At the invitation of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prof. Zhang Xi, President of Jilin University, attended the Presidents’ Dialogue and Opening Ceremony of the APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition held in Hong Kong on February 24th.

At the Presidents' Dialogue, Professor Zhang Xi, as an invited discussant, delivered comments and shared insights on the topic “Partnerships for the Global Good: Navigating Challenges, Excelling Innovation and Building Trust". He emphasized that friendship and trust are prerequisites for cooperation, while complementary expertise forms the foundation. Many key problems cannot be solved alone; through collaboration, difficult problems can become manageable, and efficiency can be improved. Professor Zhang stressed that universities should create chances for young people to open their minds at an early stage, and for scientists to meet, listen, and work together on challenges ahead. He urged universities and funding agencies to continue to invest in these multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary international collaborative researches, to jointly address global challenges.

During the Conference and Exhibition, Professor Zhang Xi met with representatives from several universities, including Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (USA), the University of Trento (Italy), and the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Italy) exchanging ideas on enhancing mutual trust and deepening collaboration.

From February 25th to 26th, Professor Zhang Xi led a delegation to visit three universities in Hong Kong.

During the visit to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Zhang Xi held talks with Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He briefly introduced the history, disciplinary strengths, and progress of the "Double First-Class" initiative at Jilin University and expressed appreciation for the significant development achieved by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Professor Zhang noted that the two universities have complementary disciplinary advantages and significant potential for cooperation. He expressed hope to further deepen comprehensive collaboration based on the existing foundation, jointly advance frontier scientific exploration and interdisciplinary integration research, and cultivate high-level talents through high-quality research. Professor Jin-Guang Teng stated that Jilin University is a prestigious university with profound heritage and strong capabilities. He looks forward to more fruitful outcomes in talent cultivation and scientific research cooperation between the two universities in the future.

After the meeting, Professor Zhang Xi and Professor Jin-Guang Teng jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Jilin University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

During the visit to Hong Kong Baptist University, Professor Zhang Xi held talks with Professor Alexander Ping-kong Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University. During the meeting, Professor Zhang Xi reviewed the history of cooperation between the two universities, acknowledging the achievements made in educational exchanges over the years, introduced the disciplinary advantages of Jilin University in fields such as Chemistry, Archaeology, and Computer Science and Technology, and expressed hope for further expand areas of cooperation, deepening interdisciplinary exchanges, and jointly cultivating high-quality talents. Professsor Alexander Ping-kong Wai warmly welcomed the delegation and introduced Hong Kong Baptist University's educational philosophy of "Humanities X Technologies" and its disciplinary characteristics, expressing anticipation for deepening collaboration with Jilin University in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and joint talent cultivation as well.

After the meeting, Professor Zhang Xi and Professor Alexander Ping-kong Waiwitnessed the signing of the Agreement on Exchange of Outstanding Undergraduate Students between the College of Computer Science and Technology, Jilin University and the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University. The delegation also visited relevant laboratories at Hong Kong Baptist University.

During the talks with Professor Lee Chun Sing, Provost and Deputy President of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Zhang Xi stated that City University of Hong Kong is one of Jilin University's key partners, with notable achievements in internationalization and research innovation. He expressed hope for deeper cooperation between the two universities in disciplines such as Materials Science, Chemistry, Law, and Computer Science and Technology, and proposed holding annual bilateral academic conferences to strengthen collaboration. Professor Lee Chun-Sing extended a sincere welcome to Professor Zhang Xi and the delegation, highly praised the comprehensive strength and disciplinary advantages of Jilin University, and expressed hope that both universities would leverage their respective strengthes, build more cooperation platforms, and promote substantive progress in educational, research, and related areas.

During the visit, Professor Zhang Xi held a meeting with Jilin University alumni working or pursuing further studies at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. On behalf of the university, Professor Zhang Xi congratulated the alumni on their achievements and thanked them for their contributions to promoting cooperation between the two universities. The alumni shared memories of their time studying at Jilin University and collectively expressed gratitude for the education and cultivation they received from their alma mater.

Relevant representatives from Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, School of Artificial Intelligence, and the State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials participated in the activities.