HKU Welcomes Delegation from Switzerland

HKU hosted a high-level delegation from Switzerland on 21 September, deepening the University’s scientific and innovation ties with some of the most prestigious academic institutions of Switzerland.

Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, welcomed the delegation together with HKU Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anderson Shum and representatives from the Faculties of Engineering and Science.

The Swiss delegation was led by Dr Martina Hirayama, Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, and joined by Rector Günther Dissertori of ETH Zurich, Rector Christophe Champod of the University of Lausanne, Rector Virginia Richter of the University of Bern, President Michael Schaepman of the University of Zurich, Vice Rector Martine Collart of the University of Geneva, as well as representatives of top Swiss educational and scientific organizations.

In his opening remarks, Professor Zhang highlighted the depth of the relationship between Switzerland and Hong Kong, in particular the student mobility and strong research partnership between HKU and Swiss institutions. He also emphasised that HKU’s doors would always be open to international collaboration.

The discussions focused on strengthening existing partnerships and identifying new areas of mutual interest. At present, HKU has established student exchange programmes with the University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, and ETH Zurich.

On the same evening, President Xiang Zhang engaged in a fruitful discussion with Prof. Michael Schaepman, President of the University of Zurich, during the fireside chat at the Swiss-Hong Kong Research and Innovation Reception. Moderated by Mrs. Amy Lo, Chairman of UBS Global Wealth Management Asia & Head and Chief Executive of UBS Hong Kong, both leaders shared insights on how their universities’ locations within international financial centres influence their research ecosystems. They also emphasized the growing importance of international collaboration among universities to address global challenges impacting humanity.

The Reception was hosted by Swissnex – Hong Kong and the Leading House Asia Pacific at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong.