On September 13, 2025, a delegation of more than 140 faculty members and students from the Faculty of Law of KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven), Belgium, visited the KoGuan School of Law, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). The two sides held an exchange event at the Oriental Hall, Room 208. The event was hosted by Associate Professor Guobin Zhang, Assistant Dean of KoGuan School of Law.

The event began with a welcome speech by Associate Professor Zhang, who extended a warm welcome to the guests from KU Leuven and introduced the recent achievements of the School as well as the development of its international student programs.

Professor Liyang Hou, Doctoral Supervisor, Head of the Department of Economic Law, and alumnus of KU Leuven, then addressed the audience. He recalled with deep emotion his time studying and working at KU Leuven, describing it as one of the most cherished memories of his life. He also emphasized how studying abroad had played a vital role in his personal growth, and expressed his hope that the visiting students would gain similarly valuable experiences during their exchange in China. His remarks resonated warmly with the KU Leuven students.

In the student sharing session, PhD candidate Li Yao offered recommendations and advice on studying at KoGuan School of Law, while Master's student Xinyue Zhai shared her experiences in the SJTU master's program, providing visiting students with a vivid understanding of study and life in China.

Following this, Professor Bernard Tilleman, former Dean of KU Leuven's Faculty of Law and Criminology, delivered a speech. He reviewed the history of cooperation between the two law schools, expressed his hope for further expansion of academic collaboration, and encouraged the students to seize the opportunity to come to China, to deepen their understanding of Chinese society and legal culture, and to foster cultural exchanges between China and Belgium. Also present at the event were Professor Wouter Druwé, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law and Criminology, and Professor Bert Keirsblick, who both expressed their expectation for further cooperation between the two institutions.

After the exchange event, the KU Leuven delegation toured the SJTU Xuhui Campus. The delegation also visited the Qian Xuesen Library & Museum and the Dong Haoyun Shipping Museum, gaining deeper insights into SJTU's history, culture, and academic features.

This visit further strengthened the friendship and cooperation between the two law schools and laid a solid foundation for future collaboration in talent cultivation, academic research, and international exchange.Next summer, the KoGuan School of Law of Shanghai Jiao Tong University will host the summer school of the University of Leuven.

KU Leuven, located in Leuven in the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, was founded in 1425 under the authorization of Pope Martin V. With nearly 600 years of history, it is the oldest university in the Low Countries and one of Europe's most prestigious research universities. KU Leuven consistently ranks among the world's leading universities. In the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, KU Leuven was ranked 43rd globally, and in the 2025 THE Law Subject Rankings, its Faculty of Law placed 15th worldwide, making it a leader in Europe. Law has long been a flagship discipline of KU Leuven, enjoying an outstanding reputation.