Greater understanding of the role of technology and human resources have to play in the development of Northwest China was provided by Prof Zongben Xu, Vice President of Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, at a major event co-organized by the School of Engineering and Interdisciplinary Programs Office in February as part of the HKUST Research Forum series.

"Challenge and Opportunity – Energy, Chemical & Environmental Technology and Science in the Development of the Northwest China" was hosted by Prof Jingshen Wu, Mechanical Engineering. Provost and Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering Prof Wei Shyy gave the opening speech. Over 100 engineering students and faculty members attended.

Prof Xu focused on the opportunities and challenges raised by Northwest China's development. He analyzed the region's strategic position within the country's growth as a whole. The leading academic also discussed the demand for skills and technologies as the Northwest moved forward, looking at issues such as energy distribution in China, the region's economic and social development, and distribution of universities.

Prof Xu is a mathematician and an expert in signal and information processing. He is Director of the Institute for Information and System Sciences at XJTU and a Chief Scientist for the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program). The HKUST Research Forum aims to foster synergy among faculty members and students within and across disciplines and to nurture a collaborative research atmosphere and culture. Forum events can also provide a good opportunity for students and faculty members to exchange ideas with global academic experts.