HKUST(GZ) Expands U.S. Academic Partnerships with Agreement at UC Irvine
Following a successful visit to Canada, the delegation from HKUST(GZ) led by Professor Ting Chuen Pong, Vice-President (Administration & Business) continue a journey to the United States. An agreement with University of California, Irvine was signed and prominent institutions including the University of Washington, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and USC were visited.
The group visited leading institutions including the University of Washington, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and USC, culminating in a collaboration agreement with UC Irvine. The delegation also engaged with Chinese consulates in San Francisco and Los Angeles and hosted a global talent fair at USC to attract top-tier talent.
Participants from HKUST(GZ) include Professor Ye Qi, Acting Dean of Society Hub, Professor Hin Kwok Tsang from Thrust of Internet of Things, Professor Gerald Z Lan from Thrust of Innovation, Policy and Entrepreneurship, and Associate Professor Clea Theresa Von Chamier-Waite from Thrust of Computational Media and Arts.
January 8: University of Washington
The delegation met with university leaders, including Dr. Sandra Janush, Assistant Vice Provost of International & Academic Programs, Dr. Anson Fatland, Associate Vice Provost for Innovation Strategy and Ventures and Professor Jihui Yang, Vice Dean of College of Engineering. Both parties reached consensus on promoting student exchanges and academic partnerships.
January 9: Minerva University and UC Berkeley
The delegation engaged with Mr. Ben Nelson, founder of Minerva Project, to explore innovative educational models of both universities. Afterwards, Professor Ting Chuen Pong led a visit to University of California, Berkeley, where he held detailed discussions with Dr. M. Colette Plum, Assistant Dean of Study Abroad about the implementation of the upcoming student mobility program between two universities.
In the meantime, Professor Ye Qi led discussions at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory on international student recruitment. The delegation also visited the Consulate General of China in San Francisco. Professor Ting Chuen Pong expressed appreciation for the consulate’s support during last year’s HKUST(GZ) PLACE summer camp. Deputy Consul General Guoxuan Song commended the university’s advancements since its founding in 2022.
January 10: Stanford University
The delegation held talks on digital education, sustainability initiatives and student mobility program with Stanford leaders, including Professor Matthew Rascoff, Vice Provost for Digital Education, Professor Lynn Hildemann, Chair of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Ms. Danielle Wood, Associate Dean and Director of Summer Session.
January 13: UC Irvine
On behalf of UC Irvine, Professor Magnus Egerstedt, the Dean of Engineering, signed a collaboration agreement with HKUST(GZ) during the delegation’s visit to UC Irvine. Opportunities on joint research and student mobility in engineering and digital arts are explored.
January 14: UC Riverside and USC
In the morning, the delegation discussed research collaborations and student exchanges with Dr. Marko Princevac, Associate Dean of Student Academic Affairs and other officials at University of California, Riverside. At the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles, Consul General Shaochun Guo acknowleged HKUST(GZ)’s instrumental role in advancing U.S.-China educational cooperation and cross-cultural understanding. During a subsequent visit to University of Southern California, delegation members held strategic discussions with senior administrators to strengthen institutional partnerships through academic collaboration, faculty-student exchange opportunities, and cross-disciplinary innovation. The day concluded with a global talent fair, attracting over 30 PhD and postdoctoral scholars.
Throughout the tour, HKUST(GZ) showcased its interdisciplinary academic framework and commitment to fostering international collaboration and innovation.
