Asia Center was officially inaugurated at the SJTU -APGI. The ceremony was presided over by Peng Yinghong, Dean of the SJTU-APGI.

Vice President of SJTU Zeng Xiaoqin and Han Jun, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, jointly unveiled the center. Distinguished guests in attendance included Xue Junmin, Head of the Department of Materials Science at the National University of Singapore; Li Shuzhou, Associate Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University; Dai Qing, Dean of the SMSE; Wang Qian, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation; as well as representatives from invited enterprises, alumni, and leaders from relevant university departments.

Dean Dai Qing elaborated on the center’s strategic vision during the ceremony. He noted that the SMSE has a strong collaborative foundation in Southeast Asia, having established a "deep cooperation network." This Center is the school’s first overseas academic hub built upon this foundation. Moving forward, the center will focus on key areas such as international research collaboration, high-end training, and talent recruitment, driving technological innovation and talent mobility in Southeast Asia. It aims to enhance regional industrial innovation capabilities while elevating the global influence of SJTU’s materials science discipline.

Minister-Counselor Han Jun remarked in his speech that this year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore. The establishment of the center is a timely milestone, representing a powerful collaboration between the two nations in materials research. He expressed hope that the center would position itself at the forefront of global academia and industry, playing a pivotal role in talent development, scientific research collaboration, and innovation.

In his concluding address, Vice President Zeng Xiaoqin extended warm congratulations on the center’s launch and sincere gratitude to all supporting parties. He highlighted the long-standing research collaboration between China and Singapore, citing numerous successful models over the past three decades. As a hub integrating Eastern and Western influences, Singapore provides an ideal pivot for the center. He expressed confidence that the center, rooted in Southeast Asia, would expand innovation, technology, talent, and international exchanges to broader regions, fostering deeper cooperation in materials science and strengthening bilateral relations.

As the first overseas center established by SMSE，The New Materials Innovation Southeast Asia Centermarks a significant step in the university’s research expansion in Southeast Asia. Looking ahead, the center will leverage Singapore as a strategic base to extend its reach across the region, focusing on collaborative initiatives in scientific research and high-end training. It aims to enhance the global impact of SJTU’s materials science discipline while driving regional innovation and industrial advancement.