The China-ASEAN Medical Education University Alliance was launched in Guian New Area of Southwest China's Guizhou province on July 26, as the 11th China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week was held in the area from July 26-30.

During the launching ceremony, 22 medical universities from eight countries signed a memorandum of understanding for alliance cooperation, including renowned Suzhou University, Chongqing Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Chiang Mai University in Thailand and José Rizal University of the Philippines.

"With the aim to set up an innovative medical exchange platform, the alliance will cultivate more versatile medical talents and spread medical knowledge through communications between domestic and ASEAN medical schools," said Suzhou University Chancellor Xiong Sidong.

Suzhou University will serve the learners from ASEAN medical schools with an exchange platform for medical curriculums and study credits, a medical teacher training center, and an international lab. It will also set up special scholarships, Xiong added.

"More than 300 foreign students now study in Guizhou Medical University, two thirds of them from ASEAN countries and regions," said He Zhixu, the chancellor of Guizhou Medical University.

He also hailed education week as a good opportunity to nurture medical talents so as to build up more platforms for high-level cooperation and deliver medical achievements more broadly across the world.

Mickle, vice-chancellor of the Philippines José Rizal University, described his expectation for the alliance," José Rizal University can offer nursing curriculum and exchanging program for the alliance schools. Thus, young men are available to accept more medical information and sharing of ideas through the platform."

Li Hanyi contributed to the story.