“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

During the 2025 University of Plymouth International, National Dementia conference organised by Ian Sherriff B.E.M. which this year was held at Plymouth Argyle conference centre a Memorandum of Understanding between Plymouth University and Nanfang College China was signed in front of an audience of 1500 people in April 2025.

The following individuals signed the Memorandum of Understanding document.

Professor Tao Tang, President of Nanfang College, China, and Professor. LIU Wenbin Vice President of Nanfang College, China, Dafydd Moore University of Plymouth Deputy Vice Chancellor and Professor Bob Fern Executive Dean University of Plymouth University

Ian Sherriff B.E.M stated, I have been working in partnership with academics and legal teams to write and agree the contents of this exciting and memorable Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.), between University of Plymouth and Nanfang College, China.

The focus of this M.O.U is to “Facilitate cross-cultural knowledge, student, academic and Derriford hospital staff exchange, training, and research in nursing, dementia, AI and health and social care. It is to enable impactful student exchanges, develop innovative summer school opportunities, foster an ongoing international dialogue on health, and social care, and rural and urban dementia care innovations”.

The Joint Strategic Partnership Team to drive this M.O.U forward consists of the following individuals: - Ian Sherriff B.E.M, Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia. Professor. Rupert Noad Consultant Neuropsychiatrist Derriford Hospital. Rachel O’Connor Plymouth University Hospital Trust Mark Hamilton, C.M.O, Plymouth University Hospital Trust, Professor Tao Tang, President of Nanfang College. Professor. LIU Wenbin Vice President of Nanfang College. Professor. Ming Zhang, Dean of Nursing and Healthcare Nanfang College, Professor Huiting HUANG Executive Director of the Gerontology and Chronic Disease Care Research Centre Nanfang College. Dr Xiu Ying, Specialist in Dementia Education Nanfang College, and Dr ZENG Wen Macau Health Bureau.

These are some pictures and quotes from the signing. David Fitzgerald compared the signing process

In his opening remarks, President Tang Tao expressed sincere gratitude to the University of Plymouth for the invitation. He highlighted Plymouth’s distinguished achievements in nursing and healthcare, particularly its expertise in Alzheimer’s disease research and clinical practice.

President Tang emphasised:

"This collaboration will drive innovation in nursing education, joint research, and talent cultivation. Through international partnerships, NCG aims to pioneer dual-degree programs and engage students in diverse research projects and practical training, nurturing nursing professionals with both expertise and global vision."

Professor Dafydd Moore, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, commended NCG’s mission to become a top-tier applied university, noting its strengths in interdisciplinary fields such as AI-integrated engineering, business, and medical technology.

Professor Moore stated:

"Our partnership holds immense potential to address societal challenges posed by aging populations. By combining NCG’s applied training excellence with Plymouth’s research leadership, we aim to achieve breakthroughs in dementia prevention, elderly care, and postgraduate curriculum development."

During the visit, the NCG delegation explored Plymouth’s cutting-edge initiatives in nursing practice, health management, Alzheimer’s research, chronic disease management, and community health services. Both parties held in-depth discussions on emerging trends in healthcare and formalized their collaboration through the MoU signing.Professor Dafydd Moore, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, commended NCG’s mission to become a top-tier applied university, noting its strengths in interdisciplinary fields such as AI-integrated engineering, business, and medical technology.

This partnership marks a milestone in NCG’s global strategy. The NCG School of Nursing and Health, renowned for its “humanistic focus, practical rigor, foundational strength, and diversified development”, has been designated a Guangdong Provincial Pilot for Comprehensive Educational Reform and a Model Innovation Zone for Nursing Talent Development.

The school has established a robust internship network, partnering with over 10 top-tier hospitals in China, including the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, to cultivate skilled nursing professionals for Guangdong and beyond.