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CUHK Hosts China-UK Humanities Annual Forum 2018
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosted the China-UK Humanities Annual Forum from 5 to 7 December at CUHK, enhancing the University's partnership with Chinese and British institutions in the humanities. As the annual event of the China-UK Humanities Alliance for Higher Education with a theme of "China and The Humanities", the Forum was held in Hong Kong for the first time and brought to it about 160 delegates comprising government officials, university leaders and academic members from 18 institutions of mainland China and UK.
The opening ceremony was held on 6 December on CUHK campus. Professor Rocky Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK; Mrs. Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR government; Professor TAN Tieniu, Vice Minister of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR; Mr. Jeff Streeter, Director of British Council, Hong Kong and Professor Chen Xu, Alliance Chair and Chairperson of the University Council of Tsinghua University, officiated and gave speeches at the ceremony.
Participants took it in turns to give presentations via keynotes, thematic sessions and dialogues, exchanging ideas and sharing opinions on topics regarding the state of humanities research and the role of arts and humanities in China, the humanistic tradition in Chinese history and culture as well as globalising Chinese humanities. The meeting served as a platform for sharing views and experiences of mutual interest, for cross-cultural and transnational dialogue and cooperation in the field of the humanities and for deepening exchanges between the universities in China and UK.
The China-UK Humanities Alliance for Higher Education was initiated by Tsinghua University with the aim to increase and consolidate academic exchanges between Chinese and British universities via cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in the field of humanities. Founding members joining the Alliance comprise 5 Chinese universities (Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Wuhan University, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong) and 7 British universities (The University of Oxford China Centre, The Needham Research Institute of Cambridge University, SOAS, University of London, King's College London, University of Reading, The University of Manchester and The University of Warwick). New members include Shanghai International Studies University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, University of Exeter, Loughborough University and University College London. CUHK is the only member from Hong Kong.
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CUHK Joins Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Space Science and Technology Alliance and Marine Science and Technology Innovation Alliance
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) extends its efforts to establish new platforms of research collaboration with partner institutions under the Guangdong-Hong Kong Macao University Alliance, with the participation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Space Science and Technology Alliance, and Marine Science and Technology Innovation Alliance. The establishment ceremony was held at the Zhuhai campus of Sun Yat-sen University on 19 December. Representing the University in the Founding Ceremony of the two alliances are Professor Edwin Chan, Associate Vice-President; and Professor Joe Lee, School of Life Sciences.
With the aim of promoting in-depth collaboration in space physics, space astronomy, spatial earth science, spatial remote sensing technologies, as well as space-related areas including computer science, mathematics and chemistry, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Space Science and Technology Alliance will serve as a platform to bridge scientists in the areas from the 3 regions. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Marine Science and Technology Innovation Alliance aspires to lead the innovative development of oceans and marine studies in the three regions and bring about the Circle of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Marine Technologies through a range of innovative and flexible such measures as nurture of quality talents in fields of marine studies, and research collaboration projects.
CUHK initiated the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau University Alliance together with SYSU and the University of Macau in November 2016 and currently there are a total of 28 member institutions. The Alliance is a higher education platform which aspires to extend the current efforts of elite universities in promoting regional development in the three regions. The partnership fosters collaboration in various areas including scientific research, student interflow, synergic innovation and building of think tanks. Sub-Alliances have been set up under the Alliance to link member institutions for synergetic collaboration such as the Library Alliance and Supercomputer Alliance. The establishment of the two new alliances signifies the further enhancement of collaboration achievments among member institutions in the development of national strategic initiatives.
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Activities of Green University Consortium Held at Zhejiang University
The Green University Consortium had its Board Meeting and Joint Seminar on "From Earth to Beauty" held at Zhejiang University (ZJU) on 19 to 21 December. Professor Wong Suk-ying, Associate Vice-President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK); Professor Ng Mee-kam, Vice Department Chair of Geography and Resource Management and Mr. Kalvin Lai, Assistant Director (Sustainability) of Campus Planning and Sustainability Office participated in the event on behalf of the University.
During the seminar, representatives from member universities of the Consortium held active discussions about issues on "earth", which include soil, green campus development, green urbanization, management of chemicals and waste, as well as innovative modes of green development initiatives. Professor Ng Mee-kam, in her presentation titled "Easily Accessible: Principles of Urban Planning", analyzed the interdependence and interaction between humans and earth to achieve the harmony of beauty as shown in land issues and urban planning, with reference to local and overseas examples. The seminar provided an effective cross-strait platform for the exchange of expertise, fostering synergetic collaboration under the Consortium.
Following the Joint Seminar, the member universities reported the progress of various collaboration projects under the Consortium in the Board Meeting, sharing views on further direction of development. Professor Wong Suk-ying participated in the meeting to devise plans in enhancing coordination among the consortium members.
The Cross-Strait Green University Consortium was established by CUHK, Nanjing University and National Central University in 2011 with the aim of consolidating resources and driving initiatives that incorporate green concepts into research and education. The Consortium was expanded to welcome the entry of ZJU, Beijing Normal University and National Cheng Kung University as new member universities in 2016. Member institutions take turns to organize the Board Meeting, Joint Seminar and Green Competition Camp, as well as promoting green initiatives in green education, research and campus development proactively.
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CUHK Participates in Mainland-Hong Kong-Macau Law Education Alliance Board Meeting cum Talent Nurture Forum
Mainland-Hong Kong-Macau Law Education Alliance and Legal Talent Nurture in Greater Bay Area Forum was held from 14 to 16 December in Shenzhen. Prof. Robin Huang, Faculty of Law, and Ms. Wing Wong, Director of Academic Links (China), attended the meeting on behalf of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
The general meeting was hosted by Prof. Ma Huaide, Vice-President of the China University of Political Science and Law. During the meeting, board members reviewed the work achievements and discussed upcoming plans. At the subsequent forum, delegates had discussions on legal education in the Greater Bay Area, with topics including legal technology, joint nurturing of legal talents, and development of legal studies. Members also made suggestions on the operation and development of the alliance platform, such as signature programmes for fostering interaction between students in the three regions. The position of the alliance was confirmed as a service platform for resource sharing and exploration of potential collaborations.
The Mainland-Hong Kong-Macau Law Education Alliance was established in 2017 and CUHK was appointed Vice-Chairman Institution of the Alliance. Enriched by the intellectual and cultural heritage of the University and connected to a wide variety of collaborations, the Faculty of Law of CUHK continues to bring together common law and Chinese law with other great legal traditions to promote justice and safeguard the rule of law. The Meeting provided platforms of cross-border professional exchange in fields of legal studies, paving the way for the further advancement of collaboration among institutions in the three regions.
