Lingnan University, College De Paris Sign MoU For Collaboration

• Lingnan University and College de Paris signed an MoU on 6 November 2025 to advance joint educational, professional, and intercultural initiatives
• The partnership will offer dual learning opportunities and entrance scholarships for high-achieving students in Hong Kong SAR and France
• The collaboration reinforces Lingnan’s global engagement and follows its recognition as #1 worldwide in SDG 4: Quality Education in the THE Impact Rankings 2025

Lingnan University and the College de Paris have taken a major step in furthering educational opportunities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding that focuses on joint projects. This is in line with the Inter-institutional Agreement of Cooperation established in 2023, which aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship through the promotion of educational, professional, and intercultural initiatives between both institutions.

It will not only provide students with a special blend of valuable lessons both in Hong Kong SAR, China, and France but also provide entrance scholarships to high-achieving students, enabling them to broaden their horizons, raise their academic achievements, and develop to the fullness of their potential. Lingnan University continues to actively contribute to establishing Hong Kong SAR as a leading multinational educational hub through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives; this MoU attests to its commitment toward internationalization.

The ceremony took place 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 College Cevenol of the Collège de Paris, and other honoured guests.

In his welcome remarks, Prof Xin Yao underlined the partnering spirit driving this initiative, and its potential to forge transformative training for students in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world. 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.

Ms Camelia Aissat said in her speech that the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau hopes to see the further deepening of 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".

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Mr Alain Labat said in his speech that he was honoured to witness the collaboration between the two institutions in academic programmes. He mentioned that Lyon is a hub for universities in France, particularly with the College Cevenol of the College de Paris located in the heart of the city. He hoped that these collaborative programmes would allow Hong Kong students to acquire academic knowledge while experiencing the unique customs of this central region of France.

Dr Sissi Lei welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to enhance students' academic prospects and nurture world-class talents with cross-cultural insights. "The signing of this MoU not only inaugurates a new partnership between our two institutions, but also represents a milestone in fostering the integration of cross-regional cultures, industries, and education. Through the efforts of both parties, we set an aim of deepening interaction among students from both regions and furthering cultural exchange between Hong Kong SAR and France", she added.

This MoU further strengthens Lingnan's and CdP's commitment to fostering global synergy and delivering the highest quality academic experiences that underpin graduate attributes and career outcomes. Lingnan's latest achievement further speaks to its commitment to elite education and global engagement. Earlier this year, the University achieved recognition for coming first globally in SDG 4: Quality Education in THE Impact Rankings 2025, the first time a Hong Kong higher education institution topped the international league table in this category, affirming Lingnan's contribution to an excellent education and its resolve to advance the United Nations SDGs.