From April 10 to 14, a delegation led by Tan Tieniu, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Party Secretary of Nanjing University (NJU), visited Hong Kong. The purpose of the visit was to expand exchanges with various sectors of Hong Kong society, and strengthen cooperation with key universities in Hong Kong.

During the visit, Tan Tieniu and his delegation met with distinguished government officials, including Leung Chun-ying, the Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, John Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, Paul Chan Mo-po, the Financial Secretary, Edward Yau, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, and Christine Choi Yuk-lin, the Secretary for Education.

The delegation also visited four universities in Hong Kong, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where they signed strategic cooperation agreements.

Additionally, they visited various social organizations and charitable institutions such as the Federation of Hong Kong Jiangsu Community Organizations and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, as well as prominent business leaders from companies such as Sun Hung Kai Properties, Sino Group, and Shun Tak Holdings Limited.

The delegation also met with the leaders of six major business chambers, including the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, and had discussions with celebrities from various sectors.

Furthermore, they visited some NJU alumni in Hong Kong, including Xu Xin, the founder of Capital Today

During these constructive discussions, the delegation effectively showcased the latest accomplishments and development initiatives of NJU, thereby enhanced the reputation of NJU within diverse sectors of Hong Kong. Furthermore, the visit successfully facilitated comprehensive cooperation between NJU and Hong Kong society, yielding fruitful outcomes in the expansion of vital resources and opportunities.

Meeting with Hong Kong’s chief officials and relevant government units, and actively seeking the support of the Hong Kong SAR government to enhance NJU’s reputation in Hong Kong

On the morning of April 12, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited John Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, to discuss promoting scientific and educational cooperation and exchanges between NJU and Hong Kong. The focus was on scientific and technological innovation, cooperation in student cultivation, talent exchange, and the industrial application of fundamental research.

John Lee Ka-chiu extended a warm welcome to the NJU delegation and recalled the profound friendship he had forged with Tan Tieniu through their long-term cooperation. He highlighted that both sides have played a positive role in promoting Hong Kong’s development, especially in the field of scientific and technological innovation. He emphasized the importance of technology for the future, and noted that the construction of the Hong Kong International Innovation and Technology Hub relies on the talent support and research backing of universities. He hoped that NJU could further deepen its cooperation with various universities in Hong Kong, particularly in research collaboration, student training, and youth exchange, to play a more proactive role.

Tan Tieniu introduced the latest achievements of NJU and the construction of the new Suzhou campus, especially the recent “Jiangsu-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Cooperation Forum,” and the establishment of the “Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance.” Tan Tieniu stated that NJU is accelerating its construction of a first-class university in the world. He also acknowledged that universities in Hong Kong have made remarkable achievements in international higher education cooperation. He hoped that NJU and universities in Hong Kong would cooperate in areas such as course selection, credit recognition, degree granting, and faculty exchange. The cooperation would promote scientific research exchanges between the two regions, advance the industrial application of research achievements, and contribute to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub, as well as to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the integration of the Yangtze River Delta.

Tan Tieniu met with John Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief of the Hong Kong SAR

On the morning of April 13, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited Leung Chun-ying, the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC and former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR. During the meeting, Tan Tieniu introduced NJU’s recent development plans , and they further discussed how to promote exchanges and cooperation between NJU and universities and various sectors in Hong Kong. Tan Tieniu extended a warm invitation to Leung Chun-ying to visit NJU, and Leung Chun-ying happily accepted it.

Tan Tieniu visited Leung Chun-ying, the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC

On April 14, the delegation visited several Hong Kong officials, including Paul Chan Mo-po, the Financial Secretary, Professor Dong Sun, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Christine Choi Yuk-lin, the Secretary for Education, and leaders in relevant offices. They discussed ways in which NJU can further leverage its disciplinary strengths, geographical advantages and traditional friendship to promote more pragmatic cooperation with all sectors in Hong Kong. The discussions primarily focused on expanding mutual visits and exchanges for faculty and students, promoting joint education of students from both regions, carry out collaborative innovation and technology projects, facilitating the industrial application of research outcomes, and expanding comprehensive and multi-level cooperation. The discussions were productive, and achieved important consensus.

