Graduate school expands its influence
The HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School has established a world-class teaching and research facility in southern China to provide training and internship for students in addition to participating in the mainland's major research and development projects.
Yu Tongxi, dean of the graduate school, said establishing a greater presence in China was in line with the HKUST's 2005-2020 strategic development plan. 'The graduate school will be a strong foothold for the HKUST to expand its influence,' he said.
With financial support from the Fok Ying Tung Foundation and the Fok Ying Tung Ming Yuan Development Company, the graduate school was established last year. It is now operating in rented premises at the Nansha IT Park and will be housed at a 25,000 square metre purpose-built campus, being constructed within the park. Twelve research centres have been set up by the graduate school.
Professor Yu said the graduate school was located in Nansha, a new suburb of Guangzhou and a little more than one hour from Hong Kong by ferry.
He said the institution would harness the HKUST's strengths to participate in the national research programmes and contribute to the mainland's economic and technological development.
The school is already engaged in research projects as part of the 863 National High Technology Research and Development Programme and the 973 Programme. The Digital Life Research Centre is also involved in a Guangdong-Hong Kong partnership to explore innovative digital life solutions.
Professor Yu said the university had also entered into joint ventures with local and multinational companies to explore research works. 'The graduate school provides a vital platform for us to take an active part in major research projects. Participation will also enhance the research works of our professors.'
On the provision of postgraduate education, the graduate school had teamed with Guanzhou-based Sun Yat-sen University to develop three master's programmes in computer science, technology and electronic technology, he said. The proposed postgraduate programmes are still waiting for approval from the Ministry of Education. 'The graduate school will also play a part in the training of talents in the mainland, as Chinese students can spend their internship with us under the guidance of our professors,' Professor Yu said.
