The signing ceremony was held at **City University of Hong Kong**, bringing together senior university leaders, distinguished scholars, industry representatives and education partners from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore and across Southeast Asia.
The agreement was witnessed by **Professor Freddy Boey**, Acting President and Provost of City University of Hong Kong, and **Mr. Chiu Shu Fai**, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Global School of Technology & Management (GSTM), who delivered keynote remarks highlighting the strategic importance of international collaboration in advancing education, research and innovation in the era of artificial intelligence.
Also attending the ceremony were members of CityUHK's senior management team, including university vice presidents responsible for innovation, entrepreneurship, international strategy, Mainland affairs, community engagement and administration, together with representatives from the College of Computing. GSTM was represented by its Board Chairman, senior executives and honorary board members, alongside more than fifty guests from academia, government and industry.
The establishment of the Joint Institute reflects a shared commitment to addressing emerging global challenges through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration. The Institute will focus on key areas including artificial intelligence, data science, digital governance, smart cities, technology policy and digital economy development, serving as a collaborative platform for research, education and industry engagement across the region.
Strengthening International Collaboration for the AI Era
Speaking at the ceremony, **Professor Freddy Boey**, Acting President and Provost of City University of Hong Kong, described the establishment of the Joint Institute as an important milestone in expanding the University's global research network and advancing interdisciplinary innovation.
He noted that artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, industries and societies at an unprecedented pace. Addressing the complex challenges of the digital age requires close collaboration among universities, governments and industry. Through this partnership, CityUHK and GSTM will integrate international academic resources and expertise to promote cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, data science and public policy while nurturing future-ready professionals with global perspectives and interdisciplinary capabilities.
Professor Boey emphasized that Hong Kong's unique position as an international education and innovation hub provides an ideal environment for fostering world-class research and cultivating talent capable of contributing to sustainable economic and technological development worldwide.
Representing GSTM, **Mr. Chiu Shu Fai**, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, reaffirmed the institution's long-term commitment to technology-driven education and international collaboration. He described the partnership with CityUHK as a significant step in GSTM's strategy to develop globally competitive educational programmes aligned with emerging industry needs.
Established in 2010 and located in Singapore's central business district, GSTM has developed a comprehensive higher education ecosystem spanning diploma, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes. The institution has built a growing international reputation across business, artificial intelligence, life sciences, healthcare and creative disciplines, with a strong emphasis on integrating academic excellence with industry relevance.
Recognizing the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the global workforce, GSTM has significantly expanded its academic offerings in data science, artificial intelligence, business analytics, financial technology and the digital economy. Through close partnerships with industry and government, the institution seeks to bridge the gap between higher education and future workforce demands, ensuring graduates are equipped with both technical expertise and practical experience.
The Joint Institute for Applied Data Science and Policy Research represents a natural extension of these strategic priorities. By combining CityUHK's internationally recognised research strengths with GSTM's regional educational network and industry partnerships, the Institute aims to become a leading centre for interdisciplinary research, policy innovation and talent development throughout Hong Kong, Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
By leveraging Hong Kong's position as an international centre for higher education and innovation, together with Singapore's role as a gateway to Southeast Asia, the partnership aims to strengthen academic connectivity, accelerate research translation and foster a new generation of globally minded professionals equipped with technological expertise, business acumen and leadership capabilities.
A Joint Platform for Research Excellence and Innovation
The newly established **Joint Institute for Applied Data Science and Policy Research** will serve as a multidisciplinary platform dedicated to advancing research, education and policy development in areas that are shaping the future of the global digital economy.
Initial research priorities will include artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, digital governance, smart city development, technology policy, cybersecurity, digital transformation and innovation management. By bringing together researchers, educators, policymakers and industry leaders, the Institute aims to generate practical solutions to complex societal and economic challenges while accelerating the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Beyond academic research, the Institute will actively promote knowledge transfer and industry engagement through collaborative research projects, executive education programmes, policy dialogues and technology commercialisation initiatives. These efforts are intended to strengthen connections between universities, government agencies, enterprises and innovation ecosystems, ensuring that research outcomes create measurable impact for society.
The partnership also leverages the complementary strengths of Hong Kong and Singapore—two internationally recognised centres for higher education, innovation and global business. Hong Kong's role as a gateway connecting Mainland China with international markets, together with Singapore's strategic position as a hub for Southeast Asia, provides a unique foundation for building an integrated research and innovation network spanning the Asia-Pacific region.
Through this cross-border collaboration, the Institute seeks to facilitate academic exchange, interdisciplinary research and international cooperation among universities, research organisations and industry partners across Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore and ASEAN member states. The long-term vision is to establish a globally recognised platform that contributes to technological advancement, policy innovation and sustainable economic development throughout the region.
