Year in Review: Top 10 News Stories of 2023
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) has undergone remarkable development and is soon to celebrate its tenth anniversary. From its modest start amidst old factories and barren lands, the University has flourished into a distinguished international research institution, now home to over 13,000 students and faculty across six schools, one graduate school, and seven colleges. Its journey mirrors that of a great tree, sprouting from humble beginnings to spread its branches wide and deep.
2023 has been a year of continued pursuit of excellence for CUHK-Shenzhen, marked by noteworthy achievements. Let us delve into the top 10 news stories of 2023, reflecting on the strides made and looking ahead to a future of collaborative progress.
1. Tripartite Agreement among CUHK, CUHK-Shenzhen and Shenzhen Municipal Government to Bring Cross-border Partnership to Next Level
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) and the Shenzhen Municipal Government have signalled their intention to further collaborations on education, research and technology transfer through the signing of a tripartite supplementary agreement at a special ceremony held in the afternoon on 22 February 2023 at the Government House of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The ceremony was witnessed by Kwok-ki Chan, GBS, IDSM, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government and Weizhong Qin, Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government. Xiuyu Zheng from the Shenzhen Education Bureau, Rocky S. Tuan from CUHK, and Yangsheng Xu from CUHK-Shenzhen signed the agreement representing their institutions. This pact celebrates a decade of growth and sets the stage for expanded educational and research ventures, bolstering the Hong Kong-Shenzhen nexus and fuelling high-quality development.
2. CUHK-Shenzhen Phase II Campus Handed Over for Use
The handover ceremony of the Phase II project of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) took place at the Liwen Hall on 8 September 2023. Mr. Liang Yao, Director of the Bureau of Public Works of Shenzhen Municipality, symbolically handed over the keys to Professor Yangsheng Xu, President of CUHK-Shenzhen, marking the completion of the Phase II campus project and its official delivery to the University.
With a total built-up area of approximately 267,000 square metres, the Phase II project significantly expands the University's facilities. The combined Phase I and Phase II campuses will accommodate an educational community of 11,000 individuals. This milestone enhances CUHK-Shenzhen's commitment to refining its campus layout, elevating educational capacity, and positioning itself as an internationally renowned research university rooted in China and oriented towards the world. The completion is poised to contribute robust talent support for deepening collaboration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
3. CUHK-Shenzhen Receives High Praise from Minister of Education for Remarkable Development
The Minister of Education, Mr. Jinpeng Huai, led a delegation to CUHK-Shenzhen on 16 May 2023, for a comprehensive research and guidance visit. During the visit, Minister Huai presided over a roundtable discussion focused on advancing higher education services to support the pioneering development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The discussions delved into various aspects, including talent cultivation, academic disciplines, research innovation, international collaboration, and societal engagement. Minister Huai expressed his affirmative recognition of CUHK-Shenzhen's development over the past decade, commending the University's valuable experiments and offering insights gained from its endeavours towards establishing a high-calibre institution. Minister Huai lauded the University's leadership for their passionate commitment and daring spirit of reform and innovation. He encouraged CUHK-Shenzhen to steadfastly uphold its fundamental mission of moral and intellectual education, align with the innovative development requirements of education, technology, and talent, and continue its arduous entrepreneurial journey to contribute to the construction of a modern China.
Prior to this visit, Minister Huai met with Professor Yangsheng Xu, President of CUHK-Shenzhen, and the university delegation on 14 March 2023. During this meeting, Minister Huai acknowledged CUHK-Shenzhen's achievements in discipline development, research innovation, international collaboration, and societal engagement.
4. Groundbreaking Ceremony Heralds Start of Construction for the School of Medicine at CUHK-Shenzhen
On 15 May 2023, the School of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), marked a significant milestone with the commencement of its construction, celebrated through a grand groundbreaking ceremony. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Hongbo Zheng of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee; Yangsheng Xu, the President of CUHK-Shenzhen; Xiuyu Zheng, the Director of Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau; Liang Yao, the Director of the Bureau of Public Works of Shenzhen Municipality; Liwei Zhang, the Party Secretary of the Longgang District; Laurie Pearcey, the Associate Vice-President for External Engagement & Outreach at CUHK; Davy Cheng, the Dean of CUHK-Shenzhen's School of Medicine; Arieh Warshel, Nobel laureate and Professor at CUHK-Shenzhen; Hongtao Wu, Chairman of China Construction Science and Industry Corporation Ltd.; and Xiong Chen, the Chief Architect of Guangdong Province and National Master of Engineering Survey and Design.
The School of Medicine, CUHK-Shenzhen represents a joint venture between the Shenzhen Municipal Government, CUHK, and CUHK-Shenzhen to nurture a world-class medical institution. Situated within the International University Park in Longgang District, the project lies adjacent to the provisional CUHK-Shenzhen School of Music (also recognised as the Shenzhen Conservatory of Music) to the east, and overlooks the Shenzhen MSU-BIT University to the south. The project encompasses an area of approximately 235,000 square metres with a constructed space of 550,000 square metres.
