A delegation from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) visited Nansha, Guangzhou on 4 November. The delegation met with local government officials and signed a cooperation agreement announcing the establishment of a joint research laboratory and an internship and entrepreneurship base in Nansha. This marks the beginning of a cooperation mechanism between Hong Kong and Nansha in the field of veterinary medicine, and academic and research exchanges between the two places.

Dr the Hon Leung Chun-ying, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Advisor of the Consultative Committee on Guangdong-Hong Kong Co-operation (Guangzhou Nansha), has been a passionate supporter of the development of CityUHK’s Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences (JCC). He accompanied the CityUHK delegation to attend the signing ceremony of the "Framework Agreement between City University of Hong Kong, the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau of Nansha District."

The agreement was signed by Professor Vanessa Barrs, Dean of the JCC, Mr Sun Mingfei, Director of the Animal Health Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GDAAS), and Mr Zhong Huibiao, Director General of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau of Nansha District. It was witnessed by Dr Leung; Mr Wu Shourong, Vice Secretary-General of Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPPCC;  Mr Liu Wei, Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Nansha Development Zone; Mr Deng Yiqun, Secretary of the Party Committee of the GDAAS; Mr Lester Garson Huang, Council Chairman of CityUHK; and Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK.

The agreement aims to promote collaboration and exchange in the field of veterinary medicine between the two places, contributing to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

A plaque unveiling ceremony for the Joint Research Laboratory (Guangzhou Nansha) between the JCC and the GDAAS Animal Health Institute was held on the same day. Through the establishment of the joint research laboratory, CityUHK’s veterinary medicine programme can conduct internships in Nansha District. The interns will gain valuable experience and help improve animal health, food safety and public health in the area. Additionally, the GDAAS Animal Health Institute and Guangzhou Nansha Yangxiang Fengxing Food Co., Ltd. will provide internship and entrepreneurship opportunities for CityUHK veterinary students.

President Boey noted that CityUHK (Dongguan) officially opened in September this year, marking a major milestone in CityUHK’s development in the GBA and accelerating the promotion of high-quality development in the area. He emphasised that as with CityUHK, CityUHK (Dongguan) will foster an educational environment that is inspiring, interactive and innovative.

"CityUHK has embarked on an array of partnerships with Nansha District Government, and now we are taking another significant step towards fostering academic and research collaboration in the GBA," said President Boey. "I am enthusiastic about the vast potential of our collaboration, which will drive knowledge sharing, nurture talent for the Greater Bay Area and benefit the community."

Professor Barrs said, "Through this partnership, CityUHK's veterinary students will gain invaluable experience in top-tier swine management and food safety, and research collaborations. Nansha has state-of-the-art agriculture and animal production industries, which are crucial to Hong Kong. Our collaboration will jointly enhance veterinary standards and further advance One Health."

Ms Liu Xiaotong, Deputy Head of the Nansha District Government said, "CityUHK is a world-class hub for teaching and research innovation. Since the 13th Five-Year Plan, the GDAAS has achieved significant results in scientific and technological achievements, variety certification and patents, establishing a comprehensive agricultural technology service network across the province. The collaboration between the two places, focusing on the field of veterinary medicine, will promote technical exchange and talent cooperation, facilitating the integration of Hong Kong youth into the rest of the GBA."