From October 19 to 22, Zhang Junfeng, President of Ocean University of China (OUC), led a delegation to Hong Kong, China at the invitation of partner institutions. The delegation visited the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium, and the Tung Foundation, with the aim of deepening practical cooperation between OUC and universities and institutions in Hong Kong, meeting with alumni, and unveiling the Ocean University of China Hong Kong Institute of Innovation.

During the visit to the Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium, Zhang Junfeng joined representatives from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Fishermen Consortium to unveil the Ocean University of China Hong Kong Institute of Innovation. On behalf of the university, Zhang expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Consortium for their strong support in establishing the Institute. He noted that the founding of the Hong Kong Institute of Innovation is an important initiative for OUC to actively contribute to the development of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. The institute will strengthen collaboration with the SAR Government and the fisheries sector in fields such as modern mariculture technology and sustainable fisheries, helping drive the transformation and upgrading of Hong Kong’s marine economy, and supporting the city’s development as an international maritime and marine hub. It will also leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages to serve the Belt and Road Initiative. 

The delegation subsequently visited the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Zhang Junfeng held discussions with the two universities’ senior leadership. Zhang presented OUC’s recent progress and achievements, particularly in implementing the guiding principles of President Xi Jinping’s important reply letter to the OUC community. He reviewed the fruitful outcomes of previous inter-university exchanges in faculty and student visits, academic cooperation, and joint research, and engaged in in-depth discussions on areas of shared interest, reaching preliminary cooperation intentions. 

While visiting the Tung Foundation, Zhang Junfeng met with Mr. Tung Chee-chen, Chairman of the Tung Group and Trustee of the Tung Foundation. On behalf of OUC, Zhang expressed his heartfelt appreciation and respect for the Foundation’s long-term care and support. He noted that OUC attaches great importance to the development of the Tung International Research Center for Sustainable Ocean Development. The first phase of construction has yielded substantial results, and the second phase will further focus on marine sustainability, align with national strategic needs, and address global marine issues. The center aims to become a more influential blue think tank and a platform for international cooperation and exchange. Mr. Tung spoke highly of the center’s achievements and offered insights and suggestions for its future development.

The delegation also met with OUC alumni working and studying in Hong Kong. Zhang Junfeng commended the alumni for their accomplishments and contributions, encouraging them to continue applying their expertise to support both Hong Kong’s development and the growth of their alma mater.