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PolyU, Beijing Jiaotong University and MTR Academy co-organise “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport” to nurture talent and promote sustainable railway development across Belt and Road countries and beyond

To foster exchanges and nurture talents in the railway industry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) and MTR Academy (MTRA) are leveraging their respective strengths in academia, research, and railway operations to co-organise the “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport” (the Programme). The collaboration establishes a cross-regional knowledge-sharing platform to advance railway development in Belt and Road countries and regions and enhance industry excellence. The Programme was officially launched on 7 April 2025, with 44 senior railway executives and scholars from 13 countries and regions participating. The Programme marks the first joint initiative under a three-year cooperation agreement signed by the three parties. With the theme of “Sustainable Rail Transport: Planning, Operations and New Technologies”, the Programme offers a series of thematic lectures and interactive seminars as well as visits to railway operators and academic institutions in both Hong Kong and Beijing including MTR’s depot and training centre, the PolyU’s Smart Railway Research Laboratory and BJTU’s research facilities. Industry veterans, scholars and railway specialists will share the latest developments and their extensive experience in the field, providing participants with an in-depth understanding of the entire lifecycle of railway projects - from planning and development to operations management, with a focus on the application of cutting-edge technologies such as digitalisation, automation and green energy. The opening ceremony of the Programme was held on 7 April at the MTRA, officiated by Prof. HC MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, Prof. BAI Yun, Vice Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, Ms Margaret CHENG, President of MTRA, and Dr Mark HO, Dean of MTRA. Prof. HC Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, remarked, “PolyU possesses leading research capabilities in the field of smart railways. We are delighted to collaborate with MTRA and BJTU on this Programme, sharing our cutting-edge research with industry professionals and experts from around the world. We look forward to driving further innovation through this partnership, establishing connections and networks with more countries and regions, thereby contributing to railway development in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” Prof. Bai Yun, Vice Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, remarked, “BJTU is deeply honoured to co-organise this Programme with MTRA and PolyU. As a key talent cultivation and research innovation base in China’s railway sector, BJTU looks forward to leveraging this Programme to share its expertise in operations and management with global peers, explore cutting-edge industry trends, and promote technological innovation and international collaboration in sustainable railways, with a view to contributing wisdom and strength toward building a green, low-carbon, and inter-connected intelligent transportation system.” Dr Mark Ho, Dean of MTRA, remarked, “Bringing together academic excellence from leading universities and invaluable industry expertise from a railway operator, the Programme provides an in-depth exploration of railway planning, operations, and the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of railways. More importantly, it serves as a platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among railway professionals, government authorities and academic researchers. I hope this tripartite collaboration can help to build a stronger and more connected railway community to meet the growing demands of the global transport network and promote sustainable urban development.” The Programme runs from 7 to 19 April in Hong Kong and Beijing. For details, please refer to the official website. Participants include representatives from Australia, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mainland China and Hong Kong.

PolyU Counsellor Fly-in 2025

PolyU GEO recently hosted the Counsellor Fly-in Programme 2025, which welcomed 33 counsellors from 32 different schools across 20 countries and regions. These included Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Pan-Africa, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, along with local school counsellors.   The counsellors explored PolyU's beautiful campus, located in the heart of Hong Kong, and gained insight into PolyU’s unique offerings, enabling them to assist students in accessing PolyU. During the event, representatives from our faculties and schools showcased the top-notch programmes offered at PolyU. They highlighted the University's distinguished education as the 57th university in the world and reaffirmed our dedication to providing students with a world-class education. We will continue welcoming counsellors from different corners of the world to PolyU in the future and strengthen closer ties with schools and universities worldwide.

