Early in 2012, a high-level 12-person strong delegation from Jiangsu Province, led by its Vice Governor Mr Cao Weixing, and its Director General of Education, came calling at our campus. They were here to see for themselves how HKUST, a rapid-rising star in the world academic community has been able to achieve so much in so short a time. Jiangsu has ambitious plans for its educational and strategic development in new and hi-tech industries which include nanotechnology and materials, cloud computing and smart manufacturing equipment. In discussions with the President, Prof Tony F Chan and Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Dr Eden Woon, the visitors expressed strong interest in exploring collaborative possibilities with HKUST, specifically in higher education, technology transfer and talent exchange—all vital for strategic development in the 21^st century.