On December 1, a delegation led by Professor Stephen Y.L. Cheung, President of Saint Francis University, together with Professor Chan Hing Hung Anthony, Dean of the Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, Dr. Wong Tik Tsuen Anthony (Associate Dean), Dr. Zhao Yingchao, Dr. Liu Xueting Tina, as well as representatives from the Public Affairs Office (Recruitment and Engagement Team) and the Global and Mainland Engagement Division - Dr. Aries Chan, Ms. Josephine Chan, and Ms. Wendy Siu - a total of 8 members, visited Guangzhou at the invitation of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Yuexiu District Committee.
This visit focused on key topics such as the establishment of a Mainland office, the alignment of educational resources, and the integration of cultural exchange. The delegation held in-depth discussions with the Yuexiu District United Front Work Department and the Education Bureau of Guangzhou Municipality, receiving positive responses and consensus on development, laying a solid foundation for the University to deepen its presence in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and to serve national strategies.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in exchanges with the Yuexiu District United Front Work Department. Mr. Xiao Fengchun, Member of the Yuexiu District Party Committee and Director of the United Front Work Department, and Mr. Deng Weisheng, Deputy Inspector, personally received the delegation and warmly invited Saint Francis University to establish a Mainland office in Yuexiu District, expressing willingness to provide support and assistance for the University's development in the Mainland.
In the meeting, President Cheung emphasised the University's commitment to strengthening academic, research, and cultural exchanges with Mainland institutions, government agencies, and industry partners, exploring complementary resources and cooperative pathways. Both sides exchanged views on building cooperation platforms and directions, reached consensus on development, and agreed to steadily advance cooperation with the support of the Yuexiu District United Front Work Department. The office is expected to become an important bridge for the University to expand into the Mainland, enhance brand influence, and connect teaching, research, and industry resources.
This interaction is a concrete practice of implementing the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" and "Development Plan for Driving Higher Education Collaboration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area", meeting the requirements of "building a collaborative higher education system" and "strengthening industry–education integration," and injecting quality educational resources and innovative strength into the construction of the Greater Bay Area.