HKUST Annual Report 2017-18

32 International and Mainland Strategy GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT The University continued to extend its ties with leading institutions and countries around the world to foster academic and research exchanges and collaborations. HKUST currently has agreements with more than 250 partners globally. Active Partners Worldwide Partnership Power During 2017-18, internationalization endeavors sought to enhance existing partnerships by identifying further areas for joint activities. The University of Waterloo became HKUST’s tenth strategic partner, marking the start of deeper ties in diverse areas between the two institutions. The University launched the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology- University of Manchester Seed Fund, providing openings for HKUST faculty to extend research links with their peers in Manchester. Opportunities with École Polytechnique, Australian National University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Tokyo Institute of Technology were also explored, adding to the array of student exchanges available at HKUST. International Presence Raising HKUST’s national and global profile is integral to the University’s strategy. The University hosted around 100 visits from high-level international delegations including senior government officials keen to learn more about HKUST student life, faculty members, and breakthroughs, enabling the University to showcase its education and research achievements and exchange views in areas of common interest. Overseas links were boosted through the University’s annual Consuls General Reception. Around 30 Consuls General and their representatives attended the event. The France-HKUST Innovation Hub, established by the University and Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, continued to serve as an incubator for ideas and a one-stop platform to enhance partnerships and strengthen links between France and Hong Kong in education, science and technology. The University successfully engaged with new French industry partners such as VINCI Construction, Dragages Hong Kong Limited, and Orange Fab France, among others. The collaboration also helped foster novel ways for faculty and students to innovate. 32% 3% 35% 29% 1% Asia Europe Latin America North America Oceania National and overseas bonds were strengthened as a result of alliances, collaborations, and cultural exchanges