Several experts from SCO countries engage in a discussion at the forum. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At the opening ceremony, Zhang Ling, deputy mayor of Tianjin, said, "Enhanced exchanges and cooperation in digital economy between domestic and foreign universities are timely and opportune."

Nankai University has already launched joint projects with Kazakhstan's L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, focusing on digital economy and industrial innovation.

Over 140 students have enrolled in related programs in just one month, highlighting surging demand in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Nankai University President Chen Yulu said, "Currently, education is undergoing a comprehensive digital transformation intertwined with opportunities and challenges, which places higher demands on deepening cooperation in the education sector among SCO member countries and provides a rare opportunity for enhancing university exchanges and coordinated development among SCO member countries."

Bekmanova Gulmira Tyleuberdievna, vice-rector of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Kazakhstan, introduced the university's digital strategy.

She said, "Kazakhstan and China are close partners in education and science and technology. Kazakhstan highly values joint projects such as Luban Workshop and the digital economy education project launched with Nankai University. These collaborations will promote mutual learning and create a better future together."

"The SCO Digital Economy University Alliance still has more room for deeper exploration in the field of digital economy," Li Junqing from Nankai said, suggesting that in the future, other universities specializing in science and technology may join the alliance.

Chen Yijun contributed to this story.