Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met students studying at Shanghai International College of Fashion and Innovation (SCF), a joint institute between Donghua University and Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh in January.

The Prime Minister toured Yuyuan Garden, a 450-year-old landmark located in Shanghai, where he was shown an exhibition of UK-themed lanterns designed by the students and spoke to SCF student representatives.

Chinese craftmanship and British cultural imagery

The student representatives presented the lantern works that creatively combine traditional Chinese craftsmanship with icons of British culture such as London’s red double-decker buses, Scotland’s Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Larry the Cat, the Chief Mouser of Downing Street. These were integrated with horse-head motifs decorated in traditional Scottish tartan patterns. 

The designs reflect a thoughtful fusion of Chinese folk art and British cultural imagery, emphasising cross-cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation.

The Prime Minister expressed strong interest in the students’ work and praised the designs for their creativity and cultural depth. He joked that he “hoped to take the lanterns back to the UK,” and commended the students for their role in fostering people-to-people exchange through artistic expression.

A local and global perspective

The conversation also highlighted the outcomes of long-running collaboration between Donghua University and the University of Edinburgh. Drawing on the academic strengths of both universities, SCF adopts joint teaching teams and a global approach to design education, with a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation.

SCF has previously received the China–Scotland Business Award, reflecting its achievements in advancing high-quality Sino-UK cooperation in higher education. It serves as a model for cultivating internationally minded young professionals in the fields of fashion, design, and creative industries.

Looking ahead, both universities will continue to deepen collaboration, expand academic exchange and joint training programmes, and nurture talents with global vision and cultural confidence, contributing to sustained cultural dialogue and cooperation between China and the UK.

About SCF and ECA

During their second year of study, SCF students have the opportunity to transfer for years 3 and 4 to study Fashion or Interior Design at Edinburgh College of Art. Students who have completed two years’ study at SCF and two years’ study at ECA, and passed all courses required by both SCF and ECA, will receive a University of Edinburgh BA (Hons) in Fashion or BA (Hons) Interior Design award. Students who remain at SCF will receive the Donghua University Undergraduate Graduation Certificate.