Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning will today preside over the signing of an international memorandum of understanding between Abertay University in Dundee and Peking University, in the People’s Republic of China.

Abertay’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Bernard King CBE, will sign the memorandum in Peking with Executive Vice President, Professor Dr. Lin Jianhua, in the presence of the Cabinet Secretary and senior academics from both institutions.

The partnership will see Peking University’s esteemed School of Software and Microelectronics become an international partner of Abertay’s Scottish Centre of Excellence for Computer Games Education.

The two institutions will collaborate in terms of curriculum design and development, teaching and learning methods, and enhancing graduate employability.

Peking, China’s highest ranking University, has also indicated its interest in developing Abertay’s international award-winning computer game design competition ‘Dare to be Digital’.

Abertay’s agreement with Peking University will be seen internationally as highly significant and a testament to the international reputation of its computer games and computer arts expertise.

Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland’s reputation for innovation is renowned across the world and it is vital that we continue to position ourselves at the forefront of new technologies. Today’s collaboration – a further example of Scotland and China strengthening links for mutual benefit – represents a major contribution to that drive. By sharing knowledge and expertise we can best ensure students are equipped for fast moving and competitive industries, enabling them to play their part in a more successful Scotland.”

Professor King, said: “We are delighted to welcome Peking University as an International Partner of our Scottish Centre of Excellence for Computer Games Education.

“This is further recognition of Abertay’s pre-eminence in computer games and computer arts education, and also for the successful UK games industry with which we enjoy a close working relationship.

“We look forward to building on the strengths of both Abertay and Peking towards continued improvement of graduate employability and superior teaching and learning methods for the benefit of both nations.”

The delegation were joined by four Chinese former students of Peking University who, along with a fifth team member from Abertay University, were prizewinners in the 2008 Dare To Be Digital Competition organised and promoted by Abertay. The Chinese students’ participation was funded by the Scottish Government and the game developed by the team was nominated for a BAFTA earlier this year.

The five graduates have now set up their own company with the four Chinese students working out of Beijing and Abertay graduate Chris Isaacs, working out of Dundee where he is employed by leading games development company Realtime Worlds.