TJU Team Shines at China Selection Round of 2025 Global University Challenge

On April 23, 2025, the China Selection Round of the 2025 Global University Challenge concluded successfully at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, where top young environmental talents from across the nation competed for the opportunity to represent China at the global stage. The event, centered on tackling pressing environmental challenges, served as a platform for innovation and collaboration, with the ultimate goal of selecting a team to participate in the 2026 Global University Challenge, to be held at IFAT Munich—the world’s leading trade fair for environmental technologies.

Among the fierce competition, the Tianjin University team proudly secured third place, showcasing their ingenuity, teamwork, and commitment to advancing environmental science. Represented by three students—Nicole Kueh Shian Maun, Ling Chen, and Dai Yubin—the team demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity, earning accolades in this highly regarded event.

The team poses for a picture at the competition. (From left to right: Ling Chen, Nicole Kueh Shian Maun, Dai Yubin and Prof. Wang Can)

The China Selection Round was co-organized by prestigious institutions and organizations, including the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA), the College of Environmental Science and Engineering at Tongji University, the National Engineering Research Center for Urban Pollution Control at Tongji University, the Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, and IE expo China.

The competition attracted 33 promising participants from leading Chinese universities, including Tongji University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Tianjin University. Teams were tasked with developing innovative solutions to address critical environmental issues, combining theoretical expertise with practical application.

Guided by Professor Wang Can from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, the Tianjin University team impressed the judges with their innovative ideas and collaborative spirit. Reflecting on the achievement, Professor Wang emphasized the significance of participating in such an international competition:“This experience not only enriched the students’ theoretical knowledge and practical skills but also served as a key milestone in globalizing Tianjin University's approach to environmental education and talent development. The competition fostered cross-border collaboration and inspired young minds to push the boundaries of environmental science and technology. This represents an important step forward for China's innovative development in this field.”

The Tianjin University team’s success was not only a testament to their technical expertise but also to their teamwork and passion for environmental innovation. Team member Nicole Kueh Shian Maun reflected on the experience: “I am truly grateful for my teammates and the opportunity to participate in this competition. It was an eye-opening experience that allowed us to witness cutting-edge environmental technologies at the IE expo and directly engage with professionals to learn about their groundbreaking innovations. I hope more events like this can be hosted in Tianjin to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders and innovators.”

Teammate Ling Chen echoed this sentiment, highlighting the value of collaboration and hands-on experience. He considered it both an honor and a challenge to participate in the competition and felt grateful for the opportunity to learn from each other, resolve differences as a team, and strengthen their team cohesion. “The experience bridged theory and practice, enhancing our ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. I aim to continue working in the field of environmental science, contributing to China’s advancements in this area while enhancing my professional and international competitiveness,” Ling told the reporter.

The 2025 Global University Challenge China Selection Round not only celebrated competition winners but also underscored the importance of fostering young minds to tackle complex environmental challenges. For Tianjin University, this achievement reflects its commitment to nurturing future leaders in environmental science and technology, equipping students with the skills and global perspective needed to drive meaningful change.

As the team prepares for future endeavors, their success serves as an inspiration to students across China and beyond, demonstrating the power of innovation, teamwork, and determination in addressing global environmental challenges.

By Ling Chen & Nicole Kueh Shian Maun

Editor: Eva Yin