On 11 December 2023, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) welcomed leaders from 18 renowned universities across 10 countries and regions, together with executives from over 20 leading high-tech enterprises in Shenzhen, for the "World University Leadership Summit." This significant event, jointly organised by CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen, provided a prestigious international forum for discussion on higher education collaboration and the nurturing of innovative talent in the contemporary era. This event also marked the beginning of the 10th-anniversary celebrations of CUHK-Shenzhen, and was graced by the presence of Jie Chen, Deputy Minister of Education of China.

During the event, Professor Rocky S Tuan, Chairman of the Governing Board of CUHK-Shenzhen and Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, alongside Yangsheng Xu, President of CUHK-Shenzhen, articulated their commitment to fostering international academic and industry partnerships, particularly within the Greater Bay Area.

President Yangsheng Xu of CUHK-Shenzhen reflected on CUHK-Shenzhen's journey, acknowledging the support from the Ministry of Education, the Shenzhen Municipal Government, CUHK, and the University community. He highlighted, “Collaborative innovation, often perceived as an abstract concept, is vividly tangible in our setting. This conference hall, our state-of-the-art campus facilities, and every student reaping the benefits of our international education ecosystem are living testaments to our innovative spirit.” The forum facilitated a deeper understanding and stronger cooperation among academia, industry, and research sectors, with CUHK-Shenzhen eagerly anticipating a future marked by openness, innovation, and resilience.

Yangsheng Xu, President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen

Professor Rocky S Tuan expressed CUHK's delight in co-hosting the summit. Under the "One Brand, Two Campuses" ethos, CUHK is dedicated to nurturing its Shenzhen campus as a top-tier research university with global reach, firmly rooted in China. Introducing Hong Kong's model of higher education to the Pearl River Delta, CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen contribute significantly to regional educational reform and talent development in alignment with national priorities, becoming a pivotal bridge between mainland China and the global community.

Rocky S Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK

The summit featured two panel discussions: "Strengthening Collaboration between Greater Bay Area Universities and Global Institutions" and "Research and Innovation Ecosystem." Discussions centred on mutually beneficial collaboration models, such as integrating science and innovation, top talent acquisition, and the establishment of joint laboratories. Representatives also shared success stories of cooperation between universities and enterprises in the Greater Bay Area and abroad.

The summit was a vibrant confluence of over 200 participants, including university presidents and chancellors from across the globe as well as heads of leading enterprises. Esteemed attendees included Professor Song Gao of Sun Yat-sen University, Professor Teng Long of Beijing Institute of Technology, Professor Liqun Zhang of South China University of Technology, Professor Lionel M Ni of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Professor Yaolin Liu of Duke Kunshan University, Gene D Block of the University of California, Los Angeles, Pradeep K Khosla of the University of California, San Diego, Banchong Mahaisavariya of Mahidol University, Sandra Almeida of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Metin Sitti of Koç University, Hazri Bin Haji Kifle of the University of Brunei Darussalam, and Barnabas Nawangwe of Makerere University. The event also boasted the presence of vice chancellors and deans from prestigious institutions like the University of Chicago, Korea University, Hong Kong Baptist University, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), ESSEC Business School, and American University. Alongside these academic leaders, the forum attracted notable industry figures, including William Xu, Huawei Fellow and Chair of Huawei's Scientist Advisory Committee, Dr. Minfeng Xiao, Vice President of BGI College and Scientist of BGI Research, BGI Group, Mr. Jakey Liang, Vice President, Oceanpayment Co., Ltd., and Mr. Jason Wang, Director of International Public Affairs, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical, highlighting the diverse and influential nature of the gathering.

Professor Shiping Zhu, Vice President (External and Student Affairs) of CUHK-Shenzhen, concluded the summit with heartfelt thanks for the valuable insights and participation of all attendees. He noted, “This summit has been a crucible of shared best practices and novel ideas in educational cooperation. The insights gained here form the foundation of our future collaborations, guiding our response to the dynamic global landscape. CUHK-Shenzhen remains steadfast in its commitment to partnering with global counterparts to foster university cooperation and spearhead educational innovation and development.”

Shiping Zhu, Vice President of CUHK-Shenzhen

Following the forum, the delegation of principals visited the global headquarters of BYD in Shenzhen as the final stop.