Tan Tieniu visited Paul Chan Mo-po, the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong SAR

Tan Tieniu visited Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of Hong Kong SAR

Tan Tieniu visited Christine Choi Yuk-lin, the Secretary for Education of Hong Kong SAR

Signing strategic cooperation agreements with universities in Hong Kong to strengthen academic collaboration and expand research partnerships

Tan Tieniu and the delegation visited four prestigious universities in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and the University of Hong Kong (HKU). During their visit, the delegation had in-depth exchanges and full communication with the leadership of each university, and signed four strategic cooperation agreements that drew the future development of inter-university cooperation blueprint.

On the morning of April 11, the delegation visited HKUST, where Tan Tieniu met with Professor Harry Shum Heung-Yeung, Chairman of the University Council, and Professor Tim Kwang Ting Cheng, Vice-President for Research and Development. During the meeting, Tan Tieniu highlighted NJU’s academic strengths in humanities and social sciences, and its plans for constructing new engineering disciplines. The two sides discussed the potential of leveraging the complementary strengths of their respective disciplines and jointly developing master’s programs in science and technology leadership and entrepreneurship. They also explored opportunities for deepening cooperation in general education in humanities and history, and the establishment of joint industrial science and technology institutes.

NJU and HKUST signed a strategic cooperation agreement

On the afternoon of April 12, the delegation visited PolyU, where Tan Tieniu held discussions with the President, Jin-guang Teng. During the meeting, both parties expressed their desire to take the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement as an opportunity to jointly explore the establishment of an industry-technology innovation joint center, collaborative educational programs, joint research centers, and even joint colleges. Their goal is to promote industrial and technological innovation development and contribute to the establishment of the “Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macau University Alliance.”

NJU and Poly U signed a strategic cooperation agreement

On the morning of April 13, the delegation visited CUHK, where Tan Tieniu held discussions with the President, Rocky S. Tuan. During the meeting, both parties discussed the possibilities of further deepening cooperation in the field of medicine and conducting internationally influential collaborations related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They also agreed to strengthen international cooperation by utilizing platforms such as the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and enhancing the influence of Chinese universities on the international higher education.

NJU and CUHK signed a strategic cooperation agreement

On the morning of April 14, the delegation visited HKU, where Tan Tieniu held discussions with the President, Xiang Zhang, and the Vice President, Peng Gong. During the meeting, the two parties discussed the restart of the joint “Excellent Undergraduate Program,” and expressed their commitment to enhancing student exchanges between the two universities. They also reached preliminary consensus on aspects such as course selection, credit recognition, degree conferment, faculty exchange, and jointly applying to host the “Challenge Cup” competition. They expressed the hope to gradually expand and deepen cooperation, with the goal of creating a new benchmark for inter-university exchanges.

NJU and HKU signed a strategic cooperation agreement

Tan Tieniu and his delegation were also invited to have a dialogue with prominent figures in the education and technology sector in Hong Kong, organized by the Nanjing University Hong Kong Alumni Association. During the dialogue, Tan Tieniu highlighted the achievements of NJU in recent years, especially the construction of the Suzhou campus and new engineering disciplines. He sincerely invited colleagues from Hong Kong to visit NJU and strengthen the exchange and cooperation with NJU. Mr. Lui Tim-leung, Chairman of the University Grants Committee of HKSAR, Mr. Wong Yuk-shan, Chairman of the Research Grants Council, Dr. Sunny CHAI Ngai Chiu, Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Cooperation, Academician Chan Ching-chuen and Academician Vivian YAM Wing Wah, as well as the leaders from eight universities in Hong Kong were invited to attend the dialogue.

In addition, Tan Tieniu also met with Professor Freddy Boey Yin Chiang, the incoming President of City University of Hong Kong, and the two sides exchanged views on promoting inter-university cooperation.

Engaging with Social Organizations, Enterprises, and Alumni to promote comprehensive cooperation and resource sharing

During the visit, Tan Tieniu and his delegation, visited various prominent social organizations, companies, and charitable institutions in Hong Kong. They hoped to strengthen and deepen existing relationships while exploring new potentials to leverage social and charitable resources for mutual benefit.

