Prof Zongben Xu, Vice President of Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) and academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared his insights on the opportunities and challenges brought about by the development of Northwest China at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Research Forum co-organized by the School of Engineering and Interdisciplinary Programs Office on 24 February 2012.

The HKUST Research Forum, entitled "Challenge and Opportunity – Energy, Chemical & Environmental Technology and Science in the Development of the Northwest China", drew an enthusiastic audience of over 110 engineering students and faculty members. The forum was hosted by Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Prof Jingshen Wu, and kicked off by an opening speech delivered by Provost Prof Wei Shyy, Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

In his talk, Prof Xu analyzed the strategic position, advantages and opportunities of Northwest China with the development of the nation. He also discussed the demand for talents and technologies created by the development of Northwest China, based on the energy distribution in China, the need for economic and social development in the Northwest, as well as the distributions of universities.

Prof Xu is a mathematician and an expert in signal and information processing. In addition to taking the leadership role as Vice President, he also serves as professor of mathematics and computer science, director of the Institute for Information and System Sciences in XJTU. He is also a Chief Scientist of National Basic Research Program of China (973 Project). His current research interest includes intelligent information processing, machine learning and theories in numerical modeling.

The HKUST Research Forum aims to bring synergy among faculty members and students within and across disciplines, and nurture collaborative research atmosphere and culture. It provides a good opportunity for students and faculty members to exchange ideas with renowned experts in the global academia.