On September 2, City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) (CityU (Dongguan)) held its grand opening ceremony after five years of meticulous preparation and construction. The event was attended by Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivered a video address. Other distinguished attendees included Zhang Shaokang, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province; Xiao Yafei, Secretary of the Dongguan Municipal Party Committee; Liang Weidong, Chairman of the Economic Committee of the Guangdong Provincial People's Political Consultative Conference; and Lü Chengxi, Deputy Secretary of the Dongguan Municipal Party Committee and Mayor. The ceremony was presided over by Professor Lu Chun, Executive President of CityU (Dongguan) and Vice President of City University of Hong Kong.

CityU (Dongguan) is located in Dongguan, an important city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and serves as a landmark achievement in implementing the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" and promoting higher education collaboration between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC:
A New Milestone in Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation

Leung Chun-ying emphasized that both Hong Kong and Dongguan are key cities in the GBA, complementing each other's strengths and fostering close cooperation. The opening of CityU (Dongguan) represents a new milestone in the cooperation between the two cities. He expressed his hope that the university will play a unique role in contributing to the construction of an international technology innovation center and an internationally competitive industrial system. He also encouraged the university to continue facilitating the smooth exchange of resources between Hong Kong and Dongguan in education and research, contributing to the better integration of academic, industrial, and research collaboration in the GBA, and cultivating talents who can apply what they have learned to the development of the GBA and beyond.

John Lee, Chief Executive of HKSAR:
Advancing Higher Education Collaboration in the GBA

John Lee remarked that this year marks the fifth anniversary of the release of the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area." The establishment of CityU (Dongguan) is a major achievement in the cooperation between Hong Kong and Guangdong, signifying a new phase in higher education collaboration in the GBA. He reiterated that the HKSAR government will continue to work closely with Guangdong, leveraging its unique role as a bridge between China and the world to build Hong Kong into a hub for international higher education and contribute to the nation’s development through science and education.

Zhang Shaokang, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province:
Significant Importance of Education Collaboration in the GBA

Zhang Shaokang stressed that CityU (Dongguan) is an important outcome of Guangdong-Hong Kong education cooperation, playing a critical role in advancing education exchange and collaboration in the GBA. He expressed the hope that the university will aim high in building a "new-quality university," focus on "new-quality technologies," and train "new-quality talents" at a high level. Guangdong Province will fully support the university’s development, helping it to become strong and distinctive, and contribute further to Guangdong-Hong Kong education collaboration and GBA development.

Lü Chengxi, Deputy Secretary of the Dongguan Municipal Party Committee and Mayor:
United Efforts for Success

Lü Chengxi reflected on the five years of hard work between the central government and provincial authorities, as well as between the university and local partners, to ensure the high-standard, high-quality, and high-level completion of CityU (Dongguan). He encouraged the students, who are in the prime of their lives, to cherish their time at the university, focus on their studies, and become pillars of the nation who contribute to China’s modernization and national rejuvenation.

CityU (Dongguan) Inaugurated

Leung Chun-ying and distinguished guests jointly inaugurated CityU (Dongguan).

CityU (Dongguan) aims to build a high-level university, aligning its development with the "Outline Development Plan for the GBA" and adhering to the principle of "meeting national needs and leveraging Hong Kong's strengths" in its academic programs. The university adopts CityU’s academic standards, ensuring "one quality across two campuses." Utilizing the platform of the Songshan Lake Science City, part of the GBA’s National Comprehensive Science Center, and combining CityU’s world-leading innovation advantages and extensive international research and innovation incubation experience, CityU (Dongguan) seeks to promote deep integration of academia, industry, and research. It will also enhance interaction between youth in Guangdong and Hong Kong, facilitating Hong Kong's better integration into the national development framework and fostering high-quality development in the GBA.

Huang Jiachun, Chairman of the Council of City University of Hong Kong:
Leveraging the Strengths of Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation for Mutual Benefit

Huang Jiachun emphasized that, as CityU celebrates its 30th anniversary, the official establishment and successful opening of CityU (Dongguan) marks another major milestone for the university. He highlighted the university's mission to harness global wisdom and resources to cultivate future leaders and innovators, driving high-quality development in the GBA. By leveraging the strengths of Guangdong-Hong Kong cooperation, CityU and CityU (Dongguan) will achieve win-win development and progress together. He wished the incoming students a vibrant and unforgettable university experience at CityU (Dongguan), encouraging them to innovate and look towards the future.

Professor Way Kuo, President of City University of Hong Kong and Chairman of the Board of CityU (Dongguan):
Creating an Inspirational, Interactive, and Innovative Learning Environment

Professor Way Kuo, President of CityU and Chairman of the Board of CityU (Dongguan), noted that since the beginning of 2020, the Dongguan Municipal Government, CityU, and Dongguan University of Technology have signed an agreement to establish CityU (Dongguan). The university's construction has been supported by all sectors of society, carrying their hopes and expectations. Now, CityU (Dongguan) is ready to embark on an extraordinary journey. He emphasized that universities are places that foster innovation and drive progress, and CityU and CityU (Dongguan) will adhere to the principle of "one quality across two campuses." The goal is to create an inspiring, interactive, and innovative learning environment, building open, interdisciplinary collaboration platforms and nurturing innovative international talents. Professor Kuo also announced that CityU (Dongguan) students would have opportunities for overseas exchange, while CityU students in Hong Kong are encouraged to come to Dongguan for study and exchange, fostering innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit among students.

Teacher and Student Speeches

Professor Chen Hesheng, a senior fellow at CityU’s Institute for Advanced Study and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered a speech as the representative of the teaching staff. He shared stories of his experiences with CityU and CityU (Dongguan) and encouraged the students to contribute their wisdom and efforts to the advancement of science in China.

Wang Yaxuan, a new undergraduate student from Baotou, Inner Mongolia, spoke on behalf of the freshmen, expressing her excitement to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery at CityU (Dongguan), and her commitment to contributing to society, the nation, and academic research.

Wang Shangfei, a new graduate student who completed his undergraduate studies in computer science and technology at Peking University, spoke on behalf of the new graduate students. He expressed his desire to contribute his youth and wisdom to the prosperity of the GBA and to become a valuable pillar of society on the innovative soil of Songshan Lake.

The event was attended by Chen Wei, Deputy Director of the Fourth Bureau of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council; Zhou Li, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of the Ministry of Education; Wu Cheng, Deputy Director of the Education and Technology Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Feng Wei, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education; Sze Chun-fai, Deputy Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Deng Tak-keung, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee of Hong Kong; leaders of CityU, including Duan Baoyan, President of CityU (Dongguan) and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Professors Li Juan and Liu Zishun, Vice Presidents of CityU (Dongguan); and Dongguan municipal leaders including Luo Zhaoqun, Zheng Jianmin, Zheng Guohong, Li Jun, Qiao Lei, Chen Qingsong, and Lai Shaoyu.