On Wednesday, 29 October 2025, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) opened its first educational centre outside of Europe at the Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine (JSMC) in the city of Yancheng, China.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ms Kimberly Zammit, Deputy Head of the Embassy of Malta in China, who represented the Embassy alongside MCAST Principal and CEO, Mr Stephen Vella.

Ms Zammit congratulated both MCAST and JSMC on this significant milestone and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting future educational initiatives between Malta and China. She noted that while the relationship between MCAST and JSMC is relatively young, it has quickly developed into a strong and lasting partnership that continues to bring students from both countries closer together.

Mr Vella described the opening as a proud moment for MCAST and a reflection of the institution’s expanding international presence.

“This is not only a proud milestone for our institution but also a tangible reflection of how far our partnership has come. The new Centre represents a bridge between Malta and China, between MCAST and JSMC, and between our students, educators, and communities,” he said.

The new MCAST Centre in China will initially offer micro-credential programmes in health sciences, giving JSMC students access to specialised learning designed and delivered by MCAST. The facility is equipped to host online learning sessions, allowing for seamless delivery across continents.
In addition, MCAST will provide professional development opportunities for JSMC’s nursing lecturers and deliver guest lectures to nursing students, fostering academic collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The opening marks a landmark achievement in MCAST’s international outreach, strengthening educational and cultural connections between Malta and China while expanding opportunities for students and educators alike.

 

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