A total of 15 projects supported by the "1+1+1" Joint Funding Programme were officially inaugurated at Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University(BNBU) on 8 April 2025. Each project is cross-institutional and co-led by two researchers - one from BNBU and one from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). A total of 30 researchers were certified during the inauguration ceremony.
The event was co-chaired by BNBU Vice-President (Research and Development) Prof Pan Jianxin and HKBU Vice-President (Research and Development) Prof Lyu Aiping. It was attended by distinguished guests from the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province (GDSTC), the Zhuhai government, BNBU, and HKBU.
Notable attendees included Ms Yang Huifang, Director of the GDSTC Communication and Cooperation Division; Mr Dai Ge, Deputy Director of the Zhuhai Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology Innovation; Prof Chen Zhi, President of BNBU; Prof Patrick Chau, Provost of BNBU; Prof Li Jianhui, Academic Registrar of BNBU; Prof Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; Prof Liu Jiming, Associate Vice-President (Research Development) of HKBU; Prof Ricky Wong, Senior Presidential Advisor of HKBU; Christy Cheung, Director of HKBU's Research Office; and representatives from various Faculties, Schools, laboratories, and research departments.
Group photo of the guests and senior management from BNBU and HKBU
The event is co-chaired by BNBU Vice-President (Research and Development) Prof Pan Jianxin (left) and HKBU Vice-President (Research and Development) Prof Lyu Aiping (right)
Group photo of the cerficated scholars and researchers
Prof Chen noted that the 15 projects focus on innovation in data science, artificial intelligence, and other strategic fields. He emphasided that the initiative will not only contribute to technological advancement in the Greater Bay Area but also strengthen collaboration between the two universities in talent development and scientific research.
BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi
Prof Wai highlighted that the programme has brought together the collective will, resources, and action of both Guangdong and Hong Kong. He remarked that it has accelerated institutional collaboration, created more opportunities for scientific breakthroughs, and will help cultivate internationally competitive talent for society.
President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU Prof Alexander Wai
Ms Yang expressed high hopes for the success of the programme and mentioned that the Province may consider upgrading it in the future to further enhance connections between universities in Guangdong and Hong Kong.
Director of the GDSTC Communication and Cooperation Division Ms Yang Huifang
Mr Dai emphasised that the launch of these projects aligns with Zhuhai's industrial development needs and affirmed that the government will continue to provide comprehensive support to research teams.
Deputy Director of the Zhuhai Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology Innovation Mr Dai Ge
 Dr Chen Donglong of BNBU speaks at the event on behalf of the funded researchers |  Prof Zhu Furong of HKBU speaks at the event on behalf of the funded researchers |
The "1+1+1" Joint Funding Programme was launched in May 2024, with GDSTC, BNBU, and HKBU jointly providing research funding. It aims to strengthen and further promote technological collaboration between Guangdong and Hong Kong.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photographer: Camilia Deng
