In 2019, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) continued to work with all walks of life when developing towards becoming a world-class research university, rooted in China. SUSTech has progressed in its support of societal progress, as more government departments, social groups, enterprises, and individuals cooperate with or donate to SUSTech.
The ongoing cooperation between SUSTech and the community has seen SUSTech develop a range of resources to enhance its brand and to provide for societal progress.
Deep integration with society
SUSTech’s broader commitment to the community is shown by its development with different districts and enterprises across Shenzhen. In June, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) signed an agreement with the Bao’an District People’s Government of Shenzhen for the construction of the Shenzhen Industrial Technology Research Institute (SZITRI). Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) and ZTEICT Technology Co., Ltd (ZTEICT) announced a new joint laboratory, called the ”SUSTech-ZTE Joint Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.” Other agreements were signed with the municipal governments of Yantian, Futian, Longhua, and Pingshan Districts. In January, SUSTech signed a four-party cooperation agreement with the Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department, Beijing Institute of Collaborative Innovation (BICI), and Yunnan Energy Investment Group. A cooperation agreement was also signed between SUSTech and Yunnan University.
SUSTech developed many joint laboratories throughout 2019. They included the Joint Lab for Advanced Chip Design, the SUSTech-Robosea Marine Equipment Joint Laboratory, the SUSTech-UTokyo Joint Research Center on Super Smart Cities, and the SUSTech Institute of Robotics (SIR) – Aeronext UAV Technologies Joint Laboratory. By the end of 2019, SUSTech had a total of 27 joint institutions on campus, nearly double what had been there at the end of 2018. In March, SUSTech signed a cooperation agreement with Shenzhen Gas and oversaw the unveiling of the Shenzhen Gas–SUSTech Academician Laboratory at the Shenzhen Gas headquarters. In April, the Department of Finance launched its Joint Actuarial Center with Yingshang Technology (Snail Insurance Network) and the SUSTech Education Foundation. In August, the School of System Design and Intelligent Manufacturing (SDIM) at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) was the recipient of funding via the SUSTech Education Foundation (SUSTCEF) and Dongguan Haili Holding Group (Haili Group). As part of this donation announcement, SDIM announced a new adjunct professor. In November, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) signed an agreement with Qianhai Investment Control Co., Taikang Health Investment Co, and Cedars Sinai Medical Center to build the Qianhai International Medical Center. SUSTech also launched a joint medical robotics laboratory with Aisono in December.
Education Foundation improves investment revenue
The SUSTech Education Foundation has continued to improve and enhance its operations in areas such as investment behavior and efficiency while laying a solid foundation for the future of SUSTech.
In 2019, SUSTech received a total of 2729 donations, with a total amount of nearly 100 million yuan, 61 new donation agreements, and donation agreements totaling 70.078 million yuan. The annual investment income was up over 200% compared to last year. Accumulated revenue of the SUSTech Education Foundation has passed 580 million yuan.
Each department has set up a “Faculty Development Special Fund.” Many departments received their first donations in 2019. In 2019, 52 new donation agreements were signed by faculties and departments with the amount of newly signed donation agreements passing 50m RMB, up more than 140%.
March 29th witnessed the establishment of the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) Hong Kong Education Foundation. The foundation symbolizes a new step for the development of SUSTech. In July, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) welcomed SUSTech graduate (Class of 2017) Fang Chen back to campus. He met with Vice Dean of the Department of Finance Yang Zhaojun, SUSTech Education Foundation Secretary-General Tu Ronghui, and Deputy Secretary-General of the SUSTech Alumni Association Geng Jun, to donate a sizeable sum to the SUSTech Alumni Development Fund.
In August, the School of System Design and Intelligent Manufacturing (SDIM) at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) was the recipient of funding via the SUSTech Education Foundation (SUSTCEF) and Dongguan Haili Holding Group (Haili Group). As part of this donation announcement, SDIM announced a new adjunct professor. In November, the SUSTech Education Foundation (Education Foundation) launched the Beijing Nanyan Student Development Special Fund (Nanyan Fund). The Nanyan Fund is the first fund jointly sponsored by both the parents of students and admissions staff to promote the development of students from a specific area: in this case, Beijing.
In December, SUSTech launched a joint medical robotics laboratory with Aisono. The Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering (MEE), the SUSTech Education Foundation, and the Technology Transfer Center (TTC) were all involved in the launch. Later in December, the Alumni Development Fund (Fund) of Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) received its first donation from an alumni enterprise, which was acknowledged as part of the 2019 Alumni annual meeting and party.
Scholarships and other funds support university development
The on-going support from society has seen SUSTech continue to grow, with many funding projects supporting enrollment activities, talent pipelines, research development, industry-university research partnerships, and the further construction of the campus.
Throughout 2019, SUSTech improved in many areas, awarding scholarships to many students. Three members of the Class of 2023 received the Hou Quping Freshman Scholarship while one student was sponsored to attend the University of California Berkeley for one year under the Kaisa Group International Talent Award. Many other scholarships supported 98 students to a total of 377,000 RMB. Three students and their families were also given financial assistance during times of extreme distress.
SUSTech has always been committed to the development of its faculty, so the Special Fund for Introducing Talent has supported the introduction of recognized talents while ensuring their smooth and safe start of working at SUSTech. Awards recognize and reward faculty members in a wide range of areas, while also supporting life-long education through the Affiliated Education Group, from kindergarten to high school.
SUSTech has thoroughly supported the development of industry-university research platforms and independent departments. These platforms and departments include UNESCO-ICHEI, the SUSTech-CITIC Bank Institute of Finance and Economics, the Yingshang-SUSTech Joint Actuarial Center, and the Hai Liang-SUSTech Intelligent Transportation Research Center.
The SUSTech Education Foundation has also established special funds for different campus construction projects, including renovating older buildings, getting new library furniture, and expanding office space for staff members.
