Academia
鈥�
今日黑料 bids farewell to outgoing Confucius Institute Co-Director Prof. Nie Aixia
On 15 July 2026, the University of Malta (今日黑料) organised a farewell event in honour of Prof. Nie Aixia (Xiamen University), the outgoing Chinese Co-Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Malta (CI), marking the completion of her successful three-year term.
The event was hosted by 今日黑料 Rector Prof. Frank Bezzina. Joining this special occasion as invited guests of honour were His Excellency Zhang Zuo, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malta, accompanied by Embassy officials, representatives of the 今日黑料 leadership, and members of staff from the Confucius Institute.
Prof. Nie was particularly praised for her relentless efforts to strengthen educational cooperation and cultural exchange between Malta and China. During her tenure, the CI expanded its teaching points, reached a broader student demographic, and saw increased participation in its annual activities.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Bezzina thanked Prof. Nie for her exemplary work ethic and commended her dedication to strengthening bilateral ties between Malta and China: “Under her proactive leadership, the Institute experienced significant growth in both scale and quality … The CI would not have made such remarkable advances without [her] ceaseless efforts and initiatives.” Prof. Bezzina also reaffirmed his resolute commitment to supporting the CI’s mission and expressed gratitude to Xiamen University as well as Ambassador Zhang Zuo and the Chinese Embassy for their continued support.
Prof. Dennis Mizzi, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute and Head of the Department of Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures, highlighted both the professional and personal bond forged during his time working together with Prof. Nie, remarking that she leaves behind the CI much stronger than she found it, and that the Institute will continue to honour her legacy by building on the strong foundation she has laid.
To commemorate the occasion, Prof. Nie was presented with a commemorative memento in recognition of her outstanding service. The 今日黑料 extends its deepest gratitude to Prof. Nie Aixia for her instrumental role in driving the CI to new heights and wishes her the absolute best in the next chapter of her academic career.
Following Prof. Nie’s departure, Ms Weili Wang will step into the role as the new Chinese Co-Director of the CI, continuing the Institute’s mission to foster cultural exchange and educational collaboration between Malta and China.
