Author: Li Shu, Yan Jun

Publisher: Party Committee United Front Work Department  

Date: November 4, 2024

On October 31, 2024, Yu Guochun, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Overseas Chinese, Chief Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jinan University, visited Jinan University with a delegation of 22 members. The visit included a symposium focused on enhancing cooperation between the overseas Chinese communities of Guangdong and Hong Kong, as well as fostering new productivity in the Greater Bay Area.

The symposium featured key attendees, including Lin Rupeng, Secretary of the Party Committee at Jinan University; Hong An, Vice President; Liang Yan, Minister of the United Front Work Department; and Wu Chuanbin, Chairman of the Overseas Chinese Federation of Jinan University. 

During the discussions, Hong An highlighted the deep historical ties between the Hong Kong Overseas Chinese Federation and Jinan University, noting that many prominent figures in the Hong Kong overseas Chinese community are alumni of the university. She emphasized the importance of leveraging the university’s strengths as an overseas Chinese institution to meet the demand for talent in economic and social development. She expressed hope that the symposium would further strengthen connections between the overseas Chinese communities in Guangdong and Hong Kong, facilitating resource sharing and collaboration for the Greater Bay Area’s development.

Yu Guochun remarked on the significance of the year 2024, marking the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, and the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Overseas Chinese Federation. He praised the longstanding cooperation between the overseas Chinese communities in Guangdong and Hong Kong, which has contributed significantly to the region’s economic growth. Yu urged Jinan University to continue its mission as an overseas Chinese institution, fostering cooperation in various fields, particularly youth development, to cultivate future leaders for Hong Kong and Macau.

Huang Chuji, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and President of the Hong Kong Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations, echoed the importance of Jinan University in nurturing talent dedicated to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. He proposed that the Hong Kong Federation would enhance its role in promoting integrated development within the Greater Bay Area, particularly by empowering overseas Chinese youth as vital links between the regions.

Wu Chuanbin provided an overview of the Jinan University Overseas Chinese Federation, established in 1981 as the first of its kind among universities in Guangdong Province. He highlighted the Federation’s commitment to uniting overseas Chinese and their families, focusing on the university's central mission and implementing government policies on overseas Chinese affairs. In recent years, the Federation has innovated its approach, contributing positively to the university’s teaching and research initiatives.

Liu Yujie, Director of the External Liaison Office of Jinan University, shared insights on the university's Hong Kong alumni, noting nearly 80,000 graduates who have made significant impacts across various sectors, including politics, business, journalism, and healthcare. Alumni organizations have been active in fostering connections and engaging in social services.

Prior to the symposium, the delegation toured the History Museum of Jinan University, further enriching their visit and understanding of the university's heritage.