Senior Diplomats from 22 Countries Visit The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)
In the government's work report of 2024, it was proposed to expand high-level opening-up and promote mutual benefit. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) actively responded to the national call by hosting two Spring Welcome Receptions on March 7th and March 15th. Senior diplomats from over 20 consulates general in Guangzhou were invited to visit the university. While promoting a deeper understanding of our university's concept and practice of cultivating innovative talents through interdisciplinary integration, we continue to build a global network of friends and promote the internationalization process with high quality.
At the two Spring Welcome Receptions held on March 15th and March 7th, several consuls general in Guangzhou, including Hernán Vargas MARTÍN from Colombia, Soeren Bindesboell from Denmark, Sylvain Fourriere from France, Martinos Mandalidis from Greece, KANG Sang Wook from South Korea, Mamadou Sory Dembele from Mali, Julian ADEM DIAZ DE LEON from Mexico, Rachel Crump from New Zealand, Ruben ESPINOZA RAYMONDI from Peru, LOH Tuck Keat from Singapore, Philippe PRAZ from Switzerland, Jiraporn SUDANICH from Thailand, Kaan Başkurt from Turkey, Osman Hassan as the Acting Consul General of Sudan, and Simweetwa Wina MUCHINDU as the Acting Consul General of Zambia, as well as diplomats from Austria, Cambodia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vanuatu, engaged in in-depth interactive exchanges with Professor Lionel M. NI, the President, and university management personnel.
Professor Shaobing QU, the Party Secretary of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Professor Kaishun WU, the Associate Vice-President (Research), Professor Hui XIONG, the Associate Vice-President (Knowledge Transfer), Professor Yang YANG, the Associate Vice-President (Teaching & Learning), as well as the heads of various hubs, thrusts, and departments, respectively participated in the two visiting activities, symposiums, and working dinners.
The guests had an exploration tour of "new productive forces" at the university, where they experienced advanced teaching tools such as robots and 3D printers at Highbay. They also visited the Materials Characterization and Preparation Facility, where they learned about the role of the laboratory in supporting energy and environment-related research from Dr. Lawrence WONG. At the Red Bird Maker Space, they had discussions with Professor Man CHAN, the program director, and Dr. Jenny LI, a project mentor, about the training model and interdisciplinary curriculum design of the innovative program, as well as the diverse development pathways for students in further education, employment, and entrepreneurship. In the two important laboratories of the Information Hub, namely the Computational Media and Arts Lab and the Metaverse Joint Innovation Laboratory, the guests experienced naked-eye 3D, LED immersive scenes, XR virtual shooting, and motion capture technology. They also experienced the charm of immersive interactive classrooms in the metaverse and the wonders of holographic technology.
Subsequently, the guests proceeded to the 7th floor of the Administration Building to have an overview of the campus and engage in discussions and exchanges with the university's management, hub deans, thrust heads, and department heads. During the symposium, President Lionel M. NI introduced the establishment process, educational philosophy, and latest achievements of our university, with a particular focus on sharing our internationalization strategy, milestone accomplishments, and upcoming plans.
"Today, we invited diplomats from various countries to attend the spring welcome reception and engage in face-to-face exchanges with our university's management and professors, with the aim of promoting the world's understanding of our unique practices in leading the paradigm shift in higher education and our determination to foster innovative talents through open education," said President Lionel M. NI.
The attending diplomats enthusiastically asked questions and interacted with President NI and our university's management. The diplomats participating in the event expressed their desire to engage in extensive and in-depth cooperation with our university in talent cultivation, research collaboration, academic exchanges, and other areas.
Consul General Sylvain Fourriere from France stated that he is willing to fully support the collaboration between the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and French universities on multiple levels. He believed that both sides can learn from each other, and establishing dialogue and partnerships is the best way to enhance students' efficient learning.
Consul General Martinos Mandalidis from Greece mentioned that Greece has over 20 public universities and a growing innovation ecosystem, with many emerging companies constantly developing. He expressed his anticipation for the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) to organize more promotional activities to increase mutual understanding and invite Greek students to study and experience here.
Acting Consul General Osman Hassan from Sudan stated that there are currently many Sudanese students studying in China, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) will provide a new opportunity for Sudanese students, allowing more Sudanese students to come to China.
President NI, during the reception, introduced to the guests that the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) is strategically oriented towards pursuing true internationalization and achieving outstanding global influence. It leads the transformation of higher education worldwide by integrating disciplinary education practices and academic frameworks. The university adheres to the standards of innovation, excellence, and dedication, attracting the most outstanding talents from around the world to form a faculty team. It continuously enhances the diversity of students' nationalities and prioritizes student-centered services to promote local internationalization. With the goal of constructing a research-oriented university ecosystem, the university has initiated the construction of a global network that covers areas such as teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. Currently, the early achievements of the university's internationalization efforts are evident. In the next phase, the university will systematize and innovate the promotion of international cooperation to support the achievement of its talent cultivation goals.
