The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Guangzhou Metro Group Co. Ltd. (Guangzhou Metro) have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly nurture HKUST postgraduate (PG) students into experts of intelligent transportation.

Under the agreement signed between Prof. Lionel NI, Provost of HKUST and Mr. DING Jianlong, Chairman of Guangzhou Metro, HKUST and Guangzhou Metro would each assign a professor-grade supervisor to guide and train selected PG students at HKUST in one of the four aspects of intelligent transportation - the forecasting and planning of urban agglomeration transportation system, rail transit passenger flow forecasting analysis and guidance, urban rail operation key equipment intelligent operation and maintenance technology, as well as subway security inspection technology.  

The program is set to groom all-round talent with special training in the innovation of and professional skills in intelligent transportation – a new spectrum which combines transportation, artificial intelligence and data science. These talents are expected to contribute to the enhancement of the region’s transport system as a whole. Intelligent transportation is a key research thrust area of HKUST’s new Guangzhou campus (HKUST(GZ)) which is now under construction.

Application will soon be open for all PG students at HKUST - including those participated in the Guangzhou Pilot Scheme. Succeeded applicants will be assigned two supervisors - one from HKUST and another a professor-grade senior engineer or staff of equivalent qualification appointed by Guangzhou Metro. They will follow through the student’s entire study process, and offer advice and guidance to his/her writing and defense of thesis. The students will also be provided with internship and research opportunities at Guangzhou Metro and the company’s "National Engineering Laboratory for the System Safety and Operation Assurance of Urban Rail Transit" respectively. Guangzhou Metro will sponsor the students of their training and living expenses during the study period.

“The program is exemplary of the collaboration between academia and leading enterprises in Guangzhou, it will strengthen the development of scientific research and innovation between the two parties,” Prof. Lionel Ni said. “HKUST is a staunch supporter of cross-disciplinary learning. Our new Guangzhou campus, for example, will focus on cross-disciplinary thematic fields. Our vision on innovation is consistent with that of Guangzhou Metro, and I believe this cooperation will bring synergies to both sides and contribute to the nurturing of talents and urban transport technologies in the Greater Bay Area."

HKUST has stepped up in cooperation with Guangzhou in recent years, one of the landmark collaborative projects, for example, is the new HKUST Guangzhou campus. HKUST(GZ) will adopt a novel pedagogy, replacing conventional schools and departments with academic hubs and thrust areas, which is set to create synergy with the Clear Water Bay campus and better realize the cross-disciplinary principles. The four Hubs at HKUST(GZ): Function, Information, Systems, and Society, are all interconnected. Intelligent transportation will be one of thrust areas of System Hub.

Related links:

• Read more about relevant research: HKUST Intelligent Transportation Systems Laboratory
• Find out more on HKUST Guangzhou Campus

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (www.ust.hk) is a world-class research intensive university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. HKUST attained the highest proportion of internationally excellent research work in the Research Assessment Exercise 2014 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, and is ranked as the world’s best young university in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2020. Its graduates were ranked 10th worldwide and top in Greater China in Global University Employability Survey 2019.

(This news was originally published by the HKUST Public Affairs Office here.)