University Review
Building connections with the nation and the world
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Deepening engagement with the nation
Extended Study Programme in the Greater Bay Area
As a pioneer in the cross-border collaboration in education, HKBU is the first tertiary education institution from Hong Kong which established a campus in the Chinese Mainland – the Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU), formerly known as the Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College in Zhuhai, back in 2005. This visionary endeavour has served as the springboard for HKBU to excel in education and research, developing talents for Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the nation.
In alignment with the "One University, Two Campuses" strategy, HKBU introduced the Extended Study Programme in the GBA in the 2023-24 academic year, which enables HKBU and BNBU students to study credit-bearing programmes at both the Kowloon Tong and Zhuhai campuses and participate in experiential learning activities.
During the 2024-25 academic year, 120 students from 14 countries and regions participated and gained insights into the socio-economic outlook of the GBA and deepened their appreciation of Chinese culture. In addition, immersive study tours to the GBA were organised, attracting 350 students from 39 countries and regions. The tours allowed students to better understand the technological development and entrepreneurial opportunities in the GBA.
Active learning in Chinese Mainland
To enrich students' knowledge of Chinese history and culture, the Student Affairs Office organised various study tours and programmes, including the Gansu Silk Road Historical and Cultural Service Trip and the "Exploring Light and Shadow: Journey to Hangzhou Hengdian" tour. These trips provided students with immersive cultural activities, strengthening their appreciation of Chinese heritage and sense of belonging to the nation.
Exploring career and startup opportunities in the GBA
To increase students' international exposure and enhance their understanding of various industries, the Career Centre of the Office of Student Affairs organised career exploration trips to the GBA. These trips benefitted over 150 students, offering them first-hand insights into the dynamic regional market. Several immersive five-day career exploration trips were also arranged for approximately 130 students to different Asian cities, providing them with valuable exposure to diverse business environments and broadening their global perspectives.
In September 2024, the Career Centre organised a startup and cultural exchange tour, bringing together students from HKBU, South China University of Technology, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) for collaborative activities and visits, including an exchange of startup ideas and a trip to the Hong Kong Science Park. Additionally, three GBA Start-up Exploration Trips were held for both local and non-local students, offering valuable insights into the regional startup landscape and market opportunities.
Alumni networks in Chinese Mainland
To better engage the alumni from the Chinese Mainland, a landmark event "BU Alumni Ensemble in Shanghai" was held in December 2024. Themed "Hong Kong-Shanghai Connect: Shaping the Future via Art-Tech and Scientific Research", the event brought together 300 alumni and friends from Shanghai and neighbouring cities.
Promoting international outreach
During the year, HKBU welcomed around 800 exchange students from 30 countries and regions, greatly enriching campus life and fostering intercultural engagement. Around 700 HKBU students studied abroad at 29 destinations, returning with experiences that contribute to a more culturally aware community. The University's student mobility network now spans 374 partner institutions in 49 countries and regions, with new agreements made in France, Italy, Lithuania, Spain, the UK, and Uruguay.
In addition, more than 200 students participated in the Chinese Mainland or overseas internships facilitated by the Career Centre in collaboration with external partners. Internship destinations included the Chinese Mainland, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, and the US. Through these experiences, students deepened their understanding of various work cultures and socio-economic contexts, while developing transferable skills essential for their future career development in the global market.
Various initiatives were also launched to further promote internationalisation.
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HKBU campus |
HKBU co-organised the Hong Kong Partners Week to promote the "Study in Hong Kong" brand and strengthen bonds with overseas universities. |
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HKBU campus |
In collaboration with the Consulate-general of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao SARs, HKBU hosted the event "Gezellig! The Netherlands Funhouse" to foster multicultural exchange. |
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Germany |
A weeklong tour to Berlin, Germany enabled students to learn about how Sino-German collaboration plays a key role in global trade, investment and innovation. |
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France |
Communication Studies students participated in the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025, gaining insights into innovations in advertising, design and communication sectors. |
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Malaysia |
An adventure tour to Penang, Malaysia enhanced students' resilience, self-confidence and teamwork through a series of challenging learning experiences. |
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Singapore |
Master of Science in Marketing for the Creative Economy students engaged with marketing experts and appreciated public art in Singapore. |
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HKBU campus |
In partnership with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Hong Kong, HKBU hosted the Hong Kong leg of the Czech Games World Tour 2024. |
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Japan |
Geography students visited Fukuoka, Japan and explored issues related to environmental management, biodiversity, conservation and sustainable development. |
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Kazakhstan |
The Kazakhstan "Belt and Road" Exploration Tour enabled students to learn about the progress of the Belt and Road Initiative there. |
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Partnering with Chinese Mainland institutions for research collaboration
Establishing Humanities and Social Sciences Research Base (Shenzhen)
HKBU collaborated with the Chinese Institute of Hong Kong of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute to establish the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Base (Shenzhen). The new research base marked an important chapter in the University's strategy for cross-border collaboration and innovation in the GBA. By combining HKBU's dynamic academic culture with CASS's authoritative research infrastructure and Shenzhen's strategic location, the Base aims to become a powerhouse of ideas in fields as diverse as digital governance, cultural innovation, AI and society, and social development.
Joint funding programme to boost research collaboration
In April 2025, the Guangdong and Hong Kong Universities "1+1+1" Joint Research Collaboration Scheme announced the inaugural cohort of 15 cross-institutional projects. The funded initiatives are led by co-principal investigators from HKBU and BNBU. The Scheme stems from a collaborative agreement among the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, HKBU and BNBU. Under this agreement, from 2024 to 2026, the three parties will jointly contribute to a seed fund pool, totalling approximately RMB 90 million, aimed at supporting in-depth technological collaborations and prioritising strategic research areas such as data science, AI, and interdisciplinary applications.
Joint PhD programme to nurture research talent
HKBU and the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences signed an agreement in March 2025 to jointly launch a PhD programme, marking a pivotal step in fostering high-calibre research talent and deepening scientific collaboration within the GBA.
Fostering knowledge transfer and commercialisation of research outputs
HKBU and China Prosperity Capital (Shenzhen) Equity Investment Management Co., Ltd. (CPC Fund) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2024. According to the MOU, CPC Fund has committed to investing no less than HK$10 million in HKBU startups, and providing them with funding and support in connecting with the industry in a joint effort to foster the commercialisation of research outputs.
Exploring health benefits of traditional Chinese herbs
HKBU signed a MOU with Infinitus (China) Company Limited ("Infinitus (China)") in November 2024, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration in advancing research on food as medicine. According to the MOU, Infinitus (China) has committed to providing no less than $11 million to HKBU to establish the "Infinitus-Hong Kong Baptist University Joint Laboratory of Polysaccharide Research". The first two research projects focus on the effects of polysaccharides from traditional Chinese herbs on lung immunity, and on the potential of herbal polysaccharides for inhibiting intestinal polyp growth.