PolyU Students Visit Thailand to Study Local Civil Engineering Practices

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organised a study tour to Thailand from 5 to 11 January 2025, providing 20 students with an unforgettable learning experience. The study tour was supported by the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund, administered by the Global Engagement Office. By engaging with professors and students at the King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), the students gained valuable insights into Thailand’s civil engineering advancements, particularly the rapid development of its transportation systems. The students also had the opportunity to design their own two-day itinerary. They explored an MRT subway construction site to learn about a flood diversion project and were able to compare the sustainable civil engineering practices and cultures of Bangkok and Hong Kong.   Our students were enthusiastic about this fantastic opportunity:   “The CEE Thailand Study Tour was an extraordinary experience that broadened my understanding of civil engineering within a vibrant cultural setting. At KMUTT, we explored innovative construction methods and 3D scanning technologies and gained invaluable hands-on experience. Observing the impressive Tunnel Boring Machine at the MRT Subway Project in Bangkok’s downtown area further enhanced my understanding of contemporary engineering practices.” -- Marjan Refayee   “Although I have visited Thailand many times, this trip gave me a truly unique perspective. Touring the MRT subway construction site five storeys underground was an awe-inspiring experience that showcased the complexity and scale of urban infrastructure projects. Our visit to the hydraulic engineering project in Ayutthaya also underscored the crucial role engineers play in city development and flood management, and it inspired me to embrace the vision and mindset necessary for an engineer. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in this study tour, which broadened my understanding of civil engineering and sustainable city planning. I am also thankful to Prof. Chen and our tour guide for ensuring our safety and providing exceptional guidance throughout the journey.” -- Mattson Tsang   “The Thailand Study Tour was a remarkable experience that seamlessly blended learning and enjoyment. Observing the efficient railway system and visiting the vibrant Benjakitti Forest Park gave me a fresh perspective on Thailand’s innovative civil engineering practices. Beyond its appeal as a travel destination, Thailand offers unique opportunities to explore advanced engineering solutions and sustainable development. This journey deepened my appreciation of the country’s engineering achievements and sparked my interest in potential career opportunities in this field. I am eager to learn more about Thailand’s advancements in civil engineering and am considering the possibility of working here in the future.” -- Tong Ding     About the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund The PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund aims to support PolyU undergraduate students to participate in various short-term non-local study activities. The fund provides a sponsorship of HK$4,500 for each student to cover costs related to credit-bearing or formally assessed learning activities that promote students’ global perspectives and multicultural competency.   

PolyU Hosts Rehabilitation Sciences Students and Staff from Mongolia

From 10 to 22 January 2025, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy at the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) organised the 2025 Rehabilitation Sciences Student–Staff Exchange Programme. This is an inaugural event of the University Alliance of the Silk Road Sub-Alliance of the Engineering Medicine Facilitated Technology Innovation. During their visit, 12 students and two faculty members from the MNUMS interacted with PolyU’s international cultural ambassadors to learn about their study and living experiences. They toured various rehabilitation centres and hospitals in Hong Kong. They also attended the 65th Conference of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation. The MNUMS staff also participated in specialised training sessions to further develop their skills in rehabilitation practices. The participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback after the visit. “This exchange programme has been a profoundly transformative experience. Through visiting rehabilitation centres and hospitals in Hong Kong, I was introduced to advanced technologies and equipment in the field of rehabilitation,” one student shared. “These experiences, coupled with the in-depth interactions I had with students and faculty members from PolyU, have significantly broadened my understanding of rehabilitation sciences. Their insights and expertise have not only enriched my knowledge but also inspired me to pursue my studies with greater dedication and enthusiasm.” Another staff member from the MNUMS added, “The visit provided us with invaluable opportunities for learning and exchange. By participating in specialised training sessions, I further enhanced my skills in rehabilitation practices. Moreover, interacting with colleagues from PolyU deepened my understanding of the latest advancements in the field of rehabilitation. I am confident that this experience will have a positive impact on our rehabilitation education and practice in Mongolia.” In January 2024, PolyU and the MNUMS signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their collaboration, signifying an important step forward in contributing to the Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative. During the summers of 2023 and 2024, the RS organised two study trips for 32 PolyU students to visit the MNUMS to learn about occupational therapy, with the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme (now integrated into the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund) administered by PolyU’s Global Engagement Office. PolyU will continue to strengthen its collaboration with the MNUMS in the future and looks forward to forging closer bonds with other universities in the Belt and Road Initiative.

PolyU Students Embark on a Study Trip to Dubai

From 28 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organised a study tour to Dubai, which provided 20 students with enriching learning experiences. The study tour was supported by the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund administered by the Global Engagement Office. The students visited the Ducon Industries FZCO to explore a concrete production site and learned about sustainable building materials. The group also enjoyed their visits to the MIT Senseable City Lab and the Museum of the Future, gaining insights into cutting-edge robotic systems for smart city innovation. Cultural immersion trips to the old Dubai districts and the Desert Safari were also organised. Students shared their amazing experiences after the study trip: “My trip to Dubai was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on me. A highlight was visiting the Dubai MIT City Lab, where I was inspired by their efforts to transform the desert into a more accessible and liveable environment. Their research in environmental engineering demonstrates advancements that could shape urban development in challenging climates. At Ducon Industries, known for its innovative reuse of construction materials, I saw sustainable solutions to construction waste, which are crucial for the industry’s future.” -- Crystal Liang “A highlight was visiting the Sustainable Concrete Factory, where we observed the detailed processes of producing sustainable concrete, from filtering to classifying. We learned about the differences between concrete made with and without carbon dioxide, discovering that concrete with carbon dioxide is less alkaline. This visit provided valuable insights into sustainable development and the current state of construction in Dubai, offering practical knowledge beyond textbooks.” -- Peggy Yeung “This one-week study tour in Dubai provided me with a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies and advanced civil engineering practices… Additionally, the cultural immersion at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding emphasised the value of cross-cultural dialogue… This transformative experience has expanded my knowledge and inspired me to apply these insights to my future projects, fostering collaboration with international partners to address global societal and environmental challenges.” -- Karl Chan   About the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund The PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund aims to support PolyU undergraduate students to participate in various short-term non-local study activities. The fund provides a sponsorship of HK$4,500 for each student to cover costs related to credit-bearing or formally assessed learning activities that promote students’ global perspectives and multicultural competency.   

