A President-led University delegation to Latin America in March-April has laid the foundations for exciting collaborations, partnerships and student exchange with this enterprising and fast-growing part of the world.  Meetings with senior management at major universities and businesses, and visits to science and technology parks and information technology incubation areas took place in different cities in Brazil, Chile and Argentina.  HKUST participants included leading administrators and faculty members from different Schools.

Aeronautical engineering, astronomy, biotechnology, and energy were among the fields explored.  Discussions included talks with senior members of Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica and leading global aerospace conglomerate Embraer in Brazil and exchanges in Chile with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, a United Nations regional body contributing to economic and social development. During the trip, President Chan gave presentations to students and faculty and spoke to the media on HKUST, Hong Kong and its unique place in China.  Gatherings with HKUST alumni were also organized.

The delegation was the latest in a series of outbound delegations to forge wider global connections since 2011. Other visits have been made to the United States, Europe and the Middle East.