Riding the Wind, Setting Sail Together: Asia Metropolitan University’s 2026 Annual Conference Successfully Convened

On 20 December 2025, the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Alumni Association of Asia Metropolitan University successfully hosted the “Riding the Wind, Setting Sail Together – Jointly Painting a New Blueprint” 2026 Welcome Ceremony at the Triumph Palace International Conference Centre, Zhuhai Haiquan Bay Resort.

The event brought together alumni, faculty members, student representatives, and distinguished guests from across the region for a landmark gathering that seamlessly integrated academic exchange, cultural showcases, and an annual celebratory programme. It stood as a meaningful platform for strengthening alumni ties, reaffirming shared values, and aligning collective aspirations for the year ahead.

A New Chapter Begins: Wisdom Powering the Future

The ceremony commenced on a vibrant note with an intangible cultural heritage performance, “Eight Stools, Ascending Step by Step”, followed by an auspicious lion dance that set an uplifting and forward-looking tone for the evening.

Dr Xu Yanping, Director of the China Representative Office of Asia Metropolitan University and President of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Alumni Association, delivered the opening address. Reflecting on the growth journey of the alumni network, she traced its evolution from humble beginnings to a dynamic and thriving community. She paid tribute to alumni who have consistently pursued excellence with perseverance and demonstrated social responsibility through sustained contribution.

Dr Xu emphasised that the alumni community represents one of the most tangible expressions of the university’s spirit—serving as a vital bridge between academia and society, and between tradition and innovation.

In his keynote address, Dato’ Dr. Annuar M. Saffar, Vice Chancellor of Asia Metropolitan University, shared key milestones in the university’s recent development. He highlighted that the alumni population in China has surpassed 6,500 and noted the university’s successful relocation to a modern new campus equipped with advanced facilities and an enhanced learning environment.

He encouraged alumni to embrace lifelong learning and extended a call to MBA graduates to continue their academic journey by pursuing doctoral studies at the university, reinforcing collective efforts to elevate the institution’s academic standing and global influence.

Prestigious Appointments: Advancing Academic Excellence

A key highlight of the evening was the Appointment Ceremony for Specially Appointed Professors of Asia Metropolitan University. Vice Chancellor Dato’ Dr. Annuar M. Saffar formally presented letters of appointment to Professor Guo Zining, Professor Xu Yanping, and Professor Zhang Haidong as Visiting Professors.

These appointments mark a strategic step in strengthening the university’s academic think tank and deepening intellectual engagement with industry and society. The addition of these distinguished scholars is expected to inject renewed momentum into disciplinary development, talent cultivation, and international collaboration.

This milestone reflects Asia Metropolitan University’s continued commitment to building a high-calibre academic ecosystem and contributing meaningfully to societal advancement.

From 19 to 20 April 2025, students from Asia Metropolitan University embarked on a compact yet enriching visit to Hangzhou. The journey seamlessly blended visits to cutting-edge technology enterprises—H3C Group and Qiangnao Technology—with immersive team-building activities at the scenic Xixi Wetland Park, exemplifying the perfect integration of technological exploration and natural experience.

 Technology Exploration: In-depth Visit to H3C Group and Qiangnao Technology

H3C Group: Leader in Digital Solutions
On 19 April, the students visited the headquarters of H3C Group in Hangzhou. As a core enterprise under Tsinghua Unigroup, H3C is renowned for its leadership in digital solutions, offering comprehensive services in cloud computing, big data, AI, industrial internet, information security, and intelligent connectivity.

At the H3C Innovation Experience Center, students were captivated by the display of advanced technological products. Particularly striking was the CR19000 core cluster router, capable of supporting tens of millions of concurrent users—an impressive testament to H3C’s prowess in network communications. Other standout technologies included the 400G core switches (S12500R) and a suite of innovations in digital infrastructure—spanning computing, storage, and networking.

Students also experienced the transformative potential of artificial intelligence through H3C’s AI visual management platform, which harnesses flexible algorithms for real-time data analysis—powerfully supporting enterprise digital transformation. In industrial applications, H3C’s integration of 5G and AI has revolutionised intelligent manufacturing by creating highly automated smart factories.