Celebrating a Remarkable 2024 with the Global Engagement Office

The Global Engagement Office (GEO) proudly reflects on a remarkable 2024. This year, we have remained dedicated to achieving significant milestones in fostering global connections and enhancing the student learning experience through strategic collaborations.   In pursuit of our Global Engagement objectives, we have built a robust network with over 275 overseas institutions across 40 countries and regions. We welcomed more than 30 delegations from overseas institutions to strengthen our global ties and organised five senior management-led delegation visits to ten countries, engaging with over 18 existing and potential partners. Regarding GEO’s efforts in Student Outreach and Mobility, we are currently hosting over 17,200 undergraduate students (UG) from 59 countries and regions at PolyU, enriching our campus with diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. HK$20.65 million has been allocated to support more than 2,079 UG students in participating in various non-local learning experiences, including student exchanges, *non-local work-integrated education (WIE), other short-term non-local study initiatives and more (*The coordination of non-local WIE programmes has been transferred from the Student Affairs Office to GEO in August 2024). Additionally, we have connected with more than 18,800 prospective students and their parents through a wide variety of engagement activities, including the PolyU Summer Institute, the Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme, campus visits, school talks, interview sessions, and roadshows in Mainland China. A heartfelt thank you to our students, colleagues, partners, stakeholders for making 2024 a year of growth and success. We look forward to continuing this fruitful journey together in 2025. Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Eight publicly funded universities co-organise Hong Kong Partners Week to promote “Study in Hong Kong”

