Over Ten Asian Universities and Institutions Visited HKUST(GZ) in April
This April, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) welcomed delegations from numerous educational institutions across six Asian countries. This period marked a peak in visits from various universities and organizations, including New Uzbekistan University, Nazarbayev University, and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation. These visits enriched the University's contributions to international cooperation in technological and innovative talent cultivation under the “Belt and Road” initiative and the framework of China-Central Asia cooperation.
On April 27, a delegation led by Professor Waqar Ahmad, President of Nazarbayev University (NU), paid a return visit to HKUST(GZ). The delegation was warmly received by Professor Lionel Ni, President of HKUST(GZ), along with the leadership team. They engaged in productive discussions aiming at deepening the collaboration established through our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Student Exchange Agreement signed last September in Kazakhstan.
During the visit, Professor Ni extended a warm welcome to the delegation, highlighting Nazarbayev University as a key strategic partner for HKUST(GZ) in Central Asia. He expressed enthusiasm for expanding cooperation in areas such as faculty exchanges, joint research, and talent development, reinforcing our commitment to advancing higher education under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Building on the successful launch of a joint Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program between NU and HKUST’s Business School, Professor Ahmad expressed his anticipation for establishing similar collaborative frameworks with HKUST(GZ) in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, biomedical engineering, and sustainable energy.
The meeting was enriched by the contributions of Provost Professor Rehan Sadiq, Vice Provost for Research Professor Bjorn Birgisson, and Mr. Alen Kuspanov from Nazarbayev University, as well as Dean of the Information Hub Professor Lei Chen, Acting Dean of the Systems Hub Professor Zhong Qi, and Head of the Global Affairs Department Mr. Jing Fu from HKUST(GZ).
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During April 13-14, a delegation from New Uzbekistan University, led by Vice President Dr. Azizbek Marakhimov, visited HKUST(GZ). With the support of Dr. Vladimir Norov, former Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Uzbekistan’s former Foreign Minister, this visit strengthened the strategic partnership between our two institutions and explored new collaborative opportunities.
In the research workshop, president Prof. Lionel Ni highlighted NUU as a key strategic partner in Central Asia, emphasizing that our collaboration will enhance substantive cooperation and contribute to the training of talent in science and innovation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Central Asia framework.
Mr. Vladimir Norov remarked, “Uzbekistan is inviting AI specialists to contribute to the reform of education. We are fostering a new generation equipped with AI literacy, making collaboration with HKUST(GZ) essential.”
Dr. Azizbek Marakhimov expressed his enthusiasm for future exchanges, stating, “By working together, we will enhance our academic influence, innovation capacity, and global reputation in our respective regions.”
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On April 7, Professor Adham Khudaykulov, President of Tashkent University of Technology, led an international team to HKUST(GZ) to gain insights into the University's infrastructure and discuss potential collaboration. Professor Khudaykulov expressed interest in establishing student exchange programs under the theme of “AI+,” aimed at nurturing modern talents for the future.
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On April 11, a delegation from the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare visited the University to tour the Biosciences Central Research Facility (GZ), Laboratory Animal Facility (GZ), and the Bioresearch Lab. They reached preliminary agreements for future collaboration with Professor Zhenglong Gu from the Thrust of Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering after meeting.
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On April 15, Mr. Chunsheng Miao from the Ban Ki-moon Foundation’s Beijing office visited the University for in-depth discussions with Jing Fu, head of Global Affairs department and Professor TaeYong Jung, a visiting professor from Thrust of Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change. Mr. Fu outlined the University’s international cooperation strategy, interdisciplinary educational approach, and the outcome of knowledge transfer. Mr. Miao highlighted the foundation’s history and its collaboration with the Chinese government, universities, and enterprises, particularly in addressing climate change and sustainable development.
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On April 16, a delegation from Van Lang University, led by Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, a standing member of the Van Lang Group, visited HKUST(GZ). President Ni welcomed the delegation and highlighted the University’s achievements in knowledge transfer. Ms. Tran expressed the possibility of establishing substantial cooperation in student exchanges between the two universities.
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On April 23, a delegation from Tashkent State Technical University (TSTU), headed by Vice Rector Azimov Shavkat, visited as a follow-up to the MoU and student exchange agreement signed during President Ni’s visit to TSTU last September. The delegation toured the University’s Visitor Information Center and held discussions to further promote student exchange and explore additional collaborative channels in artificial intelligence.
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On April 24, Dr. Andrey Bogdanchikov, Vice President of Suleyman Demirel University in Kazakhstan, visited HKUST(GZ) along with his delegation. They engaged in thematic discussions regarding summer programs and academic exchanges in fields such as computational media and arts, and expressed a wish to enhance interaction between academic units at both universities.
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On the same day, Haree Shankar Meganathan, Vice Chairman of the Rajalakshmi Group in Chennai, India, paid a visit to the University. The Global Affairs Department of HKUST(GZ) warmly welcomed the delegation and emphasized the various opportunities available for Indian students to engage in summer and semester programs. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to recommend exceptional Indian students to HKUST(GZ).
