HKUST(GZ) Achieves Productive Outcomes with Top Universities in the Eastern U.S.
Following a successful tour of visiting universities on the West Coast of the United States earlier this year to expand cooperative ties, Professor Pong Ting Chuen, Vice-President (Administration & Business) of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), led a delegation from March 18 to 25, visiting top-tier universities in Washington D.C., Boston, and New York City, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), Boston University, New York University and George Washington University. These visits resulted in a series of tangible collaborative achievements.
During their visit to Boston, the delegation hosted the Global Talent Fair, engaging in in-depth discussions with high-caliber individuals. Speakers included Professor Lee Shuncheng, Thrust Head of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Professor Qi Zhong, Thrust Head of Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering, and Mr. Fu Jing, Head of Global Affairs Department of HKUST(GZ).
Washington D.C.
On March 18, the delegation visited George Washington University and held meetings with Professor Teresa Murphy, Deputy Provost for Academic Affairs, and the management team from the School of Business. Professor Murphy emphasized the importance of enhancing student mobility between China and the U.S., amid the current global political climate and expressed interest in establishing partnership between GW and HKUST(GZ) in fields of Engineering, Applied Science and Business. Following discussions regarding a joint master's programs before this meeting, both parties expressed eagerness in landing the joint master’s program in the near future.
On the same day, the delegation also visited American University to explore undergraduate exchange and joint master's programs. Tashina Giraud, Director of International Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives, expressed interest in faculty and student exchanges with HKUST(GZ). Representatives from American University’s Kogod School of Business and School of International Service also attended, showing their desire to establish collaborative ties.
Boston
On March 20, the delegation visited MIT, engaging in deep discussions with Professor Duane Boning, Vice Provost for International Activities, and Professor Ali Jadbabaie, Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Professor Pong presented the academic offerings at HKUST(GZ) and highlighted opportunities for collaboration in areas like sustainable development, despite the current geopolitical climate. Professor Boning showed great interest in HKUST(GZ)’s interdisciplinary approach and agreed on broadening partnerships in sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, business management, and industrial collaboration.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Boston University, where they met with Mr. Willis G. Wang, Vice President and Associate Provost for Global Programs, Prof. Stan Sclaroff, Dean of Arts & Sciences and other academic leaders. They discussed how to facilitate student exchanges and providing high-quality services during exchange periods. Prior to this, the delegation dined with the BU Global Development Policy Center, exchanging ideas with its director, Dr. Kevin P. Gallagher, and over ten researchers. Professor Qi extended an invitation to Boston University researchers to visit HKUST(GZ).
That evening, HKUST(GZ) held a Global Talent Fair in Boston. The event drew nearly 80 participants, including PhD candidates and scholars from Harvard, MIT, Boston University and Rutgers. Professors Pong, Qi, and Lee highlighted HKUST(GZ)’s research strengths and recruitment policies. The event sparked significant interest, with many attendees expressing a strong desire to pursue careers at HKUST(GZ).
On March 21, the delegation joined Dr. Chen Shuang, Director of the Guangzhou Education Bureau, in visiting Olin College of Engineering. They engaged in discussions with faculty leaders, including Associate Dean, Prof. Christopher Lee and the Chief Academic Officer and Provost, Dr. Al Sacco. Dr. Chen expressed admiration for Olin’s innovative educational practices and their potential impact on Guangzhou’s educational reforms. Professor Pong emphasized the importance of opening educational exchanges amid geopolitical complexities, expressing hope for deepened cooperation with Olin, particularly in student exchange.
During the visit, Professor Lee also delivered a speech at MIT titled “Developments and Challenges in Indoor Air Quality,” attracting nearly 30 MIT researchers.
New York
On March 24th, the delegation visited New York University, engaging in discussions with Josh Taylor, Associate Vice Chancellor for Global Programs, and Andrew J. Rapin, Senior Director of Graduate Enrollment Management & Admissions at the Tandon School of Engineering. Josh Taylor shared insights on the operations of NYU Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of maintaining rational dialogue among academic professionals from China and the United States, especially during this period of political sensitivity. Both parties expressed a hopeful outlook toward establishing a trilateral partnership involving New York University, NYU Shanghai, and HKUST(GZ). This collaboration aims to facilitate greater academic exchange and interaction between faculty and students from the two nations.
Later that day, the HKUST(GZ) delegation enjoyed a luncheon with Professor Maxine Griffith, former Executive Vice President of Columbia University, and Professor Philip Connelly, former Executive Vice Chancellor of Wenzhou-Kean University. The gathering provided an opportunity for an engaging and amiable exchange, during which the delegation highlighted HKUST(GZ)’s academic strengths. Professor Griffith voiced her support for fostering collaborations between Columbia University and HKUST(GZ) across various fields.
On March 25th, the delegation visited Kean University in New Jersey, engaging in comprehensive discussions with Dr. Keith Bostian, Associate Provost for Science and Technology, Dr. George Chang, Dean of the College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, and 9 other scholars. Dr. Bostian and his team shared practical insights into how Kean University delivers STEM education to undergraduates and elaborated on the exchange models between Kean University and Wenzhou-Kean University. Dr. George Chang accompanied the delegation on a tour of undergraduate teaching laboratories related to life sciences, environmental science, and forensic science. Professor Pong expressed his anticipation for practical collaborations between the two institutions, focusing on exchanges of students and faculty.
