On 23 June 2026, Bortala Polytechnic, China, and SDU University, Kazakhstan, successfully held the Signing & Inaugural Ceremony of the China–Kazakhstan Cross-border Electronic Commerce Friendship Institute, signifying a new chapter in educational cooperation between the two institutions.

The ceremony commenced with welcome remarks by Mr. Duan Hongbin, President of Bortala Polytechnic, Dr. Davronzhon Gaipov, Executive Deputy-Rector of SDU University, and Director Yu from the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange of the Ministry of Education of China. The speakers highlighted the importance of international partnerships in strengthening vocational education, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and preparing students with the global competencies required in today’s interconnected economy.

The event continued with the Virtual Signing Ceremony and Inaugural Ceremony, officially establishing the China–Kazakhstan Cross-border Electronic Commerce Friendship Institute. The institute will serve as a platform for academic collaboration, curriculum development, faculty exchange, digital learning resources, and joint talent cultivation in the field of cross-border e-commerce.

Following the inauguration, participants attended two expert presentations: “New Media Around Us: Platform Strategies and Content Marketing Techniques” and “Live Streaming Product Selection.” The sessions introduced participants to current trends in digital platforms, content marketing strategies, and live-streaming commerce, providing practical knowledge that supports the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The establishment of the Friendship Institute demonstrates the shared vision of Bortala Polytechnic and SDU University to deepen educational cooperation, foster innovation in vocational education, and strengthen China–Kazakhstan collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. Through joint academic programmes and industry-oriented training, both institutions aim to cultivate internationally competitive talents equipped for the future of cross-border digital trade.

The International Cultural Communication Center Malaysia (ICCCM), serving as the Secretariat of the International Transnational Education Association (ITEA), is honoured to facilitate this collaboration and remains committed to promoting meaningful international partnerships that advance education, innovation, and global connectivity.