HKUST(GZ) Signs Agreements with Two Australian Universities

Professor Wu Jingshen, Vice President (Teaching & Learning) of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), led a delegation that engaged in significant academic activities during a successful visit to Australia from April 3 to 8. The delegation signed agreements with the University of Technology Sydney and the University of New South Wales, alongside in-depth discussions on further cooperation. The visit also included engagements with other institutions such as the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, RMIT University and Monash University, reaching consensus on talent development, joint research, and high-level exchanges.

The members of the delegation includes Professor Chen Lei, Dean of Information Hub; Professor Wu Xun, Associate Dean of Society Hub; Professor Chu Xiaowen, Thrust Head of Data Science and Analytics; Professor Tang Kai, Thrust Head of Smart Manufacturing; Professor Ma Jinyuan, Associate Dean of College of Education Sciences; Professor Ng Tai Kai, Acting Head of Pillar of STEM Education; and Mr. Fu Jing, Head of Global Affairs Department.

Professor Wu highlighted the innovative approaches of HKUST(GZ) in interdisciplinary reforms and talent cultivation, reflecting on the visit’s success in sparking fresh ideas for international collaboration. He emphasized the strategic advantage of the university's location in the Greater Bay Area to facilitate talents and knowledge exchange.

The delegation's visit to RMIT University on April 3 included a meeting with distinguished Professor Charlie Xue, Associate Vice Chancellor (International) for STEM College, exploring opportunities in educational innovation and research collaborations. They discussed student exchanges and joint PhD programs, with both parties reaching a mutual agreement on the study abroad program.

The delegation’s visit to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) on April 4 involved introductory discussions with Deputy Director Tony Papenfuss and Professor Melissa Call, focusing on potential collaboration opportunities between the two institutions. During the meeting, Professor Wu also looked forward to sending HKUST(GZ) students to participate in the InSPIRE program, expressing hope for increased collaboration between HKUST(GZ) and WEHI in the future. This visit also echoed the earlier visit to HKUST(GZ) by Professor Grant Dewson, Laboratory Head and Head of Strategic Alliances, and Dr. Jian-Guo Zhang, WEHI Asia Program Manager.

At the University of Melbourne, the delegation held discussions with Dr. Eirini Goudeli, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and other faculty members to explore potential student mobility programs. Both parties expressed their intention to foster closer partnership to enrich students’ international learning experiences.

On the same day, Professor Chen Lei held talks with Professor Juliana Sutanto, Associate Dean (International) for Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University about research collaborations and student exchanges.

In Sydney, agreements signed with Professor Leo Mian Liu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global Partnerships of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Professor Colin Grant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) opened new avenues for HKUST(GZ) students to study and engage with these institutions. Further discussions aimed at establishing joint programs to enhance student exchanges during summer and winter breaks.

In the University of Sydney, the discussion with Professor Ken Tye Yong, Associate Dean (External Engagement) of School of Biomedical Engineering and Professor Zhiyong Wang, Deputy Director of Sydney Informatics Hub and other faculties sparked new ideas for student exchange in department level, with invitations extended to HKUST(GZ) students to participate in the  annual School of Computer Science Coding Fest at the University of Sydney.

At Macquarie University, potential collaborations in student exchanges and joint research projects were explored with Distinguished Professor Micheal Sheng and Distinguished Chair Professor in AI, Cao Longbing.

Before concluding the Australian visit, Professor Wu was interviewed by Xin Xin, China Daily reporter in Sydney, sharing the outcomes of this visit, opportunities and challenges in fostering educational ties between China and Australia.

Professor Wu reflected on the strong partnerships established with Australian universities, laying a robust foundation for future academic exchanges and talent cultivation. Looking ahead, he emphasized leveraging HKUST(GZ)’s unique position in the Greater Bay Area to promote Sino-Australian cultural exchanges and international cooperation, thus enhancing the university’s global influence.

Prior to visiting Australia, the HKUST(GZ) delegation visited Singapore on April 1 to 2, strengthening academic ties with Singaporean universities.