Lingnan University signs MoU with South China Agricultural University to strengthen collaboration in student exchange and other areas

Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University, Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning, as well as representatives from Lingnan University, welcomed a visiting delegation led by Prof Xue Hongwei, President of the South China Agricultural University (SCAU) on 19 April 2024.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Lingnan University and SCAU, a new milestone in the collaboration between Lingnan and SCAU in postgraduate programmes, student exchanges, scientific research collaboration and training.

President Qin welcomed President Xue Hongwei and his delegation warmly, mentioning the historical ties between the two universities, and stressing the great importance Lingnan University attaches to collaboration with universities in the Greater Bay Area. President Qin also spoke of the latest developments at Lingnan University, including the opening of the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS) on 26 March, and the upcoming establishment of the School of Data Science on 2 May. The University also plans to launch generative AI (GAI) for all first-year students as a core course. This initiative will enable both universities to develop future pragmatic cooperation in talent exchange and interdisciplinary research collaboration.

Prof Xin Yao suggested that Lingnan University and SCAU explore cooperation in three domains: establishing research platforms, facilitating talent exchange encompassing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral student training, and fostering project collaboration. Prof Chen Xi, Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, talked to the delegation about interdisciplinary research projects, focusing on agricultural applications.

President Xue Hongwei thanked President Qin for his friendly reception, and provided a comprehensive overview of the scientific construction at SCAU. He emphasised their three core pillars: research, integration and internationalisation, highlighting the institution's dedication to advancing agricultural science, and was enthusiastic about Lingnan University’s new School of Data Science, mentioning SCAU’s plans to establish a big data centre. Recognising the considerable potential for collaboration in interdisciplinary fields, he proposed that the two universities organise a multidisciplinary forum to enhance existing partnerships and forge new ones.

Other SCAU representatives included Mr Wu Bin, Director of the President’s Office, Prof Wang Jianwu, Dean of the Undergraduate School, Prof Chen Letian, Director of the Office for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, Mr Zhang Yangwu, Director of the Alumni Association Office, Prof Zhong Guohua, Dean of the College of Plant Protection, Prof Feng Yaoyu, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Prof Qin Qiwei, Dean of the College of Marine Sciences. Representatives from Lingnan University included Prof Chen Xi, Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Ms Sharon Tam Siu-lan, Director of the Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer, Dr Simon Xu Shenglang, Director of the Office of Global Education, Ms Joanne Cho Wai-tak, Head of the Office of the President, and Ms Ivy Shen Tingting, Head of the Office of Mainland Development.