SYSU Hong Kong Spring Reception boosts alumni collaboration and GBA innovation

On April 12, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) hosted its annual Spring Reception in Hong Kong, bringing together nearly 500 distinguished guests, including the university leadership, alumni representatives and Hong Kong stakeholders committed to the university’s growth, for a vibrant blend of strategic discussions, partnership-building, and cultural exchange.

SYSU Spring Reception is held on April 12 in Hong Kong.

Co-organized by Sun Yat-sen University United Alumni Association (Hong Kong) and Sun Yat-sen University Institute of Advanced Studies Hong Kong, the event underscored SYSU’s commitment to fostering deeper collaboration between the university and its Hong Kong networks in advancing the Greater Bay Area's (GBA) innovation.

The Spring Reception commenced with the inauguration of the Alumni Home and the researcher appointment ceremony of the institute. The newly appointed researchers are primarily focused on three interdisciplinary fields, including biomedical science, applied mathematics and humanities and social sciences. With this recruitment, the institute now has a staff of over sixty members.

Dr. Kongjun Zhu, Chairman of the University Council, presents appointment letters to the newly named Center Director and Assistant Dean during the ceremony.

Prof. Anlong Xu, President of the Sun Yat-sen University Institute of Advanced Studies Hong Kong, highlighted the recruitment aimed at at attracting top-tier international scholars and fostering agile academic exchanges. The newly appointed researchers will collaborate closely with the university’s leading disciplines to advance scientific research and talent development in Hong Kong.

Dr. Kongjun Zhu, Chairman of the University Council, emphasized that the newly appointed researchers will play a pivotal role in advancing the development of the institute. These experts will leverage their expertise to undertake projects that align with Hong Kong’s unique strengths, further integrating the city into the national development, elevating talent development in science and technology across the GBA, and accelerating the region's growth.

The newly inaugurated Alumni Home at the institute aims to foster networking and collaboration among Hong Kong-based alumni while supporting their professional growth and community engagement. The platform highlights SYSU’s ongoing efforts to deepen alumni connections and tap into their expertise for advancing joint research and educational initiatives.

The Alumni Home is inaugurated at Sun Yat-sen University Institute of Advanced Studies Hong Kong.

Sun Yat-sen University Institute of Advanced Studies Hong Kong was unveiled on October 14, 2024, which is the first comprehensive research institution that mainland universities have set up in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

SYSU, deeply rooted in the GBA, has long maintained close ties with Hong Kong and Macao, supported by the enduring dedication of its global alumni community. Sun Yat-sen University United Alumni Association (Hong Kong), established 33 years ago, has evolved into a vital platform fostering connections among graduates in the city.

Cheung Ying Yeung, President of the association, emphasized the group’s ongoing mission to strengthen alumni relationships, aiming to create a home away from campus, ensuring alumni in Hong Kong stay connected to their alma mater.

On the Spring Reception, the Greater Bay Area Alumni Economic Initiative was launched to  pool alumni resources to drive entrepreneurship and innovation across the region.

The Greater Bay Area Alumni Economic Initiative of SYSU is launched.

The event also saw the appointment of new advisory board members, trustees, and executive members for the United Alumni Association (Hong Kong).

Vice Presidents Prof. Yue Zheng and Prof. Shi Xie present advisory board appointment letters to Mr. Zhiming Zeng and Mr. Tianxing Lin at the ceremony.

President Yeung Cheung Ying appoints new trustees and executives for the United Alumni Association (Hong Kong).

The Spring Reception culminated with a series of vibrant cultural performances, concluding as attendees united in singing the SYSU alumni anthem, marking a heartfelt end to the annual gathering.

Looking ahead, SYSU is poised to build on this momentum, leveraging its strengthened alumni networks, cutting-edge research collaborations, and cross-border partnerships to drive transformative innovation within the GBA.