British Prince Andrew visits local university

Prince Andrew (2nd R) talks with a student while SUSTech president Chen Shiyi (2nd L) and Shan Xiaowen (C), dean of the university’s Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering Department, look on Thursday. Courtesy of SUSTech

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, visited the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) during his China tour and had talks with SUSTech president Chen Shiyi and vice president Lu Chun on Thursday.

At the meeting, Chen briefed Prince Andrew on the progress of “striving to build a world-class university, rooted in China.” He expounded on aspects of the developmental strategy, talent pipeline, international cooperation, industry-university cooperation and the construction of the School of Medicine.

Prince Andrew said that SUSTech has been developing at a very rapid pace. He expressed his appreciation for the cooperation and exchanges between the university and some British universities. He is looking forward to cooperation between SUSTech and King’s College London in medical education and scientific research.

He hopes that the two universities will utilize Shenzhen’s advantages to cultivate future leaders in the medical industry through innovative medical courses and teaching methods, and serve as a model for Sino-U.K. cooperation in higher education.

During the visit, Prince Andrew also saw an outdoor exhibition of SUSTech’s “Heron” UAVs, which will be on display at the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai from Tuesday to Nov. 11.

He also visited the 3-D campus construction sand table, the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center and the Technology Transfer Innovation and Entrepreneurship Exhibition.

Prince Andrew said that as a new university, SUSTech will make outstanding contributions to the development of Shenzhen’s high-tech industry, as well as to regional prosperity and technological development around the world. He was particularly impressed by SUSTech’s approach to entrepreneurship and its commitment to academic freedom.

The Duke of York will attend the inaugural China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Monday.