Summer Academic Exchange Program in Hong Kong Successfully Held by the School of Mathematics
To further enhance students' comprehensive quality, broaden their international perspectives, and comprehensively improve the quality of undergraduate talent cultivation, the School of Mathematics organized a three-day academic exchange visit to Hong Kong from July 9 to July 11, 2025, for the 2022-Class students in the Strengthening Foundation Program.The delegation was led by Dean HuanyaoWen, Deputy Dean BingLi, Vice-SecretaryJiafu Cao, and Teacher XiaolanLiu. a series of activities, including thematic lectures, interactive exchanges, and on-site visits, the delegation visited two prestigious universities—The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The program provided students with an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong's higher education system, student recruitment, and training mechanisms, offering clearer insights into their future academic and career planning.
The program consisted of two main parts. On the morning of July 10, the delegation visited the Department of Mathematics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where they engaged in in-depth academic discussions and exchanges with faculty and students. In the afternoon, the delegation toured the campus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and continued with academic exchanges and experience sharing. On the morning of July 11, the delegation visited the Department of Mathematics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where they participated in a symposium with faculty members and postgraduate students, followed by a campus tour.
Part 1: Visit to The Chinese University of Hong Kong
A delegation of 27 faculty and students visited the Department of Mathematics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on the morning of July 10. They were warmly welcomed by Associate Professor YongYu.
Deputy DeanBing Li and JiafuCao, Deputy Party Secretary, expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and introduced the School of Mathematics at South China University of Technology, sharing experiences in teaching and research. Associate Professor Yu Yong provided an overview of the recent developments in the Department of Mathematics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, highlighting the faculty expertise in various research areas, existing postgraduate programs, and the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme. Following the introduction, students actively raised questions about pursuing further studies in Hong Kong. Associate Professor Yu Yong patiently addressed each question and encouraged motivated students to apply. The exchange session was conducted in a friendly atmosphere, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the academic environment and research culture in the Department of Mathematics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Subsequently, PhD student Yi Tianhan from the Chinese University of Hong Kong shared his experiences and insightsin applying for and studying during his undergraduate and doctoral programs, answering students' questions from the perspective of an undergraduate student. Finally, Deputy Party SecretaryJiafuCao summarized the meeting, encouraging students to explore opportunities and express their aspirations actively.
After the meeting, the delegation toured the campus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Part 2: Visit to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
On the morning of July 11, the delegation visited the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Prof. Xianpeng Hu provided a detailed introduction to the Department of Mathematics at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, covering aspects such as faculty structure, curriculum settings, scholarship policies, and graduate admission policies, and warmly welcomed our students to pursue further studies in Hong Kong in the future.
During the second phase of the exchange, three alumni—Assistant Professor Yao Fangyan (who earned her Ph.D. from the School of Mathematics in 2022), Postdoctoral Researcher Zhang Minyi (who earned her Ph.D. from the School of Mathematics in 2024), and Ph.D. candidate Chu Jiawei (who earned her master's degree from the School of Mathematics in 2022)—shared their comparative learning experiences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and South China University of Technology. They provided detailed insights into both academic and daily life aspects. Students actively participated, asking questions and engaging in lively interactions. The atmosphere was enthusiastic, filled with laughter, and students expressed that they gained a clearer understanding of their future academic planning.
After the meeting, Prof. Xianpeng Hu led the delegation on a campus tour, allowing them to experience the learning environment, educational model, and the vibrant academic and cultural atmosphere of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Summary
Through visits, research, and symposiums, this exchange program provided students with an opportunity to witness the achievements of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It also allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the unique educational philosophies, university spirit, and campus culture nurtured by the integration of Chinese and Western cultures in Hong Kong's higher education institutions. Furthermore, the program fostered meaningful exchanges between young people from both regions. During the activities, faculty and students from Hong Kong universities shared their personal experiences and insights on academic planning, offering students a clearer understanding of different research directions and future academic pathways. Students unanimously expressed that the program exceeded their expectations. The immersive experience of Hong Kong's higher education institutions, combined with firsthand exposure to the local history, culture, and customs, not only broadened their knowledge and perspectives but also deepened their understanding of the strategic importance of the Greater Bay Area in advancing Chinese modernization. The highlight of the program was the exchange session with senior alumni, whose practical advice on topics such as major selection and research entry points made abstract academic planning more tangible. Additionally, through on-site observations, students gained exposure to diverse educational approaches and international academic trends, appreciating the passion and dedication of researchers.
Moving forward, the School of Mathematics will further open its mindset and explore more opportunities to provide students with high-quality long-term and short-term exchange programs, building a broader platform for their growth. We hope that every student can fully absorb the insights gained from this program, learn from the experiences of their predecessors, and chart a clear direction for their academic journey. Let us continue to strive and contribute to the advancement of mathematics.
