The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Étienne (ENSMSE), France, have signed a Memorandum for Cooperation and an Academic, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation Agreement to foster collaboration.

Under the memorandum, HKUST and ENSMSE agree to seek to develop joint activities and programs for the purpose of facilitating academic, scientific and technological exchange and cooperation in the broad fields of science and engineering.

The Academic, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation Agreement, which was signed concurrently, aims to develop joint programs of study in the areas of teaching and student training between the two universities. The cooperation may include joint research projects, joint courses and curricula, seminars, student exchanges, joint PhD program, visits.

ENSMSE, founded in 1816, is one of the longest-established and among the top 10 graduate schools of engineering in France. The school's pioneering spirit is reflected in its exploration of new scientific themes and international partnerships.

The Memorandum and Agreement were signed by Prof Wei Shyy, Provost of HKUST, Prof Khaled Ben Letaief, Dean of Engineering of HKUST, and Prof Philippe Jamet, President of ENSMSE.

The Memorandum and Agreement mark a significant step in the cooperation between two universities and underline the commitment of both to strengthen academic and research excellence through international collaboration.