Shenzhen-Hong Kong Forum: SFU President Calls for “Investing in People” to Seize AI Opportunities

22 Oct 2026
Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President of Saint Francis University (SFU), recently spoke as a keynote speaker at the forum, jointly organised by the One Country Two Systems Research Institute and the China Development Institute. He shared insights on talent development in the age of artificial intelligence.

Professor Cheung said, "Hong Kong's universities should actively foster closer collaboration across industry, academia and research. For example, through a School of Innovation or interdisciplinary platforms, we can build stronger partnerships with leading enterprises in Shenzhen and the wider Greater Bay Area. From curriculum design and research collaboration to internships, practical training and the translation of research outcomes, universities can develop a talent pool aligned with regional development needs. This would not only enhance students' practical capabilities and competitiveness in the job market, but also provide a more reliable talent pipeline for the region's innovation and technology sector."

Professor Cheung concluded that "investing in people" is the foundation for Hong Kong and Shenzhen to seize opportunities in the AI era. As a pioneering university of applied sciences, SFU will continue to facilitate the exchange of talent and knowledge, contributing to prosperity across the Greater Bay Area and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
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