Research excellence matters most when it serves genuine societal needs. This principle shaped discussions when PolyU welcomed two high-level delegations from Zhejiang and Hubei provinces in April. Strategic agreements were signed that mark a strengthened alignment between the University’s research capabilities and national priorities in science and technology, education, and talent development.

Bridging innovation and technology through Zhejiang-Hong Kong collaboration

A delegation from the Zhejiang Federation of Industry and Commerce and the Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr Nan Cunhui, Standing Committee member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Vice President of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Chairman of the Zhejiang Federation of Industry and Commerce, President of the Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Board of CHINT Group Co., Ltd., explored collaboration opportunities with PolyU. The delegation was received by Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President; and other senior University representatives.

The visit culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PolyU and CHINT Group, a leading global smart energy solutions provider and one of China’s foremost private enterprises in the electrical and new energy sectors. With the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan as the strategic core, the partnership will establish the Future Energy Research Centre to advance research, development and commercialisation of new energy technologies. The collaboration will also establish an ancient oriental health and wellness platform, integrating traditional practices with modern medical technologies, alongside joint policy research on Hong Kong’s green development and the industrialisation of technology.

PolyU and CHINT Group signed an MoU to intensify the collaboration between the University and the corporation.

Dr Lam Tai-fai (right), accompanied Mr Nan Cunhui (left) and his delegation to the PolyU campus to learn about the University’s academic development and research and innovation strategies.

Comprehensive cooperation for Hubei and Hong Kong

On a separate occasion, Mr Li Dianxun, Governor of Hubei Province, led a high-level delegation to PolyU, resulting in multiple strategic agreements that span higher education, research translation, industrial investment and talent development. The delegation included representatives from the Hubei Provincial People’s Government, the Wuhan Municipal People’s Government, the Provincial Departments of Commerce, Science and Technology, and Education, as well as Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan University of Technology (WUT), Hubei Technology Exchange, and Changjiang Industrial Investment Group Co., Ltd.

Mr Li Dianxun (front row, centre) led a delegation to visit PolyU and met with PolyU management including Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (front row, 5th from left) and Prof. Cao Jiannong (front row, 5th from right).

Multiple MoUs were signed during the visit. Witnessed by Mr Li Dianxun; Professor Jin-Guang Teng; Ms Chen Ping, Vice Governor of Hubei Province; and Mr Xiong Zhengyu, Mayor of Wuhan, Professor Cao Jiannong, Vice President (Education), signed MoUs on behalf of PolyU with Professor Yonghui Zhang, Vice President of HUST; and Professor Liqiang Mai, Vice President of WUT, respectively. A strategic cooperation agreement was also signed with Mr Li Yuanchu, Chairman of Yangtze River Industry Investment Group Co., Ltd.

On the same day, Professor Cao Jiannong hosted a meeting between representatives from PolyU, the Hubei Provincial Department of Education, HUST and WUT to discuss further cooperation in education and research. Participants included Mr Dai Wei, Deputy Director-General of the Hubei Provincial Department of Education; Professor Yonghui Zhang; Professor Liqiang Mai; Professor Li Xiangdong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment of PolyU; and Mr Zhu Qingfeng, Chairman of the Shenzhen Aviation Association.

Guests attending the discussion meeting and signing ceremony.

Witnessed by Mr Dai Wei, Professor Cao Jiannong and Professor Yonghui Zhang, a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Low-Altitude Economy was signed by Professor Li Xiangdong; Professor Tan Gangyi, Dean of the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at HUST; and Mr Zhu Qingfeng. The three parties will integrate their respective strengths in research, industry and policy resources to engage in comprehensive cooperation, focusing on platform co-construction, talent cultivation, standards alignment and technology commercialisation in the low-altitude economy.

Witnessed by Mr Dai Wei (back row, right); Prof. Cao Jiannong (back row, centre); and Prof. Yonghui Zhang (back row, left), the Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Low-altitude Economy was signed by Prof. Li Xiangdong (front row, centre); Prof. Tan Gangyi (front row, left); and Mr Zhu Qingfeng (front row, right).

The visits by the Zhejiang and Hubei delegations and the signing of these strategic agreements mark another significant milestone in PolyU’s efforts to deepen its presence in the Chinese Mainland and serve national strategies. These initiatives inject new momentum into cross-border collaboration in higher education, technological innovation and industrial partnerships.