Freshmen are not assigned to specific majors in the first year and can freely choose their majors in the second year. Students are guided not only by academic mentors but also by corporate mentors from leading enterprises in the Greater Bay Area… The Greater Bay Area University was officially established on December 6, 2025, targeting candidates in Guangdong Province who selected Physics and Chemistry in the college entrance examination. A total of 80 freshmen were admitted for the inaugural intake, hailing from 53 middle schools across 16 cities in the province. Right after its debut, this new research-oriented university named after the Greater Bay Area has almost broken people’s traditional perceptions of institutions of higher learning.
Small yet Elite Team Leveraging Bay Area Resources via the “University Plus” Model
Reporter: Positioned as a new research-oriented university, what are the prominent highlights and advantages of the Greater Bay Area University compared with other institutions of higher education?
Tian Gang, Founding President of the Greater Bay Area University: Compared with traditional universities, one of our strengths lies in our “newness”. In terms of school-running orientation, we focus on being small yet elite and a high-level research-oriented university, benchmarking against world-renowned science and engineering institutions. This also enables us to build a more efficient faculty team.
In terms of talent cultivation model, we do not overemphasize credit accumulation, instead granting students greater autonomy and freedom. After students enter undergraduate studies, the most crucial part is the transition from high school to university education. That is exactly why we do not set specific majors in the first year, allowing students to receive more general education. This transition process is of great importance.
Another aspect of our “newness” is the “University Plus” initiative. It includes collaborations with other major universities in the Greater Bay Area, partnerships with materials laboratories, the China Spallation Neutron Source, as well as linkage with leading enterprises in the region.
Focusing on Nationally Urgent Fields Enabling Diversified Talent Development
Reporter: It is observed that the university’s discipline layout covers both popular applied disciplines and basic disciplines. Can we understand that both pragmatism and long-termism have been taken into account in the discipline design?
Tian Gang, Founding President of the Greater Bay Area University: We will definitely focus on disciplines that are urgently needed for national development and the major directions of current scientific and technological progress. However, as a science and engineering university, I believe a solid foundation in basic knowledge is a must. Therefore, we have set up the Mathematics Experimental Class and the Artificial Intelligence Experimental Class. We emphasize the importance of a solid academic foundation, broad vision, and the ability to integrate knowledge across different fields.
Rooted in Lingnan’s Innovative Environment Integrating Wisdom of the Greater Bay Area
Reporter: Located in the Greater Bay Area, how will the university better leverage its geographical advantages and serve the entire Greater Bay Area?
Tian Gang, Founding President of the Greater Bay Area University: We have taken this into consideration since the initial planning stage. The Greater Bay Area is a pioneer of reform and opening-up with a strong culture of innovation. Cities like Shenzhen and Dongguan are very young, making this location ideal for targeting the development of emerging technologies. Our university council includes many members from Hong Kong and Macao. We have established extensive collaborations with universities in Hong Kong and Macao from the very beginning, including joint establishment of research centers and joint doctoral training programs.
Reporter: What are the future directions and requirements for recruiting faculty and students?
Tian Gang, Founding President of the Greater Bay Area University: For faculty recruitment, the only requirement is high academic standards and professional competence. Our mentors are responsible for both teaching and research. In addition, we expect them to have experience in exchanges and cooperation with enterprises, so that they can help connect students with the corporate sector.
As for students, we certainly hope they have a passion for science and a spirit of innovation. The most critical point is that we will tailor the cultivation plan according to each student’s unique strengths and characteristics.