The Symposium for Guangdong and Hong Kong Universities "1+1+1" Joint Research Collaboration Scheme on 12 May at Hong Kong Baptist University. The event comprehensively showcased the scheme's milestone achievements in data science and artificial intelligence (AI).
The scheme, jointly initiated by the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU), HKBU, has attracted a total investment of approximately RMB90 million since its launch in 2024, with the first batch funding 15 projects focused on data science and AI, and their cross-disciplinary applications.
In his remarks, Prof Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) and Dean of the Graduate School of HKBU, said that HKBU looks forward to further deepening its collaboration with BNBU in line with the 15th Five-Year Plan and the development of the GBA. Greater emphasis on the commercialisation of research outcomes, talent development and international expansion will be expected, contributing to the establishment of the Greater Bay Area as an international hub for science, technology and innovation.
Prof Lyu Aiping
Prof Pan Jianxin, BNBU Vice-President (Research and Development) and Director of the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Data Science and Technology with Interdisciplinary Applications, outlined the latest developments regarding the scheme. He noted that the scheme fully leverages the complementary strengths of both universities and has established cross-regional and cross-disciplinary research teams to tackle joint research challenges. Currently, the selection process for the second batch of 21 proposed projects has been completed, and these have been submitted to the Department for approval; the application process for the third batch of projects is also set to commence shortly.
Prof Pan Jianxin
The symposium featured a keynote speech by Prof Vivian Yam Wing-wah, a Member of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Innovation Centre), Philip Wong Wilson Wong Professor in Chemistry and Energy and Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Hong Kong, who shared her insights on the importance of regional research for the nation's "15th Five-Year Plan".
Prof Vivian Yam Wing-wah
A panel discussion was also held, providing an in-depth analysis of how the research teams have successfully leveraged their complementary resources and cross-boundary talent mobility to enhance collaborative innovation between Guangdong and Hong Kong universities in emerging strategic disciplines. Attendance from HKBU were Chair Professor in Physics Prof Zhu Furong, and Dr Zhou Chi from the Department of Computer Science; from BNBU were Director of Research Development and Knowledge Transfer Office Prof Wu Jiang-Lun, and Department Head of Mathematical Sciences Prof Di Yana.
Researchers from the funded projects also presented their findings and application potential through project presentations and poster sessions. These projects span fields such as smart healthcare, data science, digital cultural preservation, smart transportation and social care.
From HKBU
Editor: Cecilia Yu
