President Lionel M. NI led a delegation to visit France, focusing on discussing interdisciplinary development, promoting two-way student exchange, and deepening Sino-French friendship

Following the visits to Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, Professor Lionel M. NI, the President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), led a delegation to visit France from February 5th to February 8th, local time, marking the final stop of the European tour. In Paris, our university hosted a significant academic event and held numerous meetings, engaging in intensive discussions with universities, international organizations, bilateral institutions, businesses, industries, overseas Chinese communities, and international students. This year coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. As this visit nears its conclusion, a preliminary network of friends in Europe, connecting academia, industry, and research, has been established for HKUST(GZ). Approaching the new year, the delegation extended warm Chinese New Year greetings to everyone in Paris.

On February 5th, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) co-hosted a high-level interdisciplinary symposium on Sino-French collaboration, in collaboration with the Association des Scientifiques et des Ingénieurs Chinois en France (ASICEF). The event also included the HKUST(GZ) Global Talent Dialogue. At noon that day, President Lionel M. NI hosted a luncheon for the guest speakers, with nearly twenty attendees present.

Minister Counsellor Li CHEN from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of France attended the high-level symposium and delivered a speech.

More than ten top experts from China and France, including Professor Christian AMATORE, a foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Minhui LI, Head of the "Materials, Interfaces, and Soft Matter" group at the Paris Chemistry Research Institute of Chimie ParisTech, shared their insightful perspectives through keynote presentations and roundtable discussions. Nearly a hundred outstanding scholars, industry leaders, and young talents from both China and France participated in the offline and online activities.

On February 6th, the France-China Foundation hosted a breakfast meeting for the delegation from HKUST(GZ). President Lionel M. NI, Irène HORS, Chair of the Initiatives Committee of the France-China Foundation and Co-founder of the France-Asia Foundation, Thomas MULHAUPT, Executive Director of the France-China Foundation, Bin GAO, Chairman's Advisor and Head of China Affairs at AXA, Pierre POIGNANT, 2022 Sino-French Young Leader and former CEO of Lazada, Pascal GENTIL, 2019 Sino-French Young Leader and Groupe ADP Project Manager for the Paris Olympics, were among the attendees. They engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as our university's unique interdisciplinary perspective, enhancing understanding of China's technological innovation progress, injecting new vitality into the Sino-French Young Leaders Program, and expressed their desire to deepen cooperation.

On the afternoon of February 6th, President Lionel M. NI visited the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Georges DUPONT, Secretary-General of the International Council for Film, Television, and Audiovisual Communication to UNESCO, provided a detailed introduction of UNESCO to President NI and his delegation, engaging in in-depth discussions on relevant topics.

Deputy Representative Ying WANG of the Chinese Permanent Delegation to UNESCO warmly welcomed President NI and his delegation's visit to the UNESCO headquarters, expressing strong support for the international cooperation and expansion efforts of HKUST(GZ).

On the morning of February 7th, President Lionel M. NI visited Sorbonne University. Located in the heart of Paris, Sorbonne University is a multidisciplinary, research-intensive world-class institution. The visiting delegation held a discussion with the university's representatives from the International Office, including Hanna HERTWIG, Professor Angela VINCENTI, Professor Guido VALERIO, and Professor Ludovic PERRET. Both parties introduced their respective universities and focused on specific areas of cooperation such as student exchanges and research collaborations. They expressed their commitment to advancing the implementation of deepened collaborative initiatives as soon as possible.

In the morning of February 8th, President Lionel M. NI granted an exclusive interview Li Hongce LI, Chief Journalist of the Paris Bureau of "Science and Technology Daily." Later that morning, President NI visited ESCP Europe Business School. ESCP Business School, affiliated with the Paris Chamber of Commerce (CCIP), was established in 1819. It is the oldest business school in the world and is considered one of the top business schools in Europe alongside HEC Paris and ESSEC Business School, collectively known as the "Three Grandes Écoles of France." President Léon LAULUSA, Executive Vice President Simon MERCADO, Dean of Faculty Pramuan BUNKANWANICHA, and Head of International Cooperation Marina LECOMPTE warmly received President Lionel M. NI and his delegation, and a lunch meeting was held. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on their respective educational philosophies, potential areas of cooperation, and communication mechanisms.

During their stay in France, Professor Yang YANG, Associate Vice-President (Teaching & Learning) also visited the International School in Paris (ICS Paris) to highlight the unique teaching philosophy of HKUST(GZ) and its undergraduate admission policies. Over 30 students actively participated in the session, asking questions and expressing a strong interest in applying to HKUST(GZ).

Professor Lei CHEN, Dean of the Information Hub, Professor Ricky Shi-Wei LEE, Dean of the Systems Hub, Mr. Jing FU, Head of the Global Affairs Department, Mr. Wenchao ZHANG, Deputy Head of the Talent Services Department, and Mr. Bo PENG, Assistant Head of the Public Affairs Department, all participated in the relevant activities.