HKUST(GZ) and VUB Host Forum
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) jointly hosted the Sino-European Higher Education Forum on Technologies & Arts on June 5 in Brussels.
The event featured a special address from Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, former Prime Minister of Belgium and the first President of the European Council. In his special address, Mr. Van Rompuy expressed a positive attitude towards Sino-EU relations. “The future of Sino-European relations depends on sincere dialogue and respect for international law,” said Mr. Van Rompuy.
With over 150 guests from ten countries, including policymakers, scholars, and artists from China, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Germany, France, and Luxembourg, the forum explored the integration of art and technology in higher education. Prof. Jan Danckaert, Rector of VUB, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of VUB’s partnership with HKUST(GZ): “The collaboration between our institutions will signify a shared vision for enhancing cultural exchange.”
Mr. Zhu Jing, Deputy Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, expressed his hope that education will serve as a bridge for both China and the EU and foster an open and creative partnership as they embrace the next fifty years together.
Prof. Manos Varvarigos, Vice Rector of National Technical University of Athens, reflected on the development of Sino-European cultural exchanges, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in higher education cooperation between China and Europe in his keynote speech.
Prof. Lionel Ni, President of HKUST(GZ), characterized mutual dependence as the hallmark of Sino-European relations over the past half-century. He showcased HKUST(GZ)’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research.
“Our partnership with VUB is invaluable—not only for its academic excellence but also for the incredible opportunities it provides our younger generations to witness the workings of EU institutions right here in this vibrant European capital,” President Ni said in his keynote speech, echoing VUB Rector Professor Danckaert’s welcoming words.
Taking the example of HKUST(GZ)’s cooperation with Belgian higher education institutions, President Ni stressed “mutual trust” with European academic community.
The forum came to its most engaging and interactive section when Chunming Ma, a PhD candidate, and Lizhenghe Chen, a research assistant, jointly released a metaverse and AI-powered digital product that vividly reflect historic moments of China-EU relations in the past 50 years.
“I saw myself there”, said Mr. Van Rompuy who was invited to wear goggles for an immersive experience during the product release.
The forum then transitioned to roundtable discussions, guided by moderators Pieter Libin, Assistant Professor at VUB’s AI Lab, and Prof. Ye Qi, Acting Dean of HKUST(GZ)’s Society Hub.
The first session explored innovations in art and technologies in higher education, featuring voices from Dr. Huanyu Zhao from Horizon Europe, Prof. Wolfgang Jacqet of VUB, Dennis Pamlin of Flourishing Lives, Davio Larnout of Superlinear, and Prof. Ingeborg Reichle from HKUST(GZ).
The second session delved into the societal impacts of educational development, with contributions from Marie-Sybille de Vienne of Extreme-Orient Conseil, Prof. Bram Vanderborght from VUB’s Human Robotics Research Center, Elahe Rajabiani from the EU Policy Lab, and Bernardo Mendia of the Portugal-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
