Lingnan President S. Joe Qin leads a delegation to Sun Yat-sen University In order to increase student exchange and research collaboration

On December 10, 2024, Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, led a delegation, which included Lingnan's three Vice-Presidents, Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing, Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning, Mr Ernest Chan Chi-man, Vice-President (Administration), along with Prof Bradley R. Barnes, Interim Associate Vice-President (Global Affairs) cum Director of Global Education, and the University management members, to visit Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU).

A meeting was hosted by Prof Zhang Qi, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Sun Yat-sen University Committee, and President Qin, where both universities presented their plans to expand cooperation in areas such as student exchanges, research innovation, and PhD talent.

Prof Zhang Qi recalled the longstanding academic ties between the two institutions, welcoming President Qin and his delegation warmly, and saying that their visit felt like a homecoming. She expressed the hope that the two universities will collaborate more in talent cultivation and research, advancing educational development together and establishing the nation as a leader in education in the digital era.

President Qin praised SYSU for preserving the rich heritage and architecture of Lingnan University’s Guangzhou campus, and said that the two universities have “a shared DNA", with common cultural histories and successful alumni. He also described the recent developments at Lingnan, such as opening the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS), both aimed at integrating the arts and sciences.

Before the meeting, the Lingnan delegation was taken on a tour of the campus arranged by SYSU, and visited several historic sites, including Swasey Hall（懷士堂）, Black Stone House（黑石屋）, the College Infirmary Given in Honor of Hv Wife by Ma Ying Piv（馬應彪夫人護養院）, the Former Residence of Mr Chen Xintao（陳心陶故居）, the Former Residence of Jiang Lifu（姜立夫故居）, the Former Residence of Chen Yaozhen（陳耀真故居）, and Chen Yinque’s Former Residence（陳寅恪故居）.

Representatives from SYSU who took part in the visit included Prof Lin Jianhao, Dean of Lingnan College; Prof Lu Xiaodong, Associate Dean of Lingnan College; Mr Yu Bojun, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange Office for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs; and Ms Wu Huiying, Deputy Director of the Office of Education Administration (Academic Affairs Management Office).

Lingnan University was also represented by: Prof Chen Xi, Dean and Chair Professor of School of Interdisciplinary Studies; Prof Frankie Lam, Director of Teaching and Learning Centre; Dr Louisa Lam, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian; Ms Margaret Cheung, Registrar; Mr Ian Woo, Director of Finance Office; Mr Dennis Wong, Director of Office of Campus Development and Management; Ms Joanne Cho, Head of Office of the President; Dr Snow Wang, Head of Institutional Research and Branding Office; Ms Ivy Shen, Head of the Office of National Engagement; Mr Ginn Fung, Senior Manager (Communications and Public Affairs) of Office of Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs (OIAPA); Ms Blue Wong, Manager (Communications and Public Affairs) of OIAPA; and, from the President’s Office Ms Esther Li, Ms Ali Yeung, Ms Cat Cheung, Ms Prudence Lee and Ms Phoebe Suen.