Communication fosters understanding, and sharing propels progress: A delegation from our university visited the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The Hong Kong SAR government officially lifted the mask requirement, which had been in force for over three years, on March 1st. On the same day, a delegation from the President's Office and its subordinate departments of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) paid an official visit and exchange to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology(HKUST). After the first delegation dispatched by the HKUST(GZ) to the HKUST on February 16th and the HKUST Council delegation’s visit to HKUST(GZ) on February 26th, this exchange trip reflects another close and substantial engagement between the two institutions. Both sides were finally able to remove their masks, see each other's "real faces," and participate in courteous dialogues and in-depth investigations during their joint visit on HKUST.
The delegation included department heads and colleagues from the Office of External Relations, Talent Services Office, Archives Management Office, Public Affairs Office, Legal Affairs Office, and Secretary's Office, all of which are part of the President's Office of HKUST (GZ). Dr. Li Bin, Special Assistant to the President and Director of the President's Office at HKUST(GZ), led the trip.
The President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Academician Nancy Chu Ip Yuk-yu, the Provost and Chief Operating Officer, Professor Guo Yike, the Vice-President (Administration), Professor Pang Ting Chung, the Vice-President (Institutional Advancement), Professor Wang Yang, the Acting Vice-President (Planning and Coordination), Mr. Chan Chi Man, and the Director of the Comprehensive Coordination Division (Guangzhou) of the HKUST, Professor Kwan Kai Cho, and other members of the management team warmly received the delegation and held discussions and exchanges with them.
Academician Nancy Chu Ip Yuk-yu, President of HKUST, enthusiastically greeted the HKUST delegation (GZ). She added that communication between the two institutions has resumed, and she has visited HKUST(GZ) twice in the last two weeks. She knows every stone and tile of HKUST(GZ) and is always sad to say goodbye when the tour is finished. She noted that the concept of "one institution, two campuses, complementary strengths" provides a unique opportunity for the two universities to collaborate and achieve win-win collaboration. "The success of a university is dependent on its people," he reminded everyone in attendance. As the first class of HKUST(GZ) members, each individual's efforts will make a difference in the growth of HKUST(GZ). Moreover, she noted that the two institutions have the same DNA, and that HKUST will do all necessary to help HKUST(GZ) grow.
Professor Guo Yike, Provost and Chief Operational Officer of HKUST, greeted the HKUST delegation (GZ). He stated that, given the HKUST's fundamental strength and excellent skills in conventional subjects, he anticipates remarkable investigation in multidisciplinary domains by HKUST(GZ). The complementing advantages and coordinated growth of the two institutions will provide strength to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Region as well as national scientific and technological development.
Professor Guo Yike, Vice President and Provost of HKUST, greeted the group from HKUST (GZ). He stated his optimism that HKUST (GZ) will explore new potential in interdisciplinary studies, based on HKUST's solid foundation and strong strengths in conventional subjects. The two institutions can complement each other's capabilities and collaborate to make a stronger contribution to the scientific and technology development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Region and the nation.
Professor Wang Yang, HKUST's Vice President (University Development), stated his expectation that the two institutions might draw on each other's successful experiences in university development, brand marketing, and other areas, forging a collaborative force to improve both universities' reputations.
During the exchange with the HKUST Legal Affairs Office, both parties held in-depth talks about the enforcement of arbitration decisions in both areas. Ms. Lin Xiaoni, the head of HKUST's Legal Affairs Department, stated that there are differences in legal regulations and process habits between the two regions, and she believes that with increased personnel flow, colleagues from both regions will have more in-depth communication and coordination will be more efficient. She also looked forward to meeting again in Guangzhou.
Ms. Chan Weisi, Director of the Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs of HKUST, stated at the meeting that HKUST has a more mature and complete policy and mechanism for donations and contributions and that she hoped to provide some reference for the establishment of related work of HKUST (GZ). She stated that many HKUST alumni are interested in HKUST (GZ) and that she believes there will be many opportunities for collaboration in the future.
