The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government, following their partnership to establish HKUST(Guangzhou), have signed a comprehensive strategic agreement today. This agreement will facilitate in-depth collaboration in three key areas: industry-academia-research integration, life sciences research and medical innovation, and training of innovative talents. Both parties will establish a long-term exchange mechanism to jointly promote sustainable economic growth, new industrialization, and the development of new productive forces.
The signing ceremony took place in Guangzhou, attended by notable guests including Party Secretary of Guangzhou Mr. GUO Yonghang; Mayor of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government Mr. SUN Zhiyang, Vice Mayor of Guangzhou Municipal People's Government Mr. BIAN Liming and Mr. JIANG Zhitao; HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM; President Prof. Nancy IP; HKUST (GZ) President Prof. Lionel NI; Secretary General of Guangzhou Municipal People's Government Mr. HONG Qian, Director-General of Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau Dr. CHEN Shuang; Deputy director of the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province Mr. XIE Ming; District Mayor of Nansha District People’s Government Mr. WU Yang; and HKUST Provost Prof. GUO Yike.
Party Secretary of Guangzhou Mr. Guo Yonghang stated that HKUST has a longstanding partnership with Guangzhou that has yielded fruitful outcomes. Currently, Guangzhou is actively studying and implementing President Xi Jinping's speeches, which call for Guangdong to leverage its core advantages in the Greater Bay Area and to build a comprehensive and supportive mechanism for innovation. This initiative aims to drive the development of new quality production forces through technological innovation and accelerate the construction of the "12218" modern industrial system.
He hopes that both parties will take the signing of this agreement as a new starting point to strengthen comprehensive and in-depth strategic cooperation, working to foster HKUST (Guangzhou) as a "world-class university with Chinese characteristics." By focusing on the development of the HKUST (Guangzhou) innovation zone, they aim to deepen collaborative innovation among industry, academia, and research. This includes achieving more landmark results in areas such as scientific research breakthroughs, transformation of research outcomes, and talent cultivation, contributing to the establishment of an international technology innovation center and a high-level talent hub in the Greater Bay Area.
Witnessing the signing ceremony, Prof. Harry SHUM remarked, "Guangzhou, as one of our nation’s major cities, possesses a thriving economy and a rich cultural heritage. As a research-focused university, we are excited to harness our strengths in support of the Guangzhou Municipal Government’s initiatives to advance technological innovation, upgrade industries, and promote sustainable development to achieve greater accomplishments. By working closely together to move forward research, education, and innovation, our partnership will not only contribute to the nation’s progress but also enhance the quality of life for the citizens in both Guangzhou and Hong Kong.”
Prof. Nancy IP, who also serves as the Chairperson of the HKUST (Guangzhou) Governing Board, pointed out: "This agreement represents a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with the Guangzhou Municipal Government, particularly following the establishment of HKUST (Guangzhou). The three focal areas outlined in this agreement—industry-academia-research collaboration, life sciences and biomedicine, and talent cultivation—align seamlessly with HKUST's strategic development goals. With the strong support of the Guangzhou Municipal Government, I am confident that we will collaboratively drive innovative solutions that will contribute to our nation’s progress."
Guided by the principles of complementary advantages, reciprocal benefits, and a win-win approach, alongside equality and autonomy, the collaboration covers the following areas: 1) fostering technological innovation and knowledge transfer to enhance the development of industry, academia, and research; 2) enhancing collaboration in life sciences and medical sectors to elevate the standard of the biomedicine industry; and 3) engaging in talent development and training.
HKUST has actively engaged in collaborations with institutions and cities in Mainland China, particularly Guangzhou. As early as 2007, the University established the HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute in Nansha, which serves as a crucial platform for fostering innovative technology and knowledge transfer. Since 2016, HKUST has organized the One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition in Guangzhou, providing young entrepreneurs with valuable opportunities to showcase their talent and seek investment.
In 2018, HKUST, the Guangzhou Municipal Government, and Guangzhou University signed a cooperation agreement to jointly establish HKUST (Guangzhou). This institution received approval from the Ministry of Education and was officially established in 2022, becoming the first legally independent educational institution co-founded by Mainland and Hong Kong following the announcement of the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" and the "Overall Plan for Deepening Globally Oriented Comprehensive Cooperation amongst Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in Nansha of Guangzhou". This achievement underscores HKUST's significant role in promoting bilateral educational integration and innovative development.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university committed to innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. Our holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach is recognized globally. HKUST placed 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s impact Rankings. Twelve of HKUST’s subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Of these, "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently placing among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. Our research and entrepreneurship endeavors are also innovative and impactful. Over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of November 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 16 exits (IPO or M&A).
