HKUST (GZ) delegation tour seeks collaboration, talent development

Another benefit of educational exchanges is that they contribute to cultivating talents with a global perspective, Ni pointed out.

When asked about what could be deemed as talents with a global mindset, Ni said they should be individuals who have the ability to understand and respect different cultures, and exchanges can educate people to appreciate the uniqueness of other cultures, as "interactions promote understanding".

Efforts are being made in multiple aspects to facilitate exchanges during the delegation's visit to Europe as HKUST (GZ) places a high value on internationalization, Ni said.

"I hope we can create opportunities for our students to participate in exchanges to Europe. I also hope to recruit students and faculty members from Europe to foster a diverse cultural environment at home."

As the first higher-learning institution co-established by Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland following the unveiling of the development outline for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in 2019, the university also prioritizes nurturing talents with inter-disciplinary skills and innovation ability anchored to the needs of China and the world, Ni said.

To achieve that goal, HKUST (GZ) has made a series of changes to reform teaching and learning. For example, it has adopted a brand-new academic structure featuring "hubs" and "thrusts" to replace the traditional "colleges" and "departments" to facilitate cross-disciplinary education.

Ni said he hopes that the visit to Europe can also offer new perspectives for reform.

"When you travel to different places, you can always see different things. Therefore, it is important to go out and explore, instead of isolating yourself and thinking only about your own ideas. Whether it is the strengths or weaknesses of others, they serve as references for us."