Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) of Lingnan University (left) and Dr Sissi Lei, Dean of the Collège Cévenol of the Collège de Paris (right) sign an MoU for programme collaboration.
The collaboration aims to offer students a unique blend of valuable lessons in both Hong Kong SAR, China and France, and to offer entrance scholarships to high-achieving students, encouraging them to broaden their horizons, elevate their academic accomplishments, and realise their full potential. Lingnan University is actively contributing to establishing Hong Kong SAR as a leading multinational educational hub through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, and this MoU demonstrates its commitment to internationalisation.
The signing ceremony was held on 6 November 2025, with Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning of Lingnan University, and Dr Sissi Lei, Dean of the Collège Cévenol of the Collège de Paris. It was witnessed by Ms Camélia Aissat, Deputy Consul for Culture, Science and Education of the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; Ms Coraline Simoes, University Cooperation Officer of the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; Mr Alain Labat, Vice-President of the Nouvel Institut Franco-Chinois; Ms Katherine Cheung, former Treasurer of the Council of Lingnan University; Mr Ernest Chan Chi-man, Vice-President (Administration); Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu, Associate Vice-President (Strategic Research), Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and J.K. Lee Chair Professor of Computational Intelligence; Prof Li Donghui, Associate Vice-President (Experiential Learning Projects); Ms Christine Wong, Board Member of the Collège Cévenol of the Collège de Paris, and other honoured guests.
In his welcome remarks, Prof Xin Yao emphasised the spirit of partnership driving this initiative, and its potential to create transformative training for students in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world. He said “As Lingnan continues to excel in research and foster international alliances, we are not only enhancing our academic offerings, but also preparing our graduates to become influential leaders. These future leaders will be pivotal in driving innovation and positive change across the globe.”
In her speech, Ms Camélia Aissat highlighted that the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau aims to deepen collaborations. She said, “The signing of the ceremony today is very timely as it congregates the big efforts over the years of France and Hong Kong on both sides on higher education.”
In his speech, Mr Alain Labat expressed his honour at witnessing the collaboration between the two institutions in academic programmes. He highlighted that Lyon is a hub for universities in France, particularly with the Collège Cévenol of the Collège de Paris situated in the heart of the city. He hoped that these collaborative programmes would provide Hong Kong students the opportunity to gain academic knowledge while experiencing the unique customs of this central region of France.”
Dr Sissi Lei expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, and its significance in expanding students’ academic opportunities and cultivating high-caliber talents with cross-cultural perspectives. She said, “The signing of this MoU marks not only the beginning of a partnership between our two institutions, but also a milestone in strengthening the integration of cross-regional cultures, industries, and education. Through our joint efforts, we aim to deepen interactions between students from both regions and further a cultural exchange between Hong Kong SAR and France.”
The MoU reinforces both Lingnan’s and CdP's pledge to promote global synergy and provide top-quality academic experiences that support graduates' qualifications and career prospects.
Lingnan’s recent achievement further underscores its dedication to elite education and global engagement. Earlier this year, the University gained recognition by coming first worldwide in SDG 4: Quality Education in the THE Impact Rankings 2025, the first time a Hong Kong higher education institution has topped the international league table in this category, affirming Lingnan’s contributions to an excellent education and its resolve to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From left: Prof Li Donghui, Mr Ernest Chan Chi-man, Mr Sammy Leung, Ms Coraline Simoes, Ms Camélia Aissat, Prof Xin Yao, Dr Sissi Lei, Mr Alain Labat, Ms Katherine Cheung, Ms Christine Wong, Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu, and Ms Jessie Law attend the signing ceremony.
Ms Katherine Cheung, former Treasurer of the Council of Lingnan University (Right), presents a memento to Ms Christine Wong, Board Member of the Collège Cévenol of the Collège de Paris (Left).
