Professor Juliette MacDonald, International Dean of the Shanghai International College of Fashion and Innovation (SCF) at Donghua University, has been awarded the "Friendship Star" by the Hongqiao Friendship Alliance of Changning District, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to international exchange and regional collaboration.

Championing Education and Innovation A pivotal figure in UK-China fashion education, Prof. MacDonald—who earned her from the University of St Andrews—was instrumental in establishing the partnership between Donghua University and the University of Edinburgh. Under her leadership, SCF received the China–Scotland Education Innovation Award in 2020.Furthermore, she facilitated the University of Edinburgh’s entry into the Belt and Road International Textile Alliance, an initiative advocated by Donghua University.

Beyond academic partnerships, Prof. MacDonald is a strong advocate for sustainable fashion. She has driven curriculum development in this area and collaborated on interdisciplinary projects such as the Tech Qipao, which has been showcased at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for four consecutive years and selected for national exhibitions in China.

A Legacy of Friendship and Contribution This accolade follows her receipt of the inaugural Hongqiao Friendship Award in 2020, where she was the sole honouree from the higher education sector. The new Friendship Star title highlights her sustained influence in fostering cultural and educational ties between the UK and China, as well as the deepening collaboration between Changning District and the university.

About the Hongqiao Friendship Alliance Established in October 2020, the Hongqiao Friendship Award was the first district-level honour in Shanghai designed to recognise exceptional foreign nationals. Alongside the award, the Hongqiao Friendship Alliance was created as a premier exchange platform. Since its inception, alliance members have leveraged their expertise to make significant contributions to Changning’s economic growth, digital transformation, and social development.