THE Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) will build its Sino-U.K. Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, SUSTech Business School, SUSTech-Columbia University International Business School and high-tech innovation incubator in the Lok Ma Chau Loop (the Loop) area, according to an agreement signed Monday.

In addition, SUSTech will cooperate with Hong Kong University to set up a joint lab for the development of the Loop area.

SUSTech will become the first mainland university to settle in the Loop area, which will be turned into an innovation and technology park, based on the concept of combining higher education with creative industry through cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong governments.

Shenzhen and Hong Kong signed a memorandum this January for the Loop’s development. According to the construction plan, higher education and cultural innovation facilities will be built to support the development of high technology and innovation. Hong Kong will also support Shenzhen in building Shenzhen Science Innovation Park in the 3-sq-km area adjacent to the Loop north of the Shenzhen River. The two sides will cooperate in building the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Technology Innovation Zone.

The park will be a scientific research base for the world’s top universities, research institutes and enterprises.

The Loop covers an area of 87 hectares, which will make it the largest science and innovation park in Hong Kong, at four times the size of Hong Kong Science Park, and will play an important role in cultivating the international competitiveness of Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

“The strategic cooperation with SUSTech can speed up the innovation development and upgrade of Futian industries and provides a broader platform for industrial and education development,” Xiao Yafei, Futian Party chief, said after the signing ceremony.

Chen Shiyi, president of SUSTech, said the university will support Futian’s development in strategic decision-making, education cooperation, talent exchange and science innovation. (Han Ximin)