On January 15, Jiangsu Open University (JSOU) and Jiangsu Rural Commercial United Bank (JRCUB) signed a strategic cooperation agreement and launched the "Rural Commercial Bank Cup" Silver Age Voice Competition at the Bank's headquarters in Nanjing. Attendees included Party Secretary Ding Rongyu, President Zhang Yingchun, and Vice President Yang Yu from Jiangsu Open University; Chairman Hu Jianbin, Vice Presidents Wu Yaoxiang and Li Jian (CIO) from Jiangsu Rural Commercial United Bank; and General Manager Zhang Wenliang and Deputy General Manager Xu Zhen from China Life Insurance Company Jiangsu Branch. Representatives from relevant institutions joined both at the main venue and via video in branch venues. The event was hosted by Zhang Bin, Vice President of Jiangsu Rural Commercial United Bank.
The partnership aims to support provincial strategies on strengthening education, addressing population aging, and advancing rural revitalization. It reflects a shared commitment to integrating education and finance into Jiangsu’s modernization efforts.
Ding Rongyu highlighted Jiangsu Open University’s longstanding commitment to cross-sector collaboration and flexible learning opportunities. He noted that the partnership represents an innovative practice in integrating education and finance within a learning society and an aging-friendly society. Ding called for a development framework to set a benchmark for bank-university cooperation.
Hu Jianbin praised the University’s contributions to lifelong education and elderly services, as well as China Life Insurance Company Jiangsu Branch’s leadership in the life insurance market. He noted the long-standing cooperation between rural commercial banks and open universities at various levels, stating that this strategic upgrade is essential for implementing national strategies and serving Jiangsu’s high-quality development.
Zhang Wenliang congratulated both parties on the agreement, emphasizing that China Life Insurance Company Jiangsu Branch will leverage its strengths to support the “Rural Commercial Bank Cup” Silver Age Voice Competition, helping to build its brand, visibility, and social impact.
Yang Yu and Li Jian signed the agreement on behalf of their institutions. Open universities in Wuxi, Nantong, and Lianyungang also signed with their local rural commercial banks.
Following the signing, leaders jointly launched the inaugural "Rural Commercial Bank Cup" Silver Age Voice Competition, co-hosted by the University, the Bank, and China Life Insurance Company Jiangsu Branch. The competition marks the first flagship brand event under this strategic partnership. Both sides pledged to deepen collaboration in education and finance to support Jiangsu's modernization efforts.
