Supported by Shenzhen Virtual University Park, co-hosted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Shenzhen Research Institute and CUHK Office for Greater Bay Area Developments, the 9th “Distinguished Lecture by Top-notch University Series” was held on 12 November. Held simultaneously in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the hybrid event attracted a total of 31,000 attendees both face-to-face and online.

Since 2017, the Hong Kong government has invested billions of dollars in the development of innovation and technology (I&T), emphasising that talent is an essential propeller for I&T development. The Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address also highlights a series of policies to attract talents and strengthen the education system, which includes deepening the collaboration between Hong Kong, the mainland, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

At the lecture, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Sham Mai-har said: “The transformation from an agricultural and industrial economy to a knowledge-based economy is particularly significant to the development of the entire society. How universities nurture talents and adopt forward-looking strategies are the most crucial factors to keep pace with this direction.”

As a leading research university in Asia, CUHK continues to focus on integrating research, innovation and enterprise into a dynamic and productive continuum. The Strategic Plan 2021–2025 aims to generate impact and capitalise on the opportunities available from both private sectors and the government.