Dr. Huang Yu, the head of the External Relations Office and the Talent Services Office, expressed thanks to colleagues from the Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs for their assistance and support. According to her, HKUST (GZ) will shortly begin foundation preparations and will continue to work closely with the HKUST Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs team, benefiting from their expertise.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of " UNIFIED HKUST - COMPLEMENTARY CAMPUSES" is that the two institutions share the same brand and collaborate for joint development. The HKUST Office of Public Affairs (GZ), the HKUST Office of Public Affairs, and the HKUST Office of the Vice President (University Development) had exchanged conversations on fundamental problems such as brand maintenance and construction and did an excellent job in news communication.
Dr. Huang Jiahui, Chief Librarian of the Lee Shau Kee Library of HKUST, Mr. Edward F. Spodick, Deputy Librarian, and Dr. Marco CABOARA, Manager of Digital Academic Services and Archives, had a work exchange with Li Nan, the director of the Archives Management Office. The two sides examined the contrasts and goals of archives management in the two universities' respective working settings, as well as opinions on subjects such as archives management systems and archives.
Members of the delegation also shared their perspectives on the visit; let us hear them out:
Peng Bo from the Department of Public Affairs:
Despite the fact that I have never been here before, everything feels warm and welcoming: the genuine experience of shaking hands and hugging many "long-term netizens," meeting professors who travel between the two campuses for scientific exchanges, seeing the design blueprint of HKUST (GZ) in the office overlooking HKUST, not to mention the same coffee shop, signs encouraging taking stairs, and the same "Red Bird Sundial" sculpture at the school gate... every little thing can feel familiar and welcoming. A stunning design for HKUST 2.0 appears to be taking shape before my own eyes as I listen to colleagues from all departments enthusiastically plan the opportunities for cooperation in many sectors of t
Zhang Peng from the Department of External Relations:
I haven't set foot on the HKUST since I originally joined three years ago. The view of the white sailboats on the water and the green mountains from the "Mushroom" at the Jockey Club inspired me to gradually contribute to the construction of HKUST (GZ). We collaborate with a group of dedicated HKUST partners to achieve our shared academic goals. We do this by overcoming linguistic and cultural hurdles as well as pandemic-related obstacles. The modern technology and knowledge is the school's name. The lifeblood of every HKUST student is innovation!
A friendly reminder: Please keep in mind that elevator numbers are the secret to navigating this huge "labyrinth" of named buildings, hundreds of classrooms, and more than 40 elevators if you want to find the HKUST office you're searching for.
Lu Mengzhou from the Department of Public Affairs, a part-time MBA student at HKUST
I haven't visited the HKUST campus in more than three years due to the epidemic. I experience a range of emotions when I arrive at HKUST today, see the people and surroundings that I've captured many times in movies and images, and finally meet my "virtual colleagues" who have collaborated online for two whole years.
I regret that the epidemic prevented me from finishing the majority of my coursework on this lovely campus. Yet, I am also grateful that I stumbled into being involved in the effort to develop HKUST (GZ) two years ago. Looking forward to increased collaboration and exchanges between the two institutions in the future as we continue to create the amazing "HKUST 2.0" blueprint!
Shao Zhihan from the Department of External Relations:
Expectations were high before crossing the border and skyrocketed after I did. With the first morning sunbeam, I finally got a full view of the school. It has mountains and the sea, and it is very lovely! The same red bird, comparable structures, and so amiable! Confident students, chatty teachers, and the two schools all agree that HKUST (GZ), as an interdisciplinary institution, has a lot of work ahead of it.
The mask mandate has officially been withdrawn by Hong Kong as of today, which also marks the beginning of the second month of cross-border travel between the mainland and Hong Kong. It makes me extremely glad to be in HKUST at this time to meet and talk with people. That is quite moving, and daily job now has a deeper feeling of purpose and accountability than it had before. “UNIFIED HKUST - COMPLEMENTARY CAMPUSES” will undoubtedly germinate into mighty trees.
Tao Yuting from President's Office
I feel privileged to be here with everyone in Clearwater Bay as a newly hired member of the NPDI community. The HKUST campus strikes me as a really joyful location to live and work because it is tucked away in the mountains and near the sea. My second view is that, despite our differences, HKUST and NPDI are still close relatives who share a number of characteristics. Thirdly, I hope that the partnership between the two institutions would grow and prosper. I think our colleagues in Clearwater Bay and Guangzhou share this aim.
