Zou Tongqian, a professor at Beijing International Studies University (BISU) and dean of BISU's China Academy of Culture and Tourism, was recently awarded Uzbekstan's commemorative badge marking the 35th anniversary of its independence.

The badge, signed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is a national commemorative honor that recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to the country's development.

Zou Tongqian (middle) receives the commemorative badge.

Zou currently serves as vice-president of the Green University and previously served as vice-president of the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.

He has long been engaged in research and international cooperation in ecology, culture and tourism, promoting academic exchange, industry linkages and talent cultivation between China and Central Asian countries. He received Uzbekistan's "Tourism Devotee" badge in 2020 and its "Defender of Nature" badge in 2023.

This award recognizes Zou's sustained contributions to talent cultivation and exchange between China and Uzbekistan in ecology, culture and tourism.

The certificate and badge awarded to Zou

BISU has been committed to providing platforms and support for the professional development of its faculty. The tourism management teaching team Zou leads was selected as part of the first cohort of national model teaching teams, and the university has set up a teaching studio for distinguished teachers that regularly hosts seminars and workshops on teaching research, faculty training and academic exchange.

Going forward, BISU will continue to build on its disciplinary strengths, increase support for high-level talent and teaching teams, and deepen educational cooperation between China and Uzbekistan.