June 6, 2025 – Nanfang College, Guangzhou (NCG) celebrated the official launch of its School of Mathematics and Statistics with an inaugural ceremony and an academic development forum on mathematical disciplines. The event welcomed nearly 40 distinguished guests from esteemed academic institutions, universities, and enterprises, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shandong University, Jilin University, Xiangtan University, National Center for Applied Mathematics in Hunan, and Beitai Zhenhuan (Chongqing) Technology Co., Ltd. President Tang Tao, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Party Secretary Li Jianchao, university leaders, and over 300 faculty and student representatives attended. The ceremony was chaired by Vice President Professor Liu Wenbin.
In his welcome speech, President Tang Tao reflected on NCG’s nearly two-decade commitment to fostering a multidisciplinary, application-oriented academic framework encompassing emerging fields in engineering, liberal arts, medicine, and business. He described the establishment of the School of Mathematics and Statistics as a pivotal step in enhancing NCG’s academic offerings and reaffirming its commitment to cultivating applied talent. He also invited the assembled experts to offer valuable insights to support NCG’s aspirations for academic excellence and talent development.
At the ceremony, Party Secretary Li Jianchao formally announced the decision to establish the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
Professor Zeng Tieyong, Dean of the new School, presented a comprehensive overview of its preparatory efforts, highlighting its alignment with the strategic industrial priorities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The School’s curriculum is designed to emphasize application-driven education and industry-academia collaboration, featuring a modular structure that integrates foundational theories with advanced technological applications. Its mission is to nurture high-caliber, application-oriented professionals in mathematics and statistics.
The School will initially offer two undergraduate programs: Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and Applied Statistics. These programs are designed to equip students with robust academic grounding and practical skills for careers in research, education, data analysis, and decision-making roles.
Professor Jin Shi, Dean of Institute of Natural Sciences at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, underscored the critical role of mathematics in addressing technological challenges in the era of artificial intelligence and data science. He expressed confidence that, under President Tang’s leadership, the School of Mathematics and Statistics would attract preeminent scholars, nurture innovative talent, and serve as a catalyst for the Greater Bay Area’s development.
Professor Yao Zheng’an, President of Guangdong Province Mathematical Society, Director of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Center for Applied Mathematics, and Dean of School of Mathematics at Sun Yat-sen University, invited distinguished scholars to recommend outstanding professionals in mathematics, statistics, and computer science to join the School’s faculty. He expressed optimism that the School would elevate NCG as a leading hub for mathematical sciences in the Greater Bay Area, contributing significantly to Guangdong’s economic advancement.
The ceremony culminated with President Tang Tao, Party Secretary Li Jianchao, Professor Zeng Tieyong, Professor Liu Jianya, Professor Jin Shi, and Professor Yao Zheng’an jointly unveiling the School’s plaque. Professor Liu Jianya, Vice President of Shandong University, presented his Chinese calligraphic work titled “Mathematics Connects Heaven and Earth, Scholarship Bridges East and West.”
The event also featured the launch of Baltamatica Industry-Academia-Research Demonstration Base at NCG. Professor Li Ruo, Boya Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean of School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University, outlined the initiative, which focuses on fostering deep integration between mathematics and engineering through the provision of free software licensing, technical training, and online support to enhance curriculum development and promote interdisciplinary research. NCG is the first private academic institution to establish this pioneering base.
Mr. Liao Hanqing, CEO of Beitai Zhenhuan Technology Co., Ltd., Professor Huang Yunqing, Director of National Center for Applied Mathematics in Hunan and Dean of School of Mathematics and Computational Science at Xiangtan University, and Professor Zhang Ran, Vice President of Jilin University, delivered remarks. Mr. Liao highlighted the new demonstration base’s role as a nexus for academic and industrial collaboration, driving innovation and knowledge transfer. Professor Huang advocated for integrating the software Baltamatica into curriculum design and delivery to facilitate software development through user feedback. Professor Zhang proposed a vision of cross-regional collaboration to advance Chinese mathematical sciences.
In the afternoon, the Academic Development Forum convened leading scholars and industry experts to engage in robust discussions on topics including “Curriculum and Talent Development in the AI Era,” “Innovative Applications of Industry-Academia-Research Partnerships,” and “Strategic Pathways for Mathematical Disciplines in Application-Oriented Private Institutions.” Representatives from various institutions shared insights into recent advancements in mathematical research and pedagogical innovation, forging a shared commitment to academic excellence.
The event was further enriched by the presence of scholars from prestigious institutions, including the University of Science and Technology of China, Fudan University, Nankai University, Tongji University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, South China University of Technology, Sichuan University, Beijing Normal University, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Macau, and National Center for Applied Mathematics in Hubei, among others.
