4 September 2024

FEFU: 125 years of training specialists to develop Russian-Asian relations

The Far East is experiencing rapid development, with more than 3,000 investment projects underway and hundreds of thousands of jobs being created. The Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) plays a pivotal role in preparing specialists capable of working in high-tech industries. These conclusions were reached by participants in the session entitled FEFU: 125 Years of Training Specialists to Develop Russian-Asian Relations, held as part of the Eastern Economic Forum.
KEY CONCLUSIONS
Growing focus on the Far East
“According to the results of this year’s admissions campaign at the Far Eastern Federal University, 40% of first-year students are from beyond the Ural Mountains, hailing from the European part of Russia. These are individuals prepared to take on the most serious challenges and who are linking their future with the Far East. And, of course, there are our international students, with two thousand enrolled this year. We are witnessing increasing attention towards the Far East, with students ‘voting with their feet,’ arriving here and integrating their lives with our remarkable region,” Boris Korobets, Rector, Far Eastern Federal University.
FEFU graduates are highly sought-after specialists
“Dozens of graduates from various faculties of the university are employed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. Many alumni have passed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over recent years, with some already becoming veterans of the diplomatic service and retiring. As of today, 25 graduates of the Far Eastern Federal University are employed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with 57 individuals registered in the personnel system, and more than 10 others currently undergoing the recruitment process. Competition among universities for positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now intense,” Maria Zakharova, Director, Department of Information and the Press, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
The Asia-Pacific region has amassed tremendous potential
“The Asia-Pacific region will shape the course of the future world order. It is a region where economic power, scientific and technological potential, human resources, and natural resources converge. Here, there is a responsible approach to international relations and the global agenda, along with a proven history of genuine alliances – not the mythical or bloc-based ones, but real partnerships,” Maria Zakharova, Director, Department of Information and the Press, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
The need for the development of oriental studies and oriental education in Russia
“If we are ambitious about developing oriental studies, we must understand that it is a rather costly field. Very few countries in the world can afford to maintain their own oriental studies programmes. Russia certainly deserves to have its own,” Ivan Zuenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Oriental Studies, Senior Researcher at the Institute of International Studies, MGIMO University.
Collaboration with FEFU represents an important stage in the development of relations between Russia and China
“This year, we signed an agreement with the university and launched a ‘two plus two’ programme: two years of study at our institution, followed by two years at FEFU. This dual degree programme is of great importance to both countries. I believe it will attract more students and encourage them to complete their studies at FEFU,” Yu Miaojie, Rector, Liaoning University.
“If we make our universities more attractive than the average in Russia – and FEFU is the flagship of education in the Far East – then we will, firstly, significantly reduce the outflow of people from the region. Secondly, I am convinced that this represents a major business opportunity… the export of educational services,” Alexey Chekunkov, Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic.
PROBLEMS
A shortage of people and talent
“The fundamental challenge for the Far East is population decline, 50% of which is attributable to educational migration. This figure may fluctuate slightly year on year,” Alexey Chekunkov, Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic.
“In order to implement all the agreements recently reached by the leaders of our two countries [Russia and China. – Ed.], work must be undertaken at various levels, including the training of personnel. Personnel are key to everything,” Marina Dubrovshchenko, Gold medalist of the “I’m a Professional” Olympiad.
Competition for talent
“Graduates with expertise in oriental studies are highly sought after in the job market. When a university, research organization, or government institution requires a specialist proficient in eastern languages, they must compete with the private sector and market salaries. Often, it is difficult to offer an oriental studies graduate the salary they could command in the private sector,” Ivan Zuenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Oriental Studies, Senior Researcher at the Institute of International Studies, MGIMO University.
SOLUTIONS
Inter-university collaboration
“Through cooperation with FEFU, I believe this partnership will enhance the recognition of our academic staff. We can focus on a specific topic related to the economic development of the Far East and collaborate on it. I believe this will increase the contribution of our faculty to science and raise their profile,” Yu Miaojie, Rector, Liaoning University.
Joint contributions by Russia and China to the development of BRICS and the SCO
“The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is headquartered in Beijing. Russia and China have played a particularly significant role in this. This was a trend that shaped these organizations, despite initial scepticism, with many dismissing them as quasi-organizations without a future, while arguing that the future lay with North Atlantic structures,” Maria Zakharova, Director, Department of Information and the Press, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Ensuring your ideas reach a wider audience
“It is important that your students and faculty have a voice in society, that they are heard. They should not only publish in academic journals and not only in their native language – in our case, Chinese – but also be able to communicate their ideas to a broader audience,” Yu Miaojie, Rector, Liaoning University.
*This is a translation of material that was originally generated in Russian using artificial intelligence.
For more information, visit the Roscongress Foundation’s Information and Analytical System at roscongress.org/en

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