The launch ceremony of the Phase II of HKU's Zhangjiang campus. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

The second phase of the University of Hong Kong (HKU)'s Zhangjiang campus in Shanghai's Pudong New Area opened on Aug 30, expanding the university's activities related to teaching, research, and innovation in the city.

The opening was attended by Shanghai and Pudong officials, HKU President Zhang Xiang, and faculty members, highlighting further cooperation between Shanghai and Hong Kong in education, research, innovation, and talent development.

The HKU Zhangjiang campus began operations on Feb 28, initially hosting the university's School of Computing and Data Science. It focuses on artificial intelligence, computing, and data science, while also exploring interdisciplinary areas including smart computing, future electronics, and advanced materials manufacturing.

The southern lawn at HKU's Zhangjiang campus. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

The newly opened Phase II includes Building 3, which houses AI Labs, research and collaboration laboratories, the Institute of Smart Computing, and teaching laboratories. Building 5 expands campus facilities with spaces for sports, interaction, co-creation, and other student activities.

The first-floor exhibition hall at Building 3 in HKU's Zhangjiang campus. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

The campus will welcome hundreds of HKU students from around the world in the new academic year. Located in Zhangjiang Science City, a major science and technology hub in Pudong, it is expected to support interdisciplinary research and closer collaboration with local industries.

At the opening ceremony, HKU also held its Shanghai session of the HKU Talent Excellence Forum, focusing on talent needs and skills development in the era of AI. Cooperation agreements and laboratory launches involving embodied intelligence, fintech, AI infrastructure, and HKU-incubated companies were also announced.

The expansion marks a new stage in HKU's development in Shanghai, with the university seeking to strengthen links among teaching, research, and industry in Zhangjiang.