On 24 October 2024, a delegation from Howest University of Applied Sciences, led by Mr. Carl Decaluwé, Governor of West Flanders, Belgium, and Ms. Eva Morre, Deputy Consul General of the Belgian Consulate in Hong Kong, visited Hong Kong Chu Hai College. The delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with Mr. Lam Kwong Siu, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Ms. Jane Zhang, Interim President, Prof. Robert Li, Associate Vice President (Academic), and other academic leaders of the College. The visit concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HKCHC and Howest, establishing a new partnership.

Interim President Jane Zhang began by warmly welcoming the delegation and expressing optimism that this agreement would lay the foundation for future collaboration in research and cultural exchanges between the two institutions. Prof. Frederik D’hulster, President of Howest University of Applied Sciences, then conveyed his sincere appreciation for the hospitality, shared insights into Howest’s latest developments and international projects, and acknowledged an aspiration for deeper cooperation in the future. This visit follows a previous one made by HKCHC to Howest, further strengthening their relationship.

As witnessed by Mr. Carl Decaluwé and Chairman Lam Kwong Siu, Prof. Frederik D’hulster and Interim President Jane Zhang then signed the MOU, thereby creating a platform for faculty and student exchanges, joint programmes, and academic information sharing.

Being one of Belgium’s youngest universities, Howest focuses on innovation and includes faculties in Architecture and Arts, Business Economics, Engineering Technology, Law, and Science. Both institutions plan to build on their strengths to promote comprehensive and wide-ranging cooperation.

Following the signing ceremony, the Belgian delegation toured the College’s facilities, including the history gallery, teaching labs, library, and sports center, and praised the College’s development and modern campus. Both parties expressed great enthusiasm and confidence about future collaborations.