CUHK
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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosted the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (GHMUA)’s 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Presidents’ Forum on its campus today (24 July 2026). As the Vice-Chair institution, CUHK brought together more than 180 participants, comprising university leaders and government officials across the region to review the development of GHMUA, with a specific focus on joint efforts to promote the sustainable growth of the Alliance and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). 

The opening ceremony was officiated by government leaders and university heads from across the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, including:

• Ms Zhang Jin, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China;
• Dr Choi Yuk-Lin, JP, Secretary for Education, HKSAR Government;
• Mr Zheng Jinpeng, Inspector II, Department of Educational and Youth Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR);
• Mr Xu Shimin, Chief Inspector, Department of Education of Guangdong Province;
• Mr Ding Shaoxiong, Deputy Director, Education and Youth Development Bureau, Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region;
• Mr Xia Fangming, Inspector II, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Guangdong Province;
• Dr Liu Chenggong, Party Secretary of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) and Chairperson of the Alliance Board;
• Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK and Vice-Chairperson of the Alliance Board; and
• Professor Song Yonghua, President of the University of Macau (UM) and Vice-Chairperson of the Alliance Board.

Strategic vision: harnessing the GBA engine for the vision of a strong education nation

Professor Lo remarked in his opening speech, “Under the national 15th Five-Year Plan, efforts are being intensified to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. In this context, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance should strategically leverage its unique advantages and work collaboratively to support the national goal of becoming a world-leading nation in education, science and technology, and talent cultivation. A decade ago, CUHK was honoured to co-found the Alliance with SYSU and UM, and to serve as a Vice-Chair institution of the Alliance. Over the past ten years, we have worked closely with partner universities in the GBA to expand mutually beneficial regional partnerships, while playing a leading role in advancing collaboration and innovation under the Alliance framework. Looking ahead, we remain firmly committed to strengthening strategic discipline building, supporting the establishment of national centres for interdisciplinary studies in the GBA, contributing to the implementation of the HKSAR’s Five-Year Plan, and further developing a research translation network spanning the GBA and the nation as a whole.”

Chart future collaboration and celebrate a decade of successful partnership

The guests expressed their continued support and commitment to GHMUA, with the hope that the development of the Alliance would enhance the influence of the GBA and bring significant advances in cooperation by leveraging the strengths of the three regions. As the highlight of the Annual Meeting, the President’s Forum was held in three panel discussions, during which presidents of member universities exchanged views under the theme “A Decade of Cooperation, Shared Success in the GBA”. Participants explored how universities can better respond to societal needs and leverage their distinctive strengths, as well as how disciplinary development and innovation ecosystems can support national priorities in advancing self-reliance and strength in science and technology and talent-driven development.

Preceding the Presidents’ Forum, the Alliance Board convened its annual meeting to approve the annual work plan and elect new Board members. As 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Alliance, a special exhibition was organised to celebrate its achievements, highlighting the outcomes of collaborative platforms established by member institutions across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

To celebrate this milestone, the Alliance also staged its inaugural inter-university cultural performance, bringing together award-winning student groups from member institutions. The programme featured a variety of artistic performances, showcasing the vibrancy of youth talent and reflecting the cultural integration fostered among the three regions.

About the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (GHMUA)

Established in November 2016 under the joint initiative of CUHK, SYSU and UM, GHMUA serves as a premier higher education platform, building on the efforts of elite universities across the three regions to pursue research excellence, nurture young talents, and render community service. The Alliance currently comprises 52 member institutions, including 35 universities from Guangdong Province, 10 universities from Hong Kong, and 7 institutions from Macao. As a co-founding institution, CUHK has been playing a central role in mobilizing research and education resources, fostering collaboration and exchange among member institutions, and propelling innovation and talent development in the GBA through the Alliance.