History

The Sun Yat-sen University Institute of Advanced Studies Hong Kong traces its roots to 1886 when Dr. Sun Yat-sen studied at the predecessor of Sun Yat-sen University’s Medical School. Over the decades, the university has forged deep ties with Hong Kong, from academic exchanges in 1979 to the founding of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance in recent years. These historic connections lay the foundation for our institute’s establishment as the first comprehensive research institute of a mainland university in Hong Kong.

The Sun Yat-sen University Institute of Advanced Studies Hong Kong represents a groundbreaking milestone as the first comprehensive research institute established in Hong Kong by a mainland university. Under the leadership of Doctor Anlong Xu, former President of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Vice President of Sun Yat-sen University, IAS combines teaching, research, and the translation of scientific achievements to create a globally recognized academic hub. Positioned as a bridge between East and West, the institute leverages Hong Kong’s strategic location to attract and nurture world-class talent.

During the inauguration ceremony in October 2024, Vice Minister of Education Wang Jiayi highlighted the strategic importance of IAS. "This institute is a bold new step in deepening collaboration between mainland universities and Hong Kong. With Hong Kong’s world-class higher education system and global outlook, IAS is well-positioned to attract top-tier global talent and vibrant young scholars while fostering stronger partnerships between mainland universities and leading institutions in Hong Kong and abroad.