The 8th Eastern Economic Forum was held in Vladivostok from September 10th to 13th, 2023. Shantou University （STU） and Moscow University for Industry and Finance "Sinergy" （Sinergy）were invited to participate in the forum as the only two representatives in the education fields. On the afternoon of September 12, Russian President Putin attended the forum and delivered a speech. Subsequently, STU signed the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program with Sinergy and Russian-Sino Foundation of Developing Education and Science.

Professor Hao Zhifeng, President of Shantou University, said in a live connection that China and Russia are each other's largest neighbors and have maintained a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship for a long time. The cooperation between the two countries in the field of education is an important support for maintaining and deepening the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries. The signing of this agreement is of great significance.

Driven by the Russian-Sino Foundation of Developing Education and Science, STU and Sinergy overcame the serious impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, and finally successfully signed a tripartite agreement on Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program at the 8th Eastern Economic Forum. In the autumn semester of 2023, STU launched a joint talent training project for International Trade (China direction) with Sinergy, the first batch of 35 Russian students were enrolled. The students will study at Sinergy in Russia for two years and then continue to study at Shantou University for two years to complete their study. After completing the study, students can get the dual degree certificates.

Since its establishment, Shantou University has taken internationalization as its key feature. The connotation of internationalization is rich, the conditions of school operation has been internationally recognized, and its international influence has continued to improve. Nine disciplines have been selected into ESI 1%. Up to now, it has formed partnerships with 119 universities in 29 countries and regions. In the future, STU will jointly train talents in international trade and other directions with Sinergy and Russian-Sino Foundation of Developing Education and Science. This is an important attempt by China and Russia in the field of higher education, and will also promote the in-depth and sustainable development of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of education.