PLACE Summer Camp 2026 kicks off at HKUST(GZ)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) launched the Playshop for Language and Cultural Exchange (PLACE) Summer Camp 2026 at a grand opening ceremony on Aug 10.
As a signature event of HKUST's 35th-anniversary celebrations, this year's PLACE Summer Camp is co-organized by HKUST and HKUST(GZ), bringing together international youth from over 40 countries and regions, HKUST students and the 2026 undergraduate freshmen of HKUST(GZ).
Professor Lionel NI, President of HKUST(GZ), and other senior university management officials attended the opening ceremony alongside officials from the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education, the Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality.
PART 1
In his address, President NI traced HKUST's 35-year journey from its founding to global prominence. He highlighted the establishment of HKUST(GZ) in 2022 as the culmination of this journey, marking the realization of the "Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses" framework.
President NI encouraged participants to make the most of this shared experience, engaging in meaningful exchange, learning across cultures, and immersing themselves in the energetic culture of Lingnan and the dynamic innovation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He expressed the hope that the friendships forged and perspectives gained here would endure, enriching their understanding of the world and fostering greater international cooperation.
PART 2
Yong YANG, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality, addressed the opening ceremony, extending a warm welcome to the young participants.
He urged them to take full advantage of the two-week program, exploring Chinese culture, experiencing the commercial pulse of Guangzhou's centuries-old trading scene and witnessing the opportunities the Greater Bay Area offers.
Dongbiao ZENG, Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau, described the summer camp as a key event commemorating HKUST's 35th anniversary and a concrete embodiment of Guangzhou's "Global Youth Explore Guangzhou" initiative. He encouraged participants to experience the momentum of the Greater Bay Area firsthand and to form cross-cultural friendships that will endure beyond the program.
The event also drew representatives from the consulates of Spain, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico in Guangzhou. Among them were Consul General of Spain Emilio de Miguel CALABIA; Consul General of Malaysia Harris ALWI; Acting Consul General of the UK Nicholas DUVIVIER; Deputy Consul General of Germany Jana LUDWIG; Consul of Brazil Lais Solano PEREIRA; and Consul of Mexico Miguel URIBE, along with other consular officials.
Emilio de Miguel CALABIA, Consul General of Spain in Guangzhou, expressed his appreciation to HKUST(GZ) for hosting this international program, which offers young people from around the world a window into the Greater Bay Area and a deeper understanding of a world of growing interconnection. He also underscored the vital role of youth in strengthening Spain-China relations and expressed the hope that the camp would instill in participants a lasting sense of curiosity, empathy, creativity, and the self-assurance to contribute to their communities and the wider world.
Harris ALWI, Consul General of Malaysia in Guangzhou, welcomed Malaysian students’ participation in this year's summer camp, noting that they would have the opportunity to act as cultural ambassadors for their country while gaining insights from fellow participants across the globe. He also emphasized Malaysia's commitment to its longstanding friendship with China, adding that he was pleased to see HKUST(GZ) playing an active role in enhancing educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Nicholas DUVIVIER, Acting Consul General of the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou, said he was pleased to see nearly 30 British students join this year's PLACE Summer Camp, underscoring the strong educational ties between the UK and China. He described the camp as a microcosm of global cooperation, a space where cultures converge, and a springboard for future leaders to develop the understanding needed to navigate a complex world.
Xuhui ZHOU, Managing Director of CSSC Guangzhou Shipyard International, a shipbuilder currently constructing two passenger ferries for Scottish Government-owned Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), said the firm would fund 10 British students per annum for the PLACE Summer Camp.
Finally, distinguished guests jointly launch the PLACE Summer Camp 2026 at the opening ceremony.
PART 3
The opening ceremony also featured speeches by student representatives from HKUST and HKUST(GZ), as well as international participants. They shared their aspirations for the summer camp, their curiosity about new cultures, and their excitement about connecting with peers from around the globe.
The event concluded with vibrant cultural performances by HKUST(GZ) student groups. A dynamic line-up of street dance, instrumental ensembles and traditional dance brought energy to the stage and set an upbeat tone for the camp ahead.
In the days ahead, the PLACE Summer Camp 2026 will take participants beyond the classroom. The off-campus programs, designed to broaden perspectives and build cross-cultural connections, range from cultural heritage explorations and a visit to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to innovation park tours and sports activities.
