City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is committed to strengthening connections with its alumni across various regions and keeping them informed about University developments. 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 that drew over 300 participants.

In the afternoon, the College of Computing and the College of Engineering of CityUHK 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 promoted deeper knowledge exchange with the aim of contributing wisdom and strength to the development of the GBA.

Shenzhen Alumni Lounge: A new hub for innovation and exchange

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 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 and University Distinguished Professor 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.

Dr Fan Chao Bin, Chairman of the Shenzhen Alumni Chapter, shared his vision for the Lounge. “Shenzhen is a place where dreams come true,” he said. “I envision the Lounge as a warm and welcoming place that will foster a sense of belonging and support alumni in achieving their career goals and life aspirations. Here, we aim to create a platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration and inspire innovative thinking. Together, we will craft an extraordinary chapter for the CityUHK community."

Following the Ceremony, the senior management and alumni leaders visited the Alumni Lounge and the Shenzhen Research Institute to gain a deeper understanding of the facilities. They also discussed ways to strengthen alumni connections, deepen collaboration, and jointly promote the development of the University.

Greater Bay Area Alumni Reunion Dinner: Fostering connections and strengthening bonds

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 the 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 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 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 the 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.

The dinner also featured alumni sharing from Dr Florence Chan from the College of Computing and Dr Huang Yuan Hao from the College of Engineering, and singing performance from faculty members and students from the College of Engineering, showcasing the deep affection CityUHK alumni have for their alma mater.

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.