The Ng Teng Fong · Sino Group Belt and Road Research Institute (NSBRRI) at Hong Kong Chu Hai College hosted a high-level diplomatic roundtable with a delegation from the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines in Hong Kong, led by Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. Mr. Romulo, with the personal rank of Ambassador, was joined by Vice Consuls, the Economic and Commercial Attaché, and senior consular officials.

President Ms. Jane Zhang and Professor Thomas Chan, Director of NSBRRI, welcomed the delegation for discussions on bilateral academic research, regional diversification, and socio-economic integration along the Belt and Road corridors. Souvenirs were presented to commemorate the occasion.

The roundtable began with President Ms. Jane emphasizing the role of higher education in fostering regional partnerships, stating: "At Hong Kong Chu Hai College, our mission is to cultivate an international environment of academic excellence and cultural diversity."

Honoring Deep Historical Ties and Banking Contributions

Director Professor Chan said, "Education serves as the ultimate, enduring super-connector that binds our societies together. By expanding student recruitment and deepening historical ties with the Philippines, we are diversifying our campus and empowering the next generation of global leaders to drive cross-border collaboration and innovation within the region."

A central highlight was a keynote presentation by the Ambassador on the rapid growth and transformation of the Philippine economy. Describing the Philippines as a "nation of youth," the Ambassador outlined key advancements in the ASEAN Power Grid, renewable energy infrastructure, and sustainable tourism. The presentation also addressed regional climate change challenges.

Mr. Joseph Chan, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of NSBRRI, highlighted the Philippine community’s significant contributions to Hong Kong’s socio-economic development, especially in banking, financial services, and culture. The faculty welcomed the opportunity to introduce postgraduate programs and to explore new partnerships and collaborative opportunities, including contributions to the Hong Kong Review of Belt and Road Studies and the BRI Newsletter.

Both institutions agreed to strengthen cross-border academic talent pipelines and student recruitment to support regional diversification and international academic exchange within the Greater Bay Area (GBA).The Institute leverages Hong Kong’s strengths to turn academic research into actionable policy, offering international chambers and foreign missions’ objective socio-economic blueprints to support regional trade, environmental partnerships, and talent development.