On April 7, Carrie Lam, the fifth Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, visited Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) and delivered a keynote lecture to faculty and students. Yin Dongmei, Chair of the University Council, and Meng Zhongjie, President of SISU, met with her. Wang Xin, Vice President of SISU, also attended the meeting. The two sides held in-depth discussions on strengthening educational exchange, and expanding cooperation in talent cultivation between Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Yin noted that SISU has always aligned itself with China’s national education strategy and remained committed to its mission of cultivating innovative professionals and future talent. Over the years, the university has trained a large number of outstanding internationally oriented professionals with “Multilingual + (Plus)” capabilities. SISU has continued to deepen exchanges and cooperation with institutions in Hong Kong. It has also worked to expand channels for academic and cultural exchange between China’s mainland and Hong Kong and jointly contribute to the national high-level opening-up.

Meng noted that 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. He said SISU is actively advancing the development of interdisciplinary liberal arts, promoting the integration of the humanities and digital technologies, and deepening reform in teaching, research, and innovation. He expressed hope that SISU and its partner universities in Hongkong would further strengthen all-round cooperation in the future and build a robust platform for coordinated development.

Lam spoke highly of SISU’s achievements in education and academic development. She emphasized that language is not only a bridge that connects people, but also an important medium for mutual learning among civilizations. She noted that SISU’s strong foundation in basic research and forward-looking exploration in frontier fields has played an important role in talent cultivation and cultural exchange. Lam then delivered a keynote lecture titled “Upholding and Improving the Practice of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ in Hong Kong,” chaired by President Meng Zhongjie.

In her lecture, Lam gave a systematic overview of Hong Kong’s history, the constitutional order of the HKSAR, and the constitutional status of the Chief Executive. Drawing on developments since Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland, especially in the new era, she explained the practical significance of upholding and improving the policy of “One Country, Two Systems.” She also stated that upholding and improving the principle of "one country, two systems" is an undertaking essential to ensuring Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. She stressed that Hong Kong will better leverage its distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world. She added that Hong Kong will make greater contributions to building a strong China and advancing China’s national rejuvenation. Following the lecture, Lam took part in an interactive session with faculty and students.

Yu Chen, a master’s student in Diplomacy from the Class of 2025, remarked: “Lam’s in-depth explanation of the meaning and historical development of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ provided a vivid and thought-provoking learning experience. It deepened my understanding of the real-world significance of my field of study and strengthened my determination to align my personal aspirations with China’s broader development.”

Zhang Zhengguo, a doctoral student in Political Theory from the Class of 2022, said: “Lam’s lecture helped me better appreciate the practical relevance of political theory. I will continue to follow the development of ‘One Country, Two Systems,’ strengthen my academic foundation, and improve my research capabilities so that I can contribute to this field.”

During her visit, Lam also toured the National Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence for Information Behavior and the Museum of World Languages. She spoke highly of SISU’s efforts in advancing interdisciplinary research and frontier technologies. She also praised the university’s achievements in preserving linguistic and cultural heritage, promoting public knowledge of languages, and fostering mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations.

Representatives from the University Office, the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, and other relevant departments also attended the event.