HKUST (GZ) Signs Agreements with Two Belgian Universities
Professor Lionel Ni, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)) signed framework agreements with leaders from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the University of Antwerp during his academic trip to Belgium from June 4 to June 6.
Leading a delegation, including Prof. Lei Chen, Dean of Information Hub, Prof. Ye Qi, Acting Dean of Society Hub, Chief Engineer Quanke Su, Prof. Shuncheng Lee, Thrust Head of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Fu Jing, Head of Global Affairs Department, President Ni arrived in Brussels on June 4 after concluding his travel in UK.
The trip also highlighted the Sino-European Higher Education Forum on Technologies & Arts, jointly organized by HKUST(GZ) and VUB in celebration of the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations.
Featuring a special address from Herman Van Rompuy, former Prime Minister of Belgium and the First President of the European Council, the event, held on June 5, attracted nearly 150 participants from ten countries to Brussels.
President Ni and his delegation’s visit to VUB on June 5 was warmly eceived by Rector Jan Danckaert. The two university leaders, after a MoU signing ceremony, pledged to expedite practical collaborations, including student exchanges and faculty visits.
Located in Brussels, the crossroad of Europe, VUB can offer HKUST(GZ) students unique opportunities to learn EU mechanisms and cultures, President Ni said. He extended a warm invitation to Rector Danckaert for a reciprocal visit to HKUST(GZ) as the Brussels-based university is planning its academic trip to China this autumn.
The delegation continued their trip on June 6 with Antwerp, a port city as the second leg. President Ni signed a MoU with his University of Antwerp counterpart, Rector Professor Herwig Leirs, paving the way for deep collaboration in student exchanges, joint research, faculty visits, and short-term programs.
A letter of intent was also signed between Professor Ye Qi, Acting Dean of Society Hub of HKUST(GZ) and Professor Steven De Haes, Dean of Management School & Professor at University of Antwerp. Both agreed to explore further partnerships in technology and management education.
HKUST(GZ) Professors held themed discussions with Vice Rectors Steven Van Passel, Chris Van Ginniken and Professor Frank Bostyn among professors from the University of Antwerp.
Wrapping up the trip to Belgium, the delegation came to the last stop - Antwerp Port House, a landmark designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and discussed with the port’s authority over cooperation on event planning and student internship.
HKUST(GZ) professors also held meetings in KU Leuven and Ghent University during the two-day trip.
President Ni also met with Mr. Adrian Monck, former Head of Communications and Public Engagement of the World Economic Forum, and Bernard Dewit, Chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, on related topics on the sidelines.
