The "2nd Global Innovation & Technology Summit," hosted by the Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians (GBAAA), took place at Hong Kong Science Park, drawing a diverse gathering of over 200 participants. Attendees included representatives from esteemed universities, governmental figures, and industry experts spanning the region and beyond. Deliberations encompassed various crucial topics centred on harnessing the transformative potential of higher education to advance a brighter global future.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Nancy IP, GBAAA Council Chair and President of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), underscored the significance of international collaboration in higher education. She urged collective efforts towards educational, research, and innovative excellence to propel societal advancement.
Prof. Ip delivered a keynote address focusing on leveraging higher education for future empowerment. She urged higher education institutions to take a leading role in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, public health, resource scarcity, and the rapid evolution of technology. Prof. Ip showcased HKUST's pioneering initiatives in education, research, knowledge transfer, and entrepreneurship, citing the university's remarkable success in nurturing entrepreneurial endeavours. Notably, HKUST has incubated over 1,700 startups, including 9 Unicorns and 11 listed companies, generating an economic impact exceeding HK$400 billion.
Additionally, Prof. Ip moderated one of the presidents’ forums, themed "Fostering Global Partnerships in Higher Education." Leaders from Fujita Health University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, and Peking University shared insights and experiences in international cooperation, alongside their visions for the future of education.
Established in 2022 as the first HK-Mainland cooperative university following the unveiling of the GBA development blueprint, HKUST (Guangzhou) serves as a pioneering model of successful collaboration. Prof. Ip emphasized its strategic alignment with "Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses," aiming to leverage synergies within the Greater Bay Area to foster unprecedented academic growth and research opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.
