City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is committed to strengthening connections with its alumni across various regions and keeping them informed about the latest developments at the University. On 24 May, CityUHK hosted a series of alumni events in Shenzhen to foster the vibrant alumni community in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This included the launch ceremony of the Alumni Lounge and a reunion dinner, which drew over 300 participants.

In the afternoon, the College of Computing and the College of Engineering hosted an alumni forum, titled “Innovation Edge: Empowering Tomorrow”. The forum focused on how technology can be used to address pressing social issues and featured sharing by alumni and guests from the two Colleges. The forum aimed to promote knowledge exchange and contribute wisdom and strength to the development of the GBA.

The Alumni Lounge at the CityUHK Shenzhen Research Institute marks the first dedicated alumni networking space established outside Hong Kong. It is specifically designed to facilitate communication among alumni in mainland China, with an emphasis on the GBA. The Lounge provides a welcoming environment for networking events and serves as a meeting and workspace for the Executive Committee of the Shenzhen Alumni Chapter. The lounge is thoughtfully designed to strengthen alumni connections and aligns with the Alumni Lounge in Hong Kong, which opened earlier this year in the CityUHK International Centre, serving as an essential hub for CityUHK alumni.

Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK, expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic contributions from the Shenzhen Alumni Chapter and other alumni in the GBA. He underscored the significance of alumni development in the Mainland. Professor Boey noted that the Alumni Lounge brings together graduates from various disciplines and is the result of collaborative efforts, including support from the Shenzhen Research Institute and the Campus Development Office. He hoped the Lounge would inspire boundless creativity among alumni, facilitate academic exchange and collaboration, and generate greater societal benefits.

At the alumni forum held on the same day, President Boey pointed out that in the face of rapid technological advancement and global challenges, CityUHK is actively promoting interdisciplinary integration and innovative development. The University has further strengthened its research capabilities and social impact through the establishment of four new institutes: the CityUHK Academy of Innovation, the Institute of Digital Medicine, the Hong Kong Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Science, and the Institute for Materials Innovation.

The forum featured keynote speeches from several distinguished guests, including Dr H. C. Louie Liu, CEO of Swaysure Technology Co., Ltd; Dr Rocky Cheng Chung-ngam, CEO of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited; and Professor Chen Cailian, Distinguished Professor in the School of Automation and Sensing at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. They explored the latest development trends and practical experience with artificial intelligence (AI) from the perspectives of industry, research and policy.

Dr Liu shared the latest developments in the integration of semiconductors and AI, emphasising the critical role of foundational hardware innovation in AI breakthroughs. Dr Cheng introduced Cyberport’s role as a digital technology hub and AI accelerator, showcasing its comprehensive innovation ecosystem. Professor Chen, speaking on the theme “Embarking on the Journey of a Female Scientist”, shared her research journey and the need for perseverance, encouraging young students to bravely pursue their dreams.

Dr Howard Huang Yuanhao, Founder and Chairman of Orbbec Co. Ltd., participated via a pre-recorded interview. He reflected on how his studies at CityUHK had laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey and encouraged current students to make good use of the available resources, broaden their horizons, and prepare well for future development.

On the same day, the Greater Bay Area Alumni Reunion Dinner was held, creating a lively atmosphere, as more than 300 alumni from various regions in Mainland China gathered to strengthen bonds and celebrate the achievements and developments of their alma mater.

President Boey stated, “The flourishing development of the GBA offers CityUHK and its students and alumni limitless possibilities. Whether it is in technological innovation, educational collaboration or cultural exchange, we have opportunities to play a greater role.” He pointed out that China is one of the most dynamic and innovative countries in the world. In line with this trend, CityUHK is committed to establishing itself as a ‘hub for international young talent’ and is actively exploring opportunities for students to engage with the GBA’s development.

President Boey also highlighted the latest campus developments, including the launch of the “Tunnel of Future Innovations” on 21 May, which connects the Hong Kong campus with the community. He invited GBA alumni to visit the campus. Alongside other flagship initiatives, such as HK Tech 300 and the CityUHK Academy of Innovation, CityUHK is dedicated to driving innovation and cultivating talent with an international perspective and an innovative spirit, he said.

As a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for the alumni’s enthusiastic support, President Boey and a band, comprising Professor Kevin Downing, Secretary to the Council, Professor Sunny Lee, Senior Director of the Office of the President, and other University members, gave a special performance. Their renditions of the timeless English classics “Stand by Me” and “Hey Jude” brought warmth and joy to the event, symbolising the enduring bond between the alumni and the University.

Attendees at the Alumni Reunion Dinner also included: Professor Lee Chun-sing, Provost and Deputy President; Professor Li Wen Jung, Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy); Professor Isaiah Arkin, Dean of the College of Biomedicine; Professor Wang Jianping, Dean of the College of Computing; Professor Lu Jian, Dean of the College of Engineering; Professor Wang Xin, Dean of the College of Science; Professor Chen Fu-rong, Associate Vice-President (Mainland Collaboration) and Director of the Research Institutes in the Mainland; Professor Ray Cheung Chak-chung, Associate Provost (Digital Learning); Professor Steve Wong, Associate Vice-President (Community Engagement); Ms Ng Pheck Choo, Senior Director of the Office of the President and Director of the Global Engagement Office; Ms Grace Liang, Director of the Alumni Relations Office; and Ms Catherine Siu Kit-yee, Director of Campus Development.

Media enquiries: 
Poying Hung, Communications and Institutional Research Office, CityUHK (Tel: 3442 4218)