“Who comes to Shenzhen belongs here” – Liaison Officer Jianyu Jiao on new opportunities through TUM’s second office in China
TUM Global, News, TUM Beijing |
Welcome to TUM, Jianyu! What attracted you to the role of Shenzhen Liaison Officer?
What excites me most about the role of TUM Shenzhen Liaison Officer is the opportunity to actively foster collaboration between TUM and its partner institutions in China, while promoting both academic and cultural exchange on the ground. Even during my studies, I had the chance to participate in several international cooperation projects. Access to diverse educational resources and the experiences I gained along the way deeply shaped my interest in international collaboration.
As a Project Liaison Officer, I see the opportunity to act as a bridge between TUM and our Chinese partners, such as our flagship partner, Tsinghua University. This allows us to expand collaborations and implement joint projects, creating a direct connection between institutions. This perspective motivates and inspires me greatly, as it aligns my previous experiences perfectly with the goals of this role.
What opportunities do you see for TUM through the new Shenzhen location?
A phrase often quoted in Shenzhen is “来了就是深圳人” – “Who comes to Shenzhen belongs here.” It symbolizes the city’s openness, dynamism, and ability to integrate newcomers. Shenzhen is one of China’s key special economic zones, a national hub for innovation, an international transport hub, and a major center for high-tech industries and advanced manufacturing. The city provides a platform where ideas can be realized and the future shaped – and this environment opens new opportunities for TUM’s long-term and sustainable development in China.
TUM’s presence in Shenzhen creates a lasting structure that strengthens the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise between China, Munich, and Singapore. At the same time, it improves access to international educational and research resources, offers additional internship, collaboration, and career opportunities in one of China’s most innovative regions, and facilitates closer connections with industry, start-ups, and research institutions in China and the Asia-Pacific region. The TUM Shenzhen office also makes project coordination easier, strengthens institutional relationships, and increases the efficiency of on-site collaboration.
Overall, the new location reinforces TUM’s role as a globally connected university and supports students, researchers, and partners in training the next generation of international talent together.
What do you see as your main responsibility in the collaboration between TUM, TUM Asia, and partners in China?
My main responsibility is to actively shape the connection between Munich, Singapore, and China through exchange, joint projects, and building trustful relationships. I work closely with universities, industry partners, public institutions, and other stakeholders, supporting the development and maintenance of long-term, cross-border collaborations. In this way, I bring people, ideas, and resources together while fostering mutual trust.
Through this work, TUM further strengthens its international presence in China and promotes the sustainable exchange of knowledge and experiences between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, it enables long-term collaborations that benefit students, researchers, and partners alike.
What motivates you most in your daily work?
What motivates me most is connecting people and institutions from different countries and seeing tangible results – whether it’s a successful collaboration between universities, a jointly developed project, or an exchange program that opens new perspectives for students.
Even though I am still at the beginning of my role, I look forward to actively shaping this process as part of a dedicated team. I am excited to tackle challenges, exchange ideas, and successfully implement projects together with colleagues in Munich and Singapore – always with a shared goal in mind. It is especially fulfilling for me to see how these connections bear fruit in the long term.
And finally: How do you spend your free time in Shenzhen?
I arrived in Shenzhen for the first time in early December 2025, so I am just as new here as our TUM Shenzhen office. Shenzhen is a modern, open, and dynamic city where innovation is visible in everyday life. In my free time, I explore the city step by step, get to know different neighborhoods, try local restaurants, and am always amazed at how green and diverse Shenzhen is.
Having lived in Germany for many years, I find the everyday differences particularly fascinating. I enjoy observing city life, taking walks, or sitting in cafés – similar to what I used to do in Germany, but at a very different pace. While the adjustment can sometimes be challenging, overall I find it incredibly rewarding.