At K. Wah Group, Tan Tieniu and the delegation met with Mr Francis Lui Yiu Tung, the Group’s Executive Director. Tan Tieniu expressed his sincere gratitude to Dr. Lui Che-woo and Francis Lui for their generous donations and support to NJU, and warmly invited them to visit NJU again.

At Sun Hung Kai Properties, Tan Tieniu met with Raymond Kwok Ping-luen, Chairman and Managing Director, and Kwok Yuen Yee, a member of NJU’s Board of Trustees and Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Foundation. On behalf of the University, Tan Tieniu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Sun Hung Kai Properties for its long-standing scholarships that have benefited 2,000 students. The two sides also had in-depth discussions on topics such as university-industry collaboration, executive training, student internships and employment, and joint research platform establishment.

At Sino Group, Tan Tieniu exchanged views with the Group’s Chairman Mr. Robert Ng Chee Siong and expressed his appreciation for Mr. Ng’s strong patriotism. Both sides talked about their long-standing and deep friendship, and expressed their desire to establish further interaction and strengthen cooperation between NJU and Sino Group.

At Shun Tak Holdings Limited, Tan Tieniu met with Ms. Ho Chiu-king, the Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director. The two sides exchanged views on youth exchanges, promoting collaboration n scientific research, and establishing a win-win cooperation mechanism.

At The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Tan Tieniu met with Raymond Tam Chi-yuen, the Executive Director of Corporate Affairs. They reached a consensus on strengthening exchanges, inviting NJU scholars to participate in seminars and engage in research projects on Jockey Club, and sharing experiences in building a charity research institute.

At the Federation of Hong Kong Jiangsu Community Organizations, Tan Tieniu met with Henry Tang Ying-yen, founding President of the Federation and Chairman of Friends of Hong Kong Association Ltd., and Will Yiu Mau Lung, the Chairman of the Federation. The two sides reviewed the successful co-organization of the “Jiangsu-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Forum,” and discussed how to strengthen educational and technological exchanges and cooperation. Representatives of the Federation expressed their willingness to support the development of NJU.

At the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Tan Tieniu met with Dr. Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, the Chairman of the Chamber, Chairman of Sunwah Group, and honorary member of NJU’s first Board of Trustees. He also met with the major leaders of the six key chambers of commerce, including the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ & Exporters’ Association. During the meeting, Tan Tieniu introduced NJU’s achievements and looked forward to the joint effort of the six chambers of commerce in making NJU a world-class institution. The representatives of the chambers of commerce expressed their wish to visit Nanjing University and support its educational development.

At Capital Today, Tan Tieniu met with Kathy Xu Xin, the founder of the group and a distinguished alumnus of NJU. They exchanged views on NJU’s new progress such as the university-wide discussion, the Forging Ahead Initiate, and the latest developments in fundamental scientific research. The two sides signed a new round of donation agreements to further promote the construction and development of key disciplines at the university.

Tan Tieniu visited the Federation of Hong Kong Jiangsu Community Organizations

Tan Tieniu visited Shun Tak Holdings Limited

Tan Tieniu and Xu Xin signed a new round of donation agreement

Tan Tieniu visited the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce

Tan Tieniu met with celebrities from Hong Kong business community

During their visit to Hong Kong, Tan Tieniu and the delegation had the opportunities to engage in meaningful exchanges with numerous distinguished figures from the business community. Notable individuals included Cheng Cheung Ling, President of CP Pharmaceutical Group, Dr. Chu Yuet Wah, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Kingston Financial Group, and Ng Leung-ho, Chairman of Good Fellow Group Ltd. Additionally, they held discussions with Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress, Standing Committee members of the National Committee of the CPPCC, and members of the National Committee of the CPPCC. This visit served to heighten the visibility and reputation of NJU within Hong Kong while actively seeking support from various sectors of the Hong Kong community.

Translator: Feng Yikang

Editors: Guo Ankang, He Yao