HKUST(GZ) is invited to host the 2024-25 EU Window Chinese Government Scholarship Recipient Exchange Meeting
On August 15, the Mission of China to the European Union hosted the 2024-25 EU Window Chinese Government Scholarship Recipient Exchange Meeting. At the invitation of the Mission, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) co-hosted the event via an online connection within China, enabling simultaneous live streaming from both Brussels and Guangzhou, facilitating virtual interactions between new and former scholarship recipients.
The Acting Charge d'Affaires Minister Jing ZHU from the Mission attended the event and delivered a speech. Yang YANG, the Associate Vice-President (Teaching & Learning) of HKUST(GZ), gave an online address. Lulu TIAN, the Deputy Secretary-General of the China Scholarship Council, provided a video message. Also in attendance at the event, held both at the Mission and HKUST(GZ), were Education Minister-Counselor Tao MA and Second Secretary Juan JIANG from the Chinese Mission to the EU, Jing FU, the Head of the Global Affairs Department at HKUST(GZ), Qiang LI, the Head of the School of International Education at Tianjin University, Juanjuan SUN, the Project Manager at the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University, Siyuan DU, the Head of the International Cooperation Department at Zhejiang University, as well as representatives of the EU Window Chinese Government Scholarship recipients.
Minister Jing ZHU pointed out that as a significant platform under the China-EU High-Level People-to-People Dialogue Mechanism, the EU Window Chinese Government Scholarship plays a unique role in the development of China-EU relations. Youth are crucial in promoting mutual learning and exchanges between Chinese and European civilizations. At this critical juncture in human history, the choices made by young people will shape the future of the world. It is hoped that European students, through studying in China, will gain a better understanding of China and the world, becoming ambassadors of cultural exchanges between China and Europe and bridges for Sino-European cooperation, thus facilitating the joint efforts of the two civilizations in addressing common challenges.
Professor Yang YANG, on behalf of the university, expresses gratitude to the Mission for selecting HKUST(GZ) as the domestic host for this event. He emphasizes that HKUST(GZ) has consistently embraced the mission of being a research-oriented university with "Chinese characteristics and world-class standards," striving to nurture interdisciplinary talents with international perspectives. Actively engaging in China-EU cultural exchanges and fostering bilateral youth mobility are integral components of HKUST(GZ)'s internationalization efforts.
Professor YANG further highlights that during a recent visit to four European countries led by President Lionel M. NI of HKUST(GZ), deep partnerships were established with institutions such as the then Chinese Ambassador to the EU, Ambassador Cong FU, and various EU universities. The recent conclusion of the PLACE International Summer Camp hosted by the university attracted 45 outstanding students from 12 European countries.
11 scholarship recipients participating in the event at HKUST(GZ) warmly interacted with the scholarship freshmen at the Mission venue, facilitating an recipient virtual dialogue for the EU Window program.
Numa PARMENT, Léane DREYER from France, and Xavier VANDEPOLL from the Netherlands expressed gratitude for the Chinese Government Scholarship program "EU Window," which has provided them with the opportunity to come to China, experience traditional Chinese culture firsthand, challenge their preconceptions, and contribute to China-EU exchanges.
They also spoke positively about HKUST(GZ). Xavier VANDEPOLL remarked, "I have never seen an university like this before; it is very modern and impressive." Numa PARMENT commented, "The university feels like it's straight out of a sci-fi movie; there are various artificial intelligence and engineering labs available for students to use." Léane DREYER added, "Studying here gives me a sense of drive, energy, and happiness."
