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The University of Hong Kong (HKU) concluded its HKU@Shanghai event series from 28 February to 1 March 2026, celebrating the University’s 115th anniversary and the grand opening of its strategic Shanghai bases. Mr C Y Leung, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, alongside dignitaries from Shanghai Municipality, Dr Peter Wong, Chairman of the HKU Council, and Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, gathered with the University’s newest distinguished members – including Nobel Laureates and a Fields Medalist, and the broader HKU community – to celebrate the grand occasion, marking HKU’s new chapter—one defined by innovation breakthroughs, global collaboration, and academic excellence.

Dr Peter Wong, Chairman of the HKU Council, remarked “Over its 115-year history, HKU has remained true to its motto of “Sapientia et Virtus” (Wisdom and Virtue), passing this legacy from generation to generation. Through bold leadership and relentless effort, the University has established far-reaching influence both regionally and globally. Our new chapter in Shanghai demonstrates how HKU builds upon its storied past to forge new paths forward.”

Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, stated, “Choosing Shanghai marks a significant step in HKU’s integration into the broader national development landscape. As the nation’s premier hub for economic, financial, trade, and technological innovation, Shanghai embodies an open, inclusive, and excellence-driven ethos that aligns with HKU’s motto, pioneering spirit, and relentless pursuit of progress. I am honoured to stand with you as we formally begin HKU’s journey in Shanghai. My deepest gratitude goes to the Shanghai municipal government and its leaders at all levels for their dedicated support, providing the University this new platform and a bold new chapter as HKU celebrates its 115th anniversary.”

Bold Leap into the Yangtze River Delta

The celebrations began with the grand opening of the HKU Zhangjiang Base in Zhangjiang Science City, a state-of-the-art facility extending the reach of the HKU School of Computing and Data Science from Hong Kong to Shanghai. The base will also house interdisciplinary research institutes in smart computing, future electronics, and materials manufacturing, forming a pioneering for teaching and research that drives innovation.

Complementing this development, HKU has launched the Caohejing Base at Shanghai’s Caohejing Hi-Tech Oasis, home to HKU interdisciplinary research institutes. The base fully leverages the Caohejing Development Zone’s distinctive strengths in science and technology innovation. Focused on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, it drives the industrial transformation of scientific achievements, attracts world-class research teams, and cultivates a comprehensive ecosystem—from innovation at its source to industrial application.

The HKU Shanghai Headquarters, located in the century-old Bund 22 heritage building, was unveiled as the University’s central hub for global alumni engagement. Serving as a collaborative platform, it connects scholars, students, scientists, and entrepreneurs from Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Adjacent to the HKU Shanghai Headquarters, the Bund SOHO Base—led by the HKU Business School—serves as an international platform for research, innovation, and commercial collaboration that seamlessly integrates technology with the humanities. It was introduced as a dynamic platform for fintech, digital intelligence, and entrepreneurial incubation, bridging academia and industry.

These four strategic bases will serve as vital platforms for academic exchange, technological innovation, and industry collaboration, further cementing HKU’s position as a global leader in education and research. Moving forward, HKU will leverage Shanghai as a new engine, upholding its founding mission to serve as China’s English-speaking international university. The University will deepen its integration into the broader national development landscape, contributing its unique strengths to the advancement of science, technology, education, and talent development across the nation.

Great Minds Meet Heritage

The event series featured an exclusive "Meet Great Minds" discussion, where newly appointed HKU Chair Professors—Nobel laureates Professor Sir Andre Geim (Physics, 2010) and Professor Ferenc Krausz (Physics, 2023), alongside Fields Medalist Professor Ngô Bảo Châu (2010)—shared insights on scientific research. These preeminent scholars engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas, offering profound perspectives on the evolving scientific landscape and their research directions at HKU.

The celebrations culminated in the HKU 115th Anniversary Shanghai High Table Dinner, a distinguished tradition fostering intellectual exchange and community bonds. The evening’s highlight was a keynote address by Professor R. May Lee, President of Olin College of Engineering, who spoke on "Innovation and Education." Drawing on her expertise, she explored transformative approaches to nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers and visionary leaders.

These intellectual feasts epitomised HKU’s 115-year legacy of cultivating visionary leaders, driving innovation, and advancing societal progress. Beyond celebration, the events embodied HKU’s enduring role as a nexus of excellence, where ideas ignite and future-shaping minds converge.

As HKU commemorates 115 years of academic excellence, the University stands poised to realise its vision of becoming “a world-leading university transforming humanity’s future”. Through groundbreaking research, the cultivation of exceptional leaders, and sustainable contributions to societal advancement, HKU continues to strengthen its role as a driving force for progress in Hong Kong, the nation, and the global community. This milestone stands as both a golden chapter in HKU's storied legacy and a radiant prelude to an even more ambitious and transformative era ahead.