Talent Development and Scholarship Programme
A key component of the partnership is the launch of the **Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Talent Scholarship Programme**, which reflects the shared commitment of CityUHK and GSTM to nurturing the next generation of technology leaders and researchers.
The scholarship programme will provide outstanding undergraduate students, postgraduate students and early-career researchers with opportunities to pursue academic study, research training and international exchange in Hong Kong. Participants will benefit from access to internationally renowned faculty members, interdisciplinary research teams and advanced laboratory facilities while engaging in collaborative projects that address real-world challenges.
Through structured academic mobility, joint supervision, research internships and cross-border learning experiences, the programme aims to establish a sustainable talent development pathway that supports intellectual growth, professional development and international collaboration.
In addition to financial assistance, scholarship recipients will gain valuable exposure to industry innovation through partnerships with leading technology companies, research institutions and public-sector organisations. This integrated approach will enable students to combine academic knowledge with practical experience, preparing them for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence, data science and digital innovation.
The initiative further reinforces both institutions' commitment to promoting educational excellence, increasing international mobility and strengthening the exchange of knowledge and talent between Hong Kong, Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific community.
Integrating Research with Education to Develop Future-Ready Talent
Beyond advancing frontier research, the Joint Institute will play a pivotal role in enriching undergraduate and postgraduate education by integrating research, industry engagement and international collaboration into the student learning experience.
Through the Institute, GSTM students will have opportunities to participate in internationally supervised research projects, interdisciplinary innovation programmes, industry-sponsored initiatives and cross-border academic exchanges. This immersive learning model is designed to bridge classroom knowledge with practical application, enabling students to develop analytical thinking, research capabilities, entrepreneurial mindsets and global competencies.
Students will also benefit from exposure to real-world challenges through collaborations with technology enterprises, government agencies and innovation partners. By working alongside leading academics, researchers and industry professionals, they will gain valuable experience in applying emerging technologies to solve complex business and societal issues.
This integrated educational framework reflects a growing global trend in higher education, where academic excellence is complemented by experiential learning, international mobility and close collaboration with industry. The partnership seeks to equip graduates not only with advanced technical knowledge but also with the adaptability, leadership skills and cross-cultural perspectives required in an increasingly interconnected world.
Building a Long-Term Innovation Ecosystem
Industry observers have noted that artificial intelligence and data science are rapidly becoming key drivers of national competitiveness, economic resilience and sustainable development. As governments and industries accelerate digital transformation, the demand for highly skilled professionals capable of navigating technological change continues to grow.
Against this backdrop, the collaboration between CityUHK and GSTM represents more than an academic partnership. It establishes a strategic framework that connects higher education, scientific research, industry innovation and policy development across Hong Kong, Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
By combining complementary strengths in education, research and international engagement, both institutions aim to foster an ecosystem where new ideas can be translated into practical solutions with meaningful social and economic impact. The Joint Institute is expected to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, promote technology transfer and strengthen connections among universities, enterprises, public-sector organisations and innovation communities.
Looking ahead, CityUHK and GSTM will continue expanding their cooperation through joint research initiatives, dual-supervision opportunities, faculty and student exchanges, executive education, academic conferences and industry partnerships. These collaborative efforts will further strengthen knowledge sharing, encourage cross-border innovation and support the commercialisation of research outcomes.
As the Joint Institute evolves, it is expected to become a recognised platform for research excellence, international talent development and innovation leadership. By leveraging the complementary advantages of Hong Kong as a global innovation gateway and Singapore as a strategic hub connecting ASEAN, the partnership aims to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the regional digital economy while cultivating a new generation of globally minded leaders capable of shaping the future of artificial intelligence and data science.
About City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is a globally recognised research-intensive university committed to excellence in education, research and innovation. Renowned for its strengths in science, engineering, business, data science and interdisciplinary research, the University actively collaborates with leading institutions and industry partners worldwide to address global challenges and advance sustainable development through knowledge creation and technological innovation.
About Global School of Technology & Management (GSTM)
The Global School of Technology & Management (GSTM), Singapore, is an international higher education institution dedicated to cultivating future-ready professionals through technology-driven education and industry-oriented learning. Established in 2010, GSTM offers programmes ranging from diploma to doctoral levels across business, artificial intelligence, data science, healthcare and related disciplines. Guided by its vision of integrating education, technology and global collaboration, GSTM continues to strengthen international partnerships while preparing graduates with the knowledge, skills and global perspectives needed to thrive in the digital economy.