  Building on the success of last year’s “Hong Kong Partners Week”, eight UGC-funded universities, recently welcomed representatives from 58 overseas university partners to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and strengthen bonds with overseas universities. The programme signifies the joint efforts of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Lingnan University (LU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) to echo with the government’s vision of developing Hong Kong into an international education hub. This year’s programme welcomed 58 overseas university partners, a significant increase from last year’s 38. The diverse collaboration spans a wide range of countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Czechia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, the UK, and the US. Prof. James TANG, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee, warmly welcomed the universities’ global partners. He highlighted that Hong Kong has world-class research and student facilities, along with unique strengths and opportunities that make it an attractive study destination for international exchange students. Prof. Tang remarked, “Our shared vision of fostering international collaboration and enriching student experiences has brought us together. With all that Hong Kong has to offer, students from your institutions not only find quality education and friendships with peers from around the globe, but also broaden their horizons to experience rich and diverse cultures.” The “Hong Kong Partners Week”, held from 8 to14 December 2024, featured a lineup of industry leaders sharing insights on Hong Kong’s latest developments. The programme kicked off with a talk by Ms Karen WANG, Managing Director, Head of Growth, Greater Bay Area (GBA) of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), who presented Hong Kong’s development with its strategic positioning within the GBA. Ms Kristy CHENG, Head of Human Resources, Hong Kong, Human Resources Asia-Pacific, HSBC, captivated the audience by discussing the diverse career opportunities available for international students in Hong Kong, along with valuable perspectives on future skills in demand. Mr Bernard CHAN, Vice Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and Chairman of M+ Museum, then shared insights on Hong Kong’s growth opportunities in art and culture.  Ms Karen Wang, Managing Director, Head of Growth, Greater Bay Area, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Ms Kristy Cheng, Head of Human Resources, Hong Kong, Human Resources Asia-Pacific, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) The Hong Kong universities’ senior management and faculty introduced the delegates to the universities’ facilities including: PolyU’s Industrial Centre and Jockey Club Innovation Tower; CityUHK’s brand-new Lee Shau Kee Student Residence Village in Ma On Shan; HKBU’s Jockey Club Campus of Creativity, Visualisation Research Centre, Dorothy Shen Wong News Studio, ArtsTech Student Projects Exhibition, and School of Chinese Medicine; LU’s new School of Data Science Building,  football pitch and other sports facilities, student hostels and the Art Gallery; CUHK’s Wu Yee Sun College and the School of Chinese Medicine; EdUHK’s The Arthur Samy Language Learning Centre, Mong Man Wai Library and the EdUHK Jockey Club Primary School; HKUST’s Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute and the seaside student halls and facilities; HKU’s Main Building, Jockey Club Student Village IV and Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing; Participants also had the opportunity to tour around Hong Kong, visiting sites such as Tai Kwun, Central, Yim Tin Tsai, Sai Kung town centre, the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the West Kowloon Cultural District. These visits allowed them to explore the city’s rich history, cultural heritage conservation, as well as development in art and culture. Universities in Hong Kong have strong and extensive student exchange programmes which provide overseas learning opportunities for Hong Kong students. It also brings in international exchange students to study in Hong Kong, which significantly contributes to campus internationalisation. Through fostering close ties with overseas university partners, universities in Hong Kong continue to promote higher education in the city, reinforcing the exchange of students, and helping Hong Kong to develop into an international higher education hub. The list of participating university partners is as follows: Australia: Charles Darwin University Curtin University Griffith University The University of Newcastle Austria: MCI The Entrepreneurial School Canada: University of Victoria Mount Royal University University of Montreal Croatia: Zagreb School of Economics and Management Czechia: Masaryk University University of Hradec Králové France: IESEG School of Management TBS Education Université Catholique de Lille Germany: EBS University for Business and Law, Germany Hochschule Heilbronn Konstanz University of Applied Sciences Leuphana University Lueneburg RWTH Aachen University University of Bayreuth University of Mannheim University of Regensburg Ireland: Trinity College Dublin Italy: University of Bologna Latvia: University of Latvia Lithuania: Vilnius University New Zealand: Auckland University of Technology Norway: NHH Norwegian School of Economics Poland: University of Warsaw Russia: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Spain: CUNEF University Sweden: Chalmers University of Technology KTH Royal Institute of Technology Linköping University Linnaeus University Switzerland: Zurich University of Teacher Education Türkiye: Sabanci University UK: Cardiff University City St George's, University of London Manchester Metropolitan University Queen Mary University of London Swansea University The University of Bath The University of Edinburgh The University of Sheffield University of Glasgow University of Reading University of St Andrews USA: Lehigh University Michigan State University San Francisco State University Stony Brook University Temple University Tulane University University of California Berkeley University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of San Francisco West Virginia University University partners visited City University of Hong Kong University partners visited Hong Kong Baptist University University partners visited Lingnan University University partners visited The Chinese University of Hong Kong University partners visited The Education University of Hong Kong University partners visited The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology University partners visited The University of Hong Kong University partners visited Yim Tin Tsai University partners visited Yim Tin Tsai University partners visited the Hong Kong Palace Museum

PolyU Jointly Establishes the UASR Sub-alliance of Engineering Medicine Facilitated Technology Innovation

On 13 December 2024, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) jointly established the University Alliance of the Silk Road Sub-alliance of Engineering Medicine Facilitated Technology Innovation. The inauguration ceremony took place during the opening session of the 15th Annual Conference on Engineering Medicine Facilitated Technology Innovation in Xi’an. Championed by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) of PolyU and the First Affiliated Hospital (FAH) of XJTU, the sub-alliance aims to integrate medicine and engineering for driving the transformation and application of technological advancements in addressing real-world clinical challenges. Nearly 50 institutions from 18 Belt and Road countries have joined the sub-alliance as founding members. The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Prof. Will Chien, Associate Professor of RS, and Prof. Yi Lu, Head of FAH, along with representatives of the other sub-alliance members. The University Alliance of the Silk Road was jointly established by PolyU and XJTU in 2015 as a non-governmental, non-profit alliance dedicated to providing an open and international collaborative platform for higher education. Holding the Vice Presidency of the alliance, PolyU plays a leading role in advancing talent development, research on technologies and policies, cultural exchange and medical services among member institutions across the Belt and Road region.

