Great Bay University to welcome first 80 students

Great Bay University, based in Dongguan, Guangdong province, will start operation by enrolling 80 students in Guangdong province this year. （Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn）

Great Bay University, a key initiative under the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, will soon start operations by enrolling 80 students in Guangdong province this year, according to an announcement from the university.

The newly established university will offer majors in mathematics and applied mathematics, physics, materials science and engineering, computer science and technology, and industrial engineering.

It also plans to introduce majors in artificial intelligence, intelligent computing, future robotics, communication engineering, and optoelectronic information.

The enrollment announcement followed a letter of approval by the Ministry of Education for the establishment of the university on Thursday. The approval was seen as a milestone in the university's construction and development.

Construction of the university's 17-hectare Songshan Lake campus in Dongguan, Guangdong, started in 2021.

Additionally, its 140-hectare Binhaiwan Bay campus is expected to have its first phase completed by 2026, eventually accommodating nearly 10,000 students.

Tian Gang, an internationally renowned mathematician and former vice-president of Peking University, is the university's founding leader.

The university places great emphasis on the development of its talent pool by recruiting top scholars and young scientists from around the world.

Its faculty members come from over 100 universities and research institutions in nearly 30 countries and regions, according to the university.

The university adopts a flexible academic system based on a four-year structure, with first-year students not being required to choose a major upon entry.

Starting from the second year, students have the freedom to select their majors, support interdisciplinary minors, and are encouraged to find in-depth internships and training at enterprises and institutions during their studies.

The university also supports and facilitates students in participating in international exchange programs during their academic tenure.