HKUST(GZ) delegation forged Key Uzbek Partnerships
Led by Professor Lionel NI, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)), a joint delegation of HKUST(GZ) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), embarked on an impactful visit to Uzbekistan from Sept 24 to 25. Central to the visit was a dialogue with the Central Asia Association for Artificial Intelligence (AICA), where President Ni and Mr. Vladimir NOROV, Chairman of the AICA and former Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, formalized a collaborative agreement.
The visit also featured the signing of cooperation agreements with Tashkent State Technical University, New Uzbekistan University, and the InnoTechno Park - Uzbekistan’s hub for innovative education and technological production. With a joint effort by HKUST (GZ) and HKUST, the HKUST(GZ)-Uzbekistan Universities Roundtable convened nearly twenty university presidents and vice-presidents from Uzbekistan.
Sept 24th
On Sept 24, the delegation engaged with AICA, an organization pivotal in supporting and developing AI startups and innovative projects in the region.
Based on the fruitful result of this meeting, Mr. Vladimir NOROV noted that AICA is planning to send a delegation to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) for further collaboration with HKUST(GZ) and HKUST. President Ni highlighted the regional advantages of the AICA and anticipated Norov’s visit to the GBA. Accepting Norov’s invitation, President Ni became an Honorary Ambassador for the AICA.
In the afternoon, the HKUST(GZ)-Uzbekistan Universities Roundtable was held at the InnoTechno Park, attracting around 100 attendees, including university leaders, government officials, and industry pioneers. During the event, HKUST(GZ) signed agreements with the AICA and Tashkent State Technical University, while both HKUST and HKUST(GZ) inked a framework agreement with the InnoTechno Park.
Sept 25th
On Sept 25, the delegation visited New Uzbekistan University (NUU). Aligning with Strategy “Uzbekistan - 2030”, the university focuses on digital transformation, green energy, and smart manufacturing. President NI and Dr. Azizbek MARAKHIMOV, Vice Rector for International Affairs, signed a framework and student exchange agreement.
Accompanied by Dr. Marakhimov, President Ni and his delegation toured the new campus in Tashkent, learning about its construction progress and development plans.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Tashkent State Technical University, meeting with Professor Shavkat Azimov SHUKHRATOVICH, Vice Rector for Internationalization and Transformation. Discussions centered on implementing cooperation agreements, facilitating exchanges among students and faculty, and identifying further collaborative opportunities, yielding practical consensus.
Reflecting on the visit, President Ni remarked on Uzbekistan’s vibrant development and commitment to higher education. As a young research university, he said, HKUST(GZ) looks forward to strengthening partnerships, sharing knowledge and experience, and contributing to the economic and social advancement of both nations.
Joining the delegation were Professor Shi-Wei LEE, Acting Vice President (Research) and Dean of the Systems Hub, Professor Lei CHEN, Dean of the Information Hub, Professor Ye QI, Dean of the Society Hub, Professor Xudong WANG, Acting Dean of the College of Future Technology, Professor Yu BAI, Director of the Entrepreneurship Center, Jing FU, Head of the Global Affairs Department and Professor Albert Chi Shing CHUNG, Associate Dean of Engineering at HKUST.