PolyU supports the Global University Presidents & Leaders Summit 2024

The Global University Presidents & Leaders Summit 2024, organised by the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship, was successfully held on 2 – 3 December 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Supported by the collaborative efforts of University Grants Committee, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and eight other government-funded and self-financed universities in Hong Kong, the Summit brought together over 50 esteemed university presidents and educators from around the world for invaluable discussions and collaborations on topics such as AI, globalization, innovation, science and technology, and more. To further facilitate cultural and knowledge exchange for youth, the organiser also welcomed more than 50 outstanding overseas students to the Summit. PolyU invited the following five renowned university leaders to join the Summit (in alphabetical order of surname): Professor Aliya Aktymbayeva, Deputy Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovation Activities for Sustainable Development, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Kazakhstan) Dr Dieter De Bruyn, Senior Policy Advisor at Rector’s Office, Ghent University (Belgium) Professor Tony F. Chan, Immediate Past President, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia) Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector, University of Warsaw (Poland) Professor Ilaria Valente, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Politecnico di Milano (Italy) Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU chaired a session on “Ethics and Value Building of AI Technology in Society”. Five distinguished speakers were invited to join the session together with President Teng to share their insights on the topic. These speakers included Professor Jon Garibaldi, Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of University of Nottingham Ningbo China; Professor Shu-cai Li, President of Shandong University; Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of Glasgow; Professor Zhe-min Tan, President of Nanjing University; and Professor Ilaria Valente, Vice Rector for International Affairs of Politecnico di Milano. The discussions centered on the importance of transparent AI governance, responsible innovation, and collaborative efforts between policymakers, technologists, and civil society to ensure AI’s development benefits humanity while upholding ethical principles. These discussions provided participants with valuable insights into shaping the future of AI to serve the common good responsibly and equitably. In addition, Professor Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU, engaged in a dialogue session with other university leaders and overseas student participants. During this session, the university leaders shared their expertise and experiences, particularly focusing on academic and career development concerns raised by the participating students.

PolyU hosts University Alliance of the Silk Road Presidents’ Forum cum Executive Council Meeting 2024

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) Presidents’ Forum cum Executive Council Meeting 2024, as the Rotating President of the UASR, attracting representatives from nine universities across six countries. With the theme “Global Engagement Strategies along the Silk Road”, the Forum brought together UASR Executive Council members to share insights in support of the Belt and Road Initiative, synergise resources for educational development and talent cultivation, and provide collaborative opportunities in promoting the development of higher education in the Belt and Road countries. The officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Mr Nicholas HO Lik-chi, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and Prof. ZHANG Liqun, President of Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU). Mr Nicholas Ho Lik-chi stated, “The HKSAR Government will continue to promote educational exchange and talent development under the Belt and Road Initiative. Through the diverse and comprehensive network of scholarships, education partners like the UASR, and talent platforms along the Belt and Road countries, we look forward to cultivating a long-term Belt and Road talent pool that will help drive stability, economic development and common prosperity for all.” In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated, “PolyU is committed to fostering talent development, impactful research, and knowledge transfer for the sustainable advancement of the Belt and Road countries and regions. PolyU was privileged to co-found UASR alongside XJTU in 2015. We hope to engage with the top management representatives from UASR Executive Council member institutions to align our strategic goals and create a unified approach to addressing common challenges in higher education, as well as driving innovation and academic advancement across the Belt and Road.” Prof. Zhang Liqun remarked, “As the Chairing Institution and Permanent Secretariat of the UASR, XJTU is committed to fostering collaboration among UASR members and strengthening the Secretariat’s capacity to effectively serve all member institutions. Adhering to the principles of mutual consultation, collaboration, and shared benefits, XJTU will continue to collaborate with all partners to promote the sustainable development of the alliance and contribute to the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative.” A number of distinguished guests delivered speeches at the Forum (in alphabetical order of institution): Prof. Aliya AKTYMBAYEVA, Deputy Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovative Activities for Sustainable Development of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; Prof. Jiecai HAN, President of the Harbin Institute of Technology; Prof. Osman HASAN, Pro-Rector (Academics) of the National University of Sciences and Technology; Prof. Ilaria VALENTE, Vice Rector for International Affairs of the Politecnico di Milano; Prof. Yusuf LEBLEBICI, President of the Sabancı University; Prof. Michael HUI, Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) of the University of Macau; and Prof. Dejan MADIĆ, Rector of the University of Novi Sad. Also in attendance from PolyU were Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben YOUNG, and Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships) Prof. Geoffrey SHEN. During the Forum, speakers shared valuable insights and effective strategies regarding regional academic exchanges and research partnerships aimed at furthering Belt and Road initiatives. Conversations focused on global engagement strategies, collaboration between industry and academia, partnerships among member institutions, and future UASR development. Jointly established by PolyU and XJTU in 2015, the UASR is a non-government and non-profit alliance aimed at providing an open and international collaborative platform in higher education. PolyU holds the Vice Presidency of the Alliance and takes a leading role in fostering talent development, research on technologies and policies, cultural exchange and medical services among members institutions along the Belt and Road.