The inaugural conference of the HKUST(GZ) Education Foundation was successfully held
The inaugural conference of the Guangdong-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) Education Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the "Foundation") was successfully held on June 26, 2024, at HKUST(GZ). This event represents a significant milestone in the development of HKUST(GZ) and signifies an important step forward in deepening educational cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
President Lionel M. NI extended warm congratulations on the establishment of the University Foundation in his address. He expressed sincere gratitude to the higher authorities such as the Department of Civil Affairs of Guangdong Province and the Department of Education of Guangdong Province for their care and guidance, as well as to the China Industrial and Commercial Bank, the initiator of the original registered capital donation for the Foundation. Since its establishment nearly two years ago, HKUST(GZ) has always adhered to the principles of innovation, adaptability, and inclusiveness. The university is committed to building a vibrant international institution and has achieved notable accomplishments in talent cultivation, faculty development, scientific research, and knowledge transfer. The formal establishment of the Foundation not only marks an important milestone in the university's development but also represents a significant milestone on its path of continuous innovation and pursuit of excellence in creating a "Chinese-characteristic, world-class" university.
During the inaugural conference, President NI took the opportunity to share an inspiring piece of news. In order to further support the university's educational endeavors and to incentivize outstanding performance in teaching, he and his wife, Mrs. Yan CHENG, have made a remarkable decision. They will donate 10 million RMB to the university foundation, establishing the "Outstanding Teaching Award" to recognize and reward exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in their teaching responsibilities. President NI and Mrs. CHENG have been actively engaged in philanthropic efforts in the field of education for many years, having made multiple donations to various types of schools in both Hong Kong and mainland China.
Professor Kaishun WU, Associate Vice-President (Research) of HKUST(GZ) and Chairman of the First Board of Directors of the Foundation, delivered a brief overview of the preliminary preparations and progress of the Foundation's work.
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), as the initiator of the original registered capital donation for the Foundation, participated in this inaugural conference. Mr. Tao XIONG, Member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Guangdong Branch, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of ICBC Guangzhou Branch, extended congratulations on the establishment of the Foundation.
In his speech, Mr. Xianfeng QIN, Deputy Director of the Office of Guangdong Provincial Department of Education, extended warm congratulations and sincere wishes on behalf of the supervisory unit of the Foundation, Guangdong Provincial Department of Education, on the establishment of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) Education Foundation.
In the presence of the attendees, Professor Lionel M. NI, President of HKUST(GZ), Professor Shaobing QU, Party Secretary of HKUST(GZ), Mr. Tao XIONG, Member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Guangdong Branch, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of ICBC Guangzhou Branch, Mr. Xianfeng QIN, Deputy Director of the Office of Guangdong Provincial Department of Education, Professor Kaishun WU, Associate Vice-President (Research) of HKUST(GZ) and Chairman of the First Board of Directors of the Foundation, and Professor Quanke SU, Chief Engineer, Union Chairman, and Chairman of the First Board of Supervisors of the Foundation at HKUST(GZ), jointly unveiled the plaque for the Foundation.
Professor Shaobing QU, Party Secretary of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), delivered a concluding speech at the inaugural conference. On behalf of the Party Committee of HKUST(GZ), he expressed congratulations on the establishment of the Foundation, emphasizing its significant importance to the university. As HKUST(GZ) aims to become a world-class university in integrated disciplines, the Foundation bears the responsibility of gathering strengths from all parties. In the future, it will require continuous exploration of the distinctive mission, strategic design, and internal culture that characterize HKUST(GZ), providing limitless development opportunities and creative possibilities for university education.
The establishment of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) Education Foundation marks not only a new starting point for the university's development but also a catalyst for closer collaboration between the university and various sectors of society. It actively contributes to future technological innovation and the advancement of higher education. With the conclusion of the ceremony, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) Education Foundation will set sail officially. In the future, the Foundation will become an important bridge connecting the university, society, and enterprises. Through the collective support of all sectors, it will provide resources and support for the university's teaching, research, academic exchanges, and talent cultivation. It will propel HKUST(GZ) to achieve higher levels of academic excellence and social service, facilitating the university's sustained high-quality development and making outstanding contributions to the construction of a more open, inclusive, and collaborative educational landscape!