The visit offered a deep dive into H3C’s groundbreaking applications across smart cities, smart healthcare, education, and transportation, all contributing to the broader societal goal of digital transformation and high-quality development.

Qiangnao Technology: The leader of brain-computer interface technology
Later the same day, students visited Qiangnao Technology, a leading innovator in non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Committed to becoming a global frontrunner in this domain, Qiangnao’s applications showcased how cutting-edge science is transforming lives.

In Qiangnao’s exhibition hall, students learned the underlying principles of BCI and saw real-world applications. Wearing BCI devices, users can directly interact with computers to perform complex tasks. Notably, the bionic hand that lit the main torch of the Hangzhou Asian Paralympics and prosthetic limbs used by athletes in the Paris Paralympics by Qiangnao. These prosthetics, controlled directly by brain signals, allow users to perform activities such as playing the piano, painting, running, and even rock climbing—demonstrating the remarkable potential of BCI.

Beyond rehabilitation, Qiangnao’s technologies show promise in treating depression, ADHD, and insomnia, among others. Their innovations not only improve patient wellbeing but also contribute positively to social harmony. The visit left participants with a deeper appreciation for BCI's future impact on healthcare and human capability.

A date with nature: team-building activities at Xixi Wetland Park, West Lake
On 20 April, students travelled to the serene Xixi Wetland Park, part of the famed West Lake area, for a unique team-building experience. As an ecological jewel of Hangzhou, Xixi’s lush landscapes and biodiversity provided a relaxing yet stimulating environment for collaboration.

The event featured diverse activities: students took a rowing boat tour, enjoying sights such as the "autumn reeds flying snow" and "fire persimmons reflecting the waves." Onboard, interactive games and impromptu talent showcases fostered camaraderie and fun.

This immersive study tour beautifully captured the synergy between science and humanity. In labs and lecture halls, students envisioned a future shaped by artificial intelligence. By evening, a karaoke session—where the technical logic of code met the emotional melody of music—added a human touch to the rational world of technology. The contrast between keyboard clicks during seminars and soulful singing of "Take Me to Your Heart" amidst the gentle murmur of Xixi’s waters created a distinctive youthful harmony.

This trip not only enriched students’ intellectual horizons but also planted emotional seeds—proving that when technology meets humanity, even cold data can blossom into poetry. It is this unique romance of Generation Z researchers that made the trip truly unforgettable.

Though the visit has concluded, the journey of scientific discovery continues. The beauty of nature and the sparks of innovation will remain in the students’ hearts. With the insights gained, Asia Metropolitan University students are poised to embrace excellence, innovation, and responsibility—ready to contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and society.

Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) is proud to announce its participation in the 6th International Conference on Biosciences and Medical Engineering (ICBME 2024). The conference was officially launched by YBhg. Dato’ Ts. Dr. Hj Aminuddin Bin Hassim, Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), on August 29, 2024.

Held at Hotel Concorde Kuala Lumpur from August 28-29, 2024, ICBME 2024 was a collaborative effort between the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CS Nano) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the UTM Bioscience Department and other esteemed institutions. A significant highlight of the conference was the MOU exchange between UTM, Indonesia Brawijaya University and AMU.

AMU's involvement in ICBME 2024 underscores our commitment to advancing research and innovation in the field of biosciences and medical engineering. We were honored to contribute to this prestigious event alongside leading experts and institutions in the region.

Through our participation in this event, AMU aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and the development of innovative solutions in the field of biosciences and medical engineering.

Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) and Hong Kong City Institute (HKCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance academic collaboration.

The MoU encompasses:

Programme Collaboration: HKCI will collaborate with AMU to offer postgraduate programmes to students in China.

Exchange Programmes: Students from China will participate in exchange programmes for diverse academic experiences.

Joint Research and Education: HKCI and AMU will collaborate on research initiatives, traineeships, inspection programmes, communication programmes and skill enhancement programmes.

International Collaboration: Co-hosting international seminars and conferences to promote global idea exchange.

The MoU also opens the door to further cooperation as mutually agreed. This partnership signifies a significant step towards a robust academic relationship, creating exciting opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers at both AMU and HKCI.