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The City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) signed two cooperation agreements to establish partnerships in digital medicine and law, aimed at fostering talent development and academic exchange.
The strategic cooperation framework agreement, signed by the Provost and Deputy President of CityUHK and the President of the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of SYSU, focuses on promoting collaborative development in life sciences, digital medicine, computer science, and biomedical engineering. This partnership aims to enhance scientific research, technology transfer, talent cultivation, and scholarly exchange between the institutions.
Another agreement, signed by the Dean of the School of Law at CityUHK, and the Dean of the School of Law at SYSU, seeks to offer SYSU law students opportunities to study at CityUHK. This initiative aims to cultivate legal expertise with a comprehensive understanding of both mainland and Hong Kong legal systems.
The President of CityUHK emphasised that the CityUHK Institute of Digital Medicine, established in April 2024, aims to advance research integrating life and health technologies, data science, and artificial intelligence with medical science and public health. He expressed optimism that by combining CityUHK’s strengths in engineering, data science, and life sciences with the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of SYSU’s medical and clinical resources, the partnership will drive medical innovation and future healthcare development.
He also noted the importance of the legal partnership, anticipating that students from both universities would engage in meaningful exchanges and contribute to the legal development in mainland China and Hong Kong.
Following the ceremony, the Associate Vice-President (Mainland Strategy), highlighted CityUHK’s academic achievements and major initiatives, including the CityUHK Academy of Innovation. She announced that the establishment of CityUHK (Dongguan) had been approved by the Ministry of Education, with its first academic year set to begin in September, reinforcing CityUHK’s leadership in innovative education and talent development within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The President of Sun Yat-sen University detailed SYSU’s latest developments and unique features, leading to productive discussions between the institutions on topics such as medicine, new energy, law, business administration, biomedical engineering, and graduate programmes.
The agreements and partnerships primarily fall under the education and technology markets. According to recent research, the Higher Education Market, valued at US$736.81 billion in 2023, is projected to reach US$1,569.36 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. Several key factors drive this market expansion.
Demographic trends, such as an increasing number of youths entering college and a growing need for lifelong learning opportunities, are major contributors. Technological advancements, including virtual classrooms, online learning environments, and educational applications, enhance flexibility, accessibility, and the overall quality of education, attracting more students to higher education.
Globalisation has heightened the demand for advanced degrees, prompting institutions to offer international programmes, partnerships, and study abroad options that provide students with a global perspective and a competitive edge in the job market. Economic conditions also influence enrolment trends; during economic downturns, more individuals seek to retrain or enhance their skills through higher education.
Government programmes and funding significantly impact the market. Initiatives promoting research, development, and expanded access to higher education, along with legislative changes, financial aid programmes, and funding for postsecondary institutions, shape the market landscape. Industry partnerships foster research, innovation, and curriculum development aligned with industry needs, enhancing the value of higher education through co-ops, internships, and job placements.
The rapid pace of technological advancement and evolving job requirements necessitate continual upskilling and learning. Institutions that offer programmes aligned with new industries, in-demand skills, and professional certifications attract students and meet industry demands.
