CUHK
News Centre

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosted the Navigating the Blue Together: China-US Youth Friendship Expedition exchange visit recently, bringing together young scholars and students from China and the US to explore innovative solutions to global challenges such as marine conservation and climate change. The youth from both sides exchanged research achievements and expertise in marine science, technological innovation and interdisciplinary studies, further strengthening international cooperation in the fields of marine conservation and sustainable development.                             

Distinguished representatives from CUHK attending the event included Professor Poon Wai-yin, Provost of CUHK; Professor Yam Yeung, Director of the CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute and of the Hong Kong Polar Science Innovation Centre; Dr Lin Huangquan, Executive Director of the Shenzhen Research Institute and Director of the Office for Greater Bay Area Developments; Professor Edwin Chan Ho-yin, Director of the School of Life Sciences; Professor Luo Haiwei, Director of the Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory; and Professor Apple Chui Pui-yi, Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences and Founder of the Coral Academy. Distinguished guests included Ms Lyu Ting, Deputy Director of the Department of American Affairs of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs; Mr Huang Dizhong, Vice President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation; Professor Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of ocean exploration NGO OceanX; Professor Ho Kin-chung, Chair Professor of Environmental and Polar Research at The Education University of Hong Kong; Professor Amina Schartup, Associate Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego; and Ms Jacqueline Ho, Deputy General Manager of Bridgewater (China) Investment Management. They were joined by over 50 student representatives from 15 world-renowned universities – including Harvard University, Columbia University, the University of California, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Zhejiang University and CUHK – alongside members of the OceanX team and other CUHK representatives.

Professor Poon extended a warm welcome to the delegation, adding that as a world-class comprehensive research university, CUHK is committed to bringing together China and the West, and advancing the well-being of the global community through the integration of teaching, research and technology transfer. She noted that the University has launched a series of projects in areas such as environmental protection, marine research and polar scientific exploration, which have recorded substantial achievements. CUHK will continue to work with global partners to nurture a new generation of leaders and expand the frontiers of scientific research and technology.

Professor Yam introduced CUHK’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and its efforts to inspire practical action to protect the environment. With the support of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, CUHK and the Polar Research Institute of China have established the Hong Kong Polar Science Innovation Centre. It coordinates Hong Kong scientists’ participation in polar missions and hosts the National Marine Knowledge Competition Hong Kong Contest, aiming to advance polar and marine science research and to open new dimensions for frontier research, technological innovation, talent cultivation and international collaboration.

Ms Lyu remarked that Navigating the Blue Together: The China–US Youth Friendship Expedition focuses on the intersection of ocean exploration and cultural dialogue. This initiative is an active response to President Xi’s initiative to welcome 50,000 young Americans to China over five years. Bringing together the most promising youth from both nations is vital, as the future of the China–US relationship lies in the hands of the next generation.

Mr Huang expressed his sincere gratitude for CUHK’s coordination and implementation efforts. He noted that the outstanding students from 15 prestigious universities working side by side to explore and protect the ocean is an inspiring example of cooperation in the current global climate.

Professor Pieribone noted that wherever OceanX’s vessel the OceanXplorer travels, its crew find a shared mentality and a united love for the ocean. He stressed that both nations are critical to the future health of our oceans and said he hoped this experience would open the door for long-lasting scientific exchange between their governments and scholars.          

Professor Chan and Professor Luo detailed CUHK’s excellence in marine, environmental and life sciences through in-depth research and educational initiatives. Students also participated in a hands-on coral restoration session hosted by CUHK’s Coral Academy, led by Professor Chui, allowing them to experience the University’s efforts in marine conservation and environmental sustainability.

Navigating the Blue Together: China-US Youth Friendship Expedition is jointly organised by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, the China-United States Exchange Foundation and OceanX, a philanthropic ocean exploration and media organisation founded by Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio. It has also received support from the Second Institute of Oceanography of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange of the Ministry of Education. CUHK also supported and coordinated scientific research in the waters around Hong Kong and the delegation’s exchange activities on campus. Liu Runjie, a CUHK student and a runner-up in the 15th National Marine Knowledge Competition Hong Kong Contest, was invited to join the joint China-US expedition aboard the OceanXplorer. CUHK faculty members and student representatives also boarded the research vessel on the morning of the event for a tour and exchange.