5. CUHK-Shenzhen's MSc in Data Science Secures Top Spot in QS 2024 Master's in Business Analytics Ranking
On 25 October 2023, QS unveiled its 2024 Master's in Business Analytics Ranking. The MSc in Data Science programme at CUHK-Shenzhen clinched the top position in China. Notably, the programme has consistently maintained its presence in the global top 10 for three consecutive years in the "Employability" criterion, achieving an impressive ascent to the 7th position worldwide.
6. CUHK-Shenzhen Spearheads World University Leadership Summit
On 11 December 2023, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) welcomed leaders from 18 renowned universities across 10 countries and regions, together with executives from over 20 leading high-tech enterprises in Shenzhen, for the "World University Leadership Summit." Jointly organised by CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen and themed “Global Collaboration for Transformative Education and Innovation,” the gathering provided a prestigious international forum for discussion on higher education collaboration and the nurturing of innovative talent in the contemporary era. This event was graced by the presence of Jie Chen, Deputy Minister of Education of China.
7. CUHK/CUHK(SZ) Senior Management Retreat Successfully Concludes
On 19th February 2023, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen held their Senior Management Retreat. Representatives from both entities participated in the meeting, engaging in profound discussions and collaboratively exploring development plans. They emphasised the distinctive advantages of the "one country, two systems" framework in Hong Kong and the "dual-zone construction" in Shenzhen, committing to building "one brand and two campuses." Additionally, a joint office will be established to facilitate ongoing educational collaboration between the two campuses.
The partnership between CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen extends beyond this retreat, with joint initiatives such as the "2+2 Double Major Programme" in the Greater Bay Area. This pioneering undergraduate programme allows students to pursue a double-major curriculum across campuses in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Moving forward, the two campuses will continue to leverage their respective strengths, further enhance their capabilities to serve national strategies and regional socio-economic development, actively undertake important national deployments in education, science and technology, and talent, and persist in nurturing outstanding talents for society.
8. Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai and Shenzhen Institute of Data Economy Establish Presence in Qianhai
The State Council approved an overall development plan for the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, according to an official reply released on 10 December, 2023. This plan outlines Qianhai's strategic role in serving as a comprehensive experimental platform for deepening reform and innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It aims to establish a high-level gateway for international openness, contributing significantly to the deepening cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, supporting the socio-economic development of Hong Kong, and actively participating in international collaborations. As think tank platforms for Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation, the Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai and the Shenzhen Institute of Data Economy, both affiliated with CUHK-Shenzhen, held their settlement ceremonies in Qianhai on 16 November 2023 and 14 December 2023, respectively, to facilitate implementation of the plan.
Professor Yangsheng Xu, President of CUHK-Shenzhen, highlighted the significance of these institutes, stating, "The establishment of The Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai, aims to create a globally influential, high-level, research-oriented think tank that integrates policy research, talent cultivation, and international exchange. Leveraging the expertise of CUHK-Shenzhen's research teams, the Shenzhen Institute of Data Economy is committed to theoretical research and practical exploration in the construction of the digital economy, forming a robust platform for collaboration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong."
9. CUHK-Shenzhen Inaugurates Minerva College and Seventh College
On 28 August 2023, The Minerva College and The Seventh College of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) successfully commenced, welcoming 1,775 new students.
Generously supported by the Shenzhen Hexi Industrial Co., Ltd, the University established its sixth college, Minerva College, in 2022. Named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, arts, and urban civilization, "Minerva" stands as a guiding light for artists and scholars in their pursuit of knowledge. The Chinese name for Minerva College, "Han Hou," further embodies the values of loyalty, inclusiveness, benevolence, and generosity.
In a significant stride, the University introduced its inaugural postgraduate college, The Seventh College, in July 2023. Guided by the University's motto "Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue," The Seventh College is dedicated to nurturing students with a sense of mission, integrity, and a spirit of service. With a holistic approach, the college focuses on four dimensions – innovation and entrepreneurship, leadership and communication, service learning, and building intimate relationships. This framework aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience, facilitating a smooth transition for postgraduate students from academia to the professional sphere.
10. CUHK-Shenzhen Graduates Achieve Remarkable Milestones in Pursuit of Higher Education and Career Advancement
The Class of 2022 graduates at CUHK-Shenzhen have not only sustained a high employment rate but also demonstrated noteworthy outcomes in areas such as admission to renowned institutions, participation in popular postgraduate programmes, competitive salary levels, and diversified career paths. This underscores the ongoing enhancement of CUHK-Shenzhen graduates' competitiveness in the demanding job and academic landscapes, showcasing their proactive approach and readiness to shape their future.
Overall, this cohort maintained a robust overall employment rate of 95.24%, with an impressive 78.02% opting for further studies. Among them, 72.30% were admitted to the Top 50 universities worldwide, and 12.21% to leading institutions in specific fields, demonstrating the high recognition of CUHK-Shenzhen graduates by top universities globally. The average starting salary of graduates who entered employment also increased steadily to RMB 166,900, with 68.79% securing positions in Fortune Global 500 companies, China's top 500 enterprises, listed companies, or multinational corporations. Main employers include large enterprises, top securities firms, universities and research institutes in cities across the Greater Bay Area such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, as well as metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai.