The inaugural Bauhinia Forum on Computer Science Development, jointly initiated by the Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), was held at HKUST from June 16-17, 2023. The forum brought together over thirty distinguished academicians, deans, department heads, and professors from leading universities in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao. Participants shared insights on the latest developments in computer science education and research while exploring opportunities for collaboration to advance global computer science development.

The opening ceremony on June 16 featured welcome addresses by CAE Academician Jianping Wu from the Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Professor Yike Guo, Chief Vice-President of HKUST and Tsinghua alumnus (Class of 1980), and Academician Ping Zhang from the School of Information and Communication Engineering, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.

Academician Jianping Wu giving opening remarks

In his speech, Academician Jianping Wu emphasized that as computer science continues to flourish, global demand for expertise in this field is growing exponentially. "Computer science will be a major driving force in world development," he noted. "Collaboration among computer science leaders across the Greater China region is crucial not only for leveraging our collective strengths but also for contributing to the global advancement of the discipline."

Academician Yike Guo delivering an address

Professor Yike Guo highlighted the rapid evolution of computer science technology and its indispensable role across various research domains and industries. He pointed out that generative AI technologies are profoundly impacting higher education, with HKUST being among the first institutions to incorporate ChatGPT into teaching. "This forum provides a platform for academic representatives, leaders, and scholars to jointly explore the future directions of computer science research and education," he said, "facilitating cooperation among universities across the Greater China region as we embrace both opportunities and challenges in computer science innovation."

Scene of the Forum

The forum on June 16th featured four special sessions, covering topics such as how to lead a world-class computer science department, how computer courses should be improved to cultivate future innovative talents, how computer departments and colleges in universities in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan should collaborate to lead global computer education and research, and how computer departments and colleges can conduct cutting-edge research and talent training in artificial intelligence with limited resources.

On June 17, a special session on "ChatGPT and Computer Science Education" was chaired by Xiaofang Zhou, Otto Poon Professor of Engineering, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The panel featured Academician Jianping Wu, Professor Xia Yin (Dean of the Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University), Professor Zhiyuan Liu (Deputy Party Secretary of the Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University), and Professor Yike Guo. Discussions centered on the feasibility of diverse ChatGPT applications in teaching and addressing challenges arising from the adoption of generative AI.

A group photo of Xiaofang Zhou (center), Jianping Wu (second from left), Xia Yin (left), Zhiyuan Liu (right), and Yike Guo (second from right) attending the panel discussion.

The successful launch of the Bauhinia Forum has established a vital platform for collaboration among top computer science institutions across the Greater China region, playing a crucial role in advancing global computer science education and research. Participating institutions and academic leaders have expressed their strong commitment to supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and driving technological innovation for societal development.

Group Photo

The forum was co-organized by the Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Other participating institutions included Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, City University of Hong Kong, Harbin Institute of Technology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Macau University of Science and Technology, Nanjing University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shenzhen University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Macau, and Zhejiang University.