Belgium’s KU Leuven and Consul General in Guangzhou visit HKUST(GZ)
On April 23rd, a delegation led by Vice President of KU Leuven, Prof. Peter Lievens and Consul General of Belgium in Guangzhou, Mr. Wim Peeters visited the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), discussing topics on mutual exchanges and educational cooperation.
The President of HKUST(GZ), Prof. Lionel M. NI, met with the guests and attended the discussion. President NI first reflected on the achievements of his earlier visit to four European countries at the start of the year, particularly the visit to KU Leven, then expressed gratitude for the reciprocal visit of Vice President Lievens and emphasized the commitment of HKUST(GZ), to advancing international educational cooperation and expanding partnerships with Belgium and KU Leuven.
President NI emphasized that HKUST(GZ) is committed to leading global educational transformation through integrated disciplinary education practices and reconstructing the academic framework, aiming to build a research university with international influence. He stated that HKUST(GZ) will continue to foster international educational cooperation and scientific exchanges with an even more open and inclusive approach, especially strengthening the profound partnership with Belgium and KU Leuven.
Vice President of KU Leuven, Lievens expressed strong interest in the university's integration of disciplinary education and practice, believing it meets the future needs for cultivating high-level innovative talents. He particularly highlighted the university's forward-looking research and educational practices in the impact of artificial intelligence on education, media, and the arts.
Both parties agreed that there is great potential for collaboration in talent cultivation, academic exchanges, and departmental (Hub/Thrust) interactions. Consul General Mr. Wim Peeters emphasized the role of universities as important bridges for promoting exchanges between China and Belgium and hopes for deeper understanding of Belgium and Europe through exchange programs for Chinese students and youth.
During the visit, Vice President Lievens and his delegation toured the university's laboratories and highly impressed with HKUST(GZ)’s high-level labs. The delegation also engaged in discussions with academic professionals and expressed their hopes for future research collaborations.
At the luncheon, Professor Ricky Shi-Wei LEE, Dean of Systems Hub, and Professor Ye QI, Acting Thrust Head of Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change, Innovation, Policy and Entrepreneurship of HKUST(GZ), engaged in meaningful interactions with the guests, expressing a mutual desire to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as smart manufacturing, clean energy, carbon neutrality, and climate policy.
Vice President Lievens also expressed his anticipation for the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven in 2025 and looked forward to new opportunities for cooperation between the historic KU Leuven and the dynamic HKUST(GZ).
The visit was attended by Prof. Weijia WEN, Dean of Function Hub, Prof. Ricky Shi-Wei LEE, Dean of Systems Hub, and Prof. Ye QI, Acting Thrust Head of Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change and Innovation, Policy and Entrepreneurship, Prof. Wufan ZHAO from Thrust of Urban Governance and Design and Mr. Jing FU, Head of the Global Affairs Department of HKUST(GZ).
