From 20 to 23 May, 2024, the Office of Co-operative Education Programme organised an immersive and enriching field trip to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) exclusively for students of the Interdisciplinary Data Analytics and X Double Major Programme (IDADM), from both CUHK and CUHK(SZ).

This Collaborative Double Major Programme, the first-of-its-kind in Hong Kong, is a collaboration between CUHK and CUHK(SZ). The Programme encompasses a wide spectrum of subject knowledge and skills in business, engineering and science, with real-life application of big data and business analytics for innovation and development.

During this GBA trip which is part of the programme curriculum, corporate visits especially crafted for IDADM students were arranged in Guangzhou, Foshan and Macau. Students had the privilege of exploring GBA’s diverse industries, engaging in discussions with senior management and representatives from reputed corporations, and being exposed to insightful and thought-provoking ideas.

The trip kicked off with a visit to China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City – an international talent hub in collaboration with a Singapore conglomerate, followed by some sharing sessions at different tech-related company centres to showcase the latest robotic and innovation development in the region. Students were enlightened on how cutting-edge technologies can be applied to both healthcare services and e-commerce to enhance service quality and capacity during a visit to Guangzhou Concord Cancer Centre and VIP.com, respectively. The visit to Midea Group, both at its headquarters in Foshan and the production line in Guangzhou, illustrated how the business has operated and evolved in the era of innovation. The Group, to no surprise, has turned out to be one of the most prominent home appliance giants in the world and has put itself on the map in the AI industry. Last but not least, senior management from Melco in Macau shed light on a comprehensive overview of using data analytics in the resorts and entertainment industry, which was inspirational indeed to students of a relevant major.

IDADM students were honoured to have the presence of Professor Isabella Poon, Pro-Vice-Chancellor / Vice-President (Education) of CUHK during the visit to Midea and in the closing dinner. Her unwavering support and constructive advice provided invaluable guidance and insights for them, while Professor Poon was amazed by the students’ passion and enthusiasm for academic pursuit and career development.

Not only did this field trip enhance IDADM students’ understanding of GBA’s economic growth and I&T development, but it also contributed to fostering stronger connections and tighter bonds among the students. It is believed that they will support each other through thick and thin, at university or even in the future workplace.