On Tuesday, February 6 2018, SUSTech hosted THE Asia University Summit Gala Dinner to welcome the 300 higher education leaders from nearly 30 countries and regions. The event witnessed the exclusive launch of the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2018. Chen Rugui, the mayor of Shenzhen, also attended the gala dinner.

“The summit has provided an important platform for the worldwide collaboration of universities and it will enhance Shenzhen’s higher education development.”said Chen Rugui, “Shenzhen values talent and innovation, and the government will continue to support the development of higher education.” Mayor Chen also expressed his best wishes to all the guests and hoped that the summit would prove to be a great success.

Chen Shiyi, the President of SUSTech highlighted the succinct and vivid relationship between the city and the university, which is consistent with the theme of the summit, “Connecting cities, changing the world: research universities building Asia”. “What SUSTech has achieved so far could not have been realized without the commitment and investment of the Shenzhen People’s Municipal Government.”said President Chen.

Trevor Barratt, Managing Director of Times Higher Education, proposed a toast and remarked that they have had a hugely stimulating second day at the SUSTech campus. “We have heard from university leaders representing so many different types of institutions, and operated in different environments but all with a shared commitment to innovation and research excellence at the SUSTech campus,” said Trevor Barratt.

Phil Baty, the editorial director of global rankings Times Higher Education, revealed the 2018 ranking results during the gala. “The story of the world universities ranking in 2018 is the story of Asian universities’ success” he said. He also noted the huge potential of SUSTech in academic research and teaching as a young university moving forward.

The guests enjoyed several fantastic performances during the gala such as an impressive robot show, provided by UBTECH, one of Shenzhen’s tech giants.