In mid-June 2024, more than 40 students and faculty from Choi Kai Yau College (CKYC) and Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) of the University of Macau (UM), Lap-Chee College of the University of Hong Kong, and Weixin College, Guantong College and Laitong College of Zhejiang University (ZJU) gathered at the International Campus of ZJU for the Zhejiang-Hong Kong-Macao university residential college exchange programme. Throughout the programme, they engaged in academic exchanges and cultural experiences, formed friendships, and explored the beauty of Zhejiang.

The opening ceremony of the exchange programme was held at Laitong College of ZJU. Wu Xing, director of student affairs of the International Campus of ZJU, delivered a welcome speech and spoke about the deep friendship among the colleges of the three universities and the wonderful connection between UM and the International Campus of ZJU. He also expressed hope for more exchanges and cooperation among the three universities in the future.

Technological innovation supports development in Zhejiang. In Haining, the students visited the leather exhibition centre and the Juanhu Lake International Science Park to learn about the development of Haining’s leather industry. At the Smart Urban Future Laboratory of ZJU, the students attended a lecture on digital transportation and were fascinated by its wide applications. They also visited the State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power & Mechatronic Systems of ZJU, where many students showed great interest in the state-of-the-art research facilities.

Zhejiang’s picturesque sceneries add to the city’s cultural experience. The students were captivated by a shadow play in the historic district of Nanguanxiang, where shadow puppets came to life on the screen. They also visited West Lake in Hangzhou, where they enjoyed the beautiful scenery around the lake, the graceful willow trees, and the famous Broken Bridge.

The Zhejiang-Hong Kong-Macao university residential college exchange programme concluded its first exchange activity. Through the programme, close friendships were formed between students from the three universities.