City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) celebrated its Grand Opening Ceremony marking a pivotal moment in higher education and technological advancement. The facility is set to advance educational and research capabilities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The inauguration was distinguished by the presence of prominent officials from mainland China, Hong Kong and key figures from CityUHK. Notable dignitaries in attendance highlighted the university’s crucial role in advancing technological innovation and promoting regional collaboration.

CityUHK (Dongguan) is strategically located within the Songshan Lake High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, a hub renowned for its focus on advanced research and technological innovation. The campus, which spans 482,000 square meters, is adjacent to leading national scientific laboratories and high-tech R&D institutions. This strategic positioning aims to catalyse advancements in cutting-edge technologies and support the region’s economic development through research and innovation.

The university’s infrastructure includes state-of-the-art facilities designed to support research and development in several high-tech fields. These include specialised laboratories for artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and smart manufacturing. The integration of these facilities into the campus underscores CityUHK (Dongguan)’s commitment to driving technological advancements and fostering interdisciplinary research.

CityUHK (Dongguan) offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and master’s programmes focused on high-tech industries. Undergraduate programmes include Computer Science and Technology, Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Energy and Power Engineering.

These programmes are designed to equip students with the skills required for emerging technological fields. Additionally, the university offers master’s programmes in Computer Science, Engineering Management, Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology, Business Information Systems, Data Science, and Electronic Information Engineering.

The curriculum at CityUHK (Dongguan) is tailored to meet the evolving needs of technology-driven industries. Stressing hands-on experience and interdisciplinary approaches, the university aims to prepare students for leadership roles in areas such as AI, advanced materials, and renewable energy. By fostering close collaboration between academia and industry, CityUHK (Dongguan) is poised to contribute significantly to the region’s technological and economic growth.

CityUHK (Dongguan) is also set to play a crucial role in advancing the digital economy. With a focus on fields like smart manufacturing and data science, the university is positioned to address key challenges in technological innovation. The integration of AI and data analytics into the academic programmes reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The inaugural ceremony highlighted the university’s commitment to global perspectives and collaboration. Students from various provinces, including Guangdong, Beijing, Sichuan, and others, have enrolled in CityUHK (Dongguan), with many having top-tier academic credentials. This diverse student body underscores the university’s goal of attracting and nurturing talent capable of contributing to global technological advancements.

In his speech, Mr Leung emphasised the importance of CityUHK (Dongguan) in strengthening educational and technological ties between Dongguan and Hong Kong. He noted that the university represents a new frontier in educational collaboration and technological innovation. The Honourable John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, joined the ceremony via a pre-recorded video, praising the university’s potential to become a leading hub for talent development and technological innovation in the GBA.

The establishment of CityUHK (Dongguan) represents a significant step in advancing higher education and technology within the GBA. By integrating CityUHK’s academic standards with a focus on future-oriented research, the university aims to support high-quality development and contribute to the creation of an international innovation and technology center.

As CityUHK celebrates its 30th anniversary, the launch of CityUHK (Dongguan) reaffirms its commitment to innovation, technology, and interdisciplinary education, positioning it as a leader in addressing global challenges and driving technological progress.