The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today signed a framework agreement with the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen to plan the establishment of the SUSTech-HKUST Joint School of Microelectronics (Joint School).
Riding on the complementary research strengths of both universities, the proposed Joint School is set to become a multilateral collaborative platform for industry, academia and research at the national level, facilitating both nurturing of market-desired high-caliber talents and innovative research in key strategic areas including integrated circuit (IC), system-on-chip design for communications, artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as next generation microelectronics device technology such as wide bandgap semiconductors.
Officiating guests of the signing ceremony include Mr Gao Zimin, Deputy Mayor of Shenzhen; Prof Li Lu, Director-General for Educational Scientific and Technological Affairs from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong SAR; Mr Xing Feng, Deputy Director-General of the Education Department of Guangdong Province; Mr Xu Jianling, Deputy Director of Shenzhen Education Bureau; HKUST Acting President Prof Wei Shyy; Ms Guo Yurong, Chairperson of SUSTech’s University Council; and SUSTech President Prof Chen Shiyi. Prof Li Lu said the Joint School will not only facilitate collaboration among the government, academia and the industry for the region’s advancement in microelectronics, it also demonstrated Hong Kong and Shenzhen’s efforts in helping to build national strength in science and technology.
At the ceremony, SUSTech President Prof Chen expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the support of the Shenzhen municipal government and the Liaison Office in Hong Kong. “HKUST is a world-leading research university excellent in science, engineering, business and management as well as humanities and social science, while SUSTech is one of China’s – if not the world’s – youngest but fastest growing universities. Answering President Xi Jinping’s call for enhanced cooperation in science and technology between Hong Kong and the mainland, this international, leading and research-led Joint School in Microelectronics will not only make a national demonstration, but will also bring new, tremendous opportunities and prospects to both universities,” he said.
HKUST Acting President Prof Shyy also said that the collaboration would help support the nation’s Greater Bay development initiative. “We have been contributing for years to the microelectronics and IC industry in Shenzhen. While we are actively exploring the establishment of our branch in Guangzhou, it seems that China’s need and strategic priority in this industrial sector can be well supported by HKUST with Shenzhen as a key platform for industrial outreach, educational and research activities in the Lok Ma Chau loop area, and also as a specialized part of a broader initiative for the Greater Bay development,” he said.
Under the proposed establishment, the Joint School will be situated on the SUSTech campus. It will offer education programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and run four research centers on IC design methodology and Electronic Design Automation (EDA); communications; system-on-chip design and system integration; as well as wide bandgap semiconductor devices.
A joint SUSTech-HKUST taskforce consisting of members from both universities will be set up to push ahead the applications, and work with the Shenzhen municipal government on details of its support to the infrastructure and operation of the Joint School.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (www.ust.hk) is a world-class research university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. HKUST attained the highest proportion of internationally excellent research work in the Research Assessment Exercise 2014 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, and is the world’s second in the latest QS’ Top 50 under 50 ranking. Its graduates were ranked 12th worldwide and top in Greater China in Global Employability University Survey 2017.
About Southern University of Science and Technology
Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) (http://www.sustc.edu.cn) is a public research university established and funded by Shenzhen Municipality in 2012. It focuses on science, technology and medical science as well as humanities and social science. Located in Shenzhen, one of the fastest growing cities in China and the country’s technology window to the world, SUSTech enjoys strong connections with leading companies in China and renowned universities across the world. With Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at the center of the University’s philosophy, every student can find their way to stand out and succeed.
Widely regarded as a pioneer and innovator in China’s higher education sector, SUSTech is working to enhance China’s ever-growing role in the international arena. SUSTech aspires to be a globally-renowned university that contributes significantly to the advancement of science and technology by excelling in interdisciplinary research, nurturing creative future leaders and creating knowledge for the world. In the “Nature Index 2016 Rising Stars” rankings, SUSTech was ranked 62nd among the global top 100 institutions with most significant growth in high quality research publications, and ranked as the third fastest growing institution in the world.
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Anita Lam
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