The Evolution of Policies on Cooperation by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia Since China’s Reform and Opening Up

Abstract

The United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA)United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) is a non-profit higher education organization serving the Asian region. From its establishment in New YorkNew York in 1922, it had long been committed to promoting the development of Christian higher educationChristian higher education in China until 1952, when it moved its focus to other Asian countries and regions. After China's reform and opening up, the UBCHEA restored its connection to mainland China. Adhering to the principle of a separation between religion and education, the United Board (UB) has played an important role in library construction, faculty development, support for visiting professors, cultural and artistic exchanges, and support for scientific research programs. In the mid-to-late 1990s, the UB gradually turned more attention to other Asian countries that needed more help, also put greater emphasis on their Christian identity, while continuing to support higher education in mainland China. Since 2000, the United Board has deliberately strengthened its Asian characteristics, and made a greater effort to establish an integrated Asian higher education collaborative network, incorporating China into this system for smooth functioning. After 2012, the United Board took up whole-person education as the core concept in all its projects and launched new plans while continuing to promote traditional projects. The UB case is another example of the dramatic interplay between globalization and localization for over one hundred years in the Asian context. Although the UB’s policies and strategies are constantly changing, China remains one of its most important partners and continues to play a role in shaping UB’s policies on co-operation with the Asian Christian higher education system.