On December 5, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) and the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) jointly unveiled the SUSTech-UToyko Joint Research Center on Super Smart Cities (Research Center). As part of the unveiling, the Smart City Youth Scholars Forum also took place.

Shenzhen Municipal Government Deputy Secretary-General Wu You attended the launch ceremony, along with SUSTech President Chen Shiyi, Vice-Provost (Global Strategies) Zheng Chunmiao, and UTokyo Chinese Government Friendship Award winner, Professor Ryosuke Shibasaki. College of Engineering Dean Xu Zhenghe presided over the ceremony.

Vice Provost (Global Strategies) Zheng Chunmiao welcomed the launch of the Research Center. He said it represents SUSTech’s efforts to promote in-depth international cooperation with Japanese universities. The Research Center is an integral part of the unprecedented historical opportunities that have arisen from the industrial transformation of the Greater Bay Area and the creation of a pioneering demonstration zone in Shenzhen. He looked forward to the next Young Scholars Forum, which will enhance the development of both SUSTech and UTokyo.

President Chen Shiyi issued Professor Ryosuke Shibasaki with the title of Director of the Research Center. They then unveiled the Research Center together.

The Research Center will focus on basic research on advanced technologies that relate to smart cities such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G. These fields will serve major social needs such as intelligent pubic transport and urban perceptions. It will seek to build an innovative and world-class cooperation platform that aims to develop Shenzhen into a world-class digital smart city demonstration zone. The Research Center will ultimately make significant contributions to society.

Professor Ryosuke Shibasaki highlighted the similarities between the development of cities and universities. He looked forward to the improved connections that will form between Shenzhen and Tokyo as a result of the Research Center.

The afternoon of December 5 saw the Smart City Youth Scholars Forum take place. Faculty members from SUSTech and UTokyo gave several academic reports.