The Master of Public Administration in Chinese Governance for Developing Countries (MPA-CGDC in abbreviation) program is a one-year, fully English-taught master's program sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and hosted by Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU). Designed for participants from developing countries, the program aims to share China's governance experience and cultivate high-level professionals in the field of public administration. The program is administered by the School of Government at SYSU.

Field research is a hallmark of graduate education at the School of Government of SYSU. To deepen the MPA-CGDC students' understanding of the practical dimensions of China’s governance model, the School extended classroom learning into real-world settings during the 2025 winter break. Students visited the Tencent Global Headquarters, the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. These immersive experiences offered valuable insights into China's development under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, while also showcasing the dynamic economic and social vitality of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The journey started from Tencent's global headquarters in Shenzhen. As part of the course "Leadership and Strategic Management in China's Public Sector" by Professor Liu Yaping, this visit was designed to help the MPA-CGDC students delve into the applications and trends of cutting-edge information technology in public governance and society.

Mr. Wang Xiuning and Dr. Zhao Luoxi, senior researchers from Tencent Development Research Center, extended a warm welcome to the delegation.

The delegation takes a group photo at Tencent.

Walking through the exhibition hall, the delegation explored Tencent's journey and gained insights into the development and evolution of widely recognized platforms like WeChat and QQ, along with other consumer internet products that have become integral to daily life. The experience extended to Tencent's industrial internet innovations, where the immersive "Digital Library Cave: A Digital Tour to Mogao Grottoes' Millennium Stories" project and the urban traffic simulation systems well demonstrated the groundbreaking integration of virtual reality technology with cultural heritage revitalization and urban governance.

Students learn about the history of Tencent.

Afterward, Mr. Zhao gave a presentation on the theme of "Human-Centric Technology for Social Good" with collaborative innovation cases between Tencent and Shenzhen University like an AI noise-reduction algorithm for the hearing impaired and an AI-based farming system for black silkie chickens. The MPA-CGDC students then exchanged views with Tencent on the development of AI technology and international business.

The delegation discusses with Tencent representatives

Then, the delegation arrived at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong. This visit was part of the course "Integrity Governance and Global Practices" by Assistant Professor Sunny L. YANG , aiming to provide the MPA-CGDC students with an in-depth understanding of the ICAC's extensive experience in integrity building and anti-corruption practices.

Mr. Cheung Chin-kit, Assistant Director of the International Cooperation and Corporate Services Department of the ICAC, greatly welcomed the visiting delegation from SYSU and delivered a detailed presentation on the Commission's mission and mandate, historical development, legal authority, and organizational structure. Through a series of illustrative cases spanning government departments, public institutions, livelihood-related areas, and cross-border collaboration, Mr. Cheung highlighted the ICAC's oversight and checks-and-balances mechanisms, including multiple layers of supervision such as the Advisory Committee, the ICAC Complaints Committee, and internal monitoring systems.

ICAC's representatives make speeches.

That afternoon, the delegation led by Associate Professor Qin Jing, the instructor of the course "Legal System and Socio-Economic Development: The Experience from China" visited the Hong Kong Legislative Council Complex. Ms. Priscilla Leung, Member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Deputy to the National People's Congress, warmly welcomed the students from various countries.

She emphasized that China places great importance on international development and that this study visit serves as an excellent opportunity to foster mutual exchange and learning among different nations.

The delegation discusses with representatives of the Hong Kong Legislative Council.

During the Q&A session, the students actively expressed their views and sought advice from the councilors on issues of concern. Ms. Priscilla Leung, drawing on vivid examples, provided an in-depth interpretation of the Hong Kong Basic Law legal system in an accessible manner. She also presented each attendee with a copy of her book, "The Basic Law of the HKSAR: From Theory to Practice", to broaden everyone's understanding and knowledge of Hong Kong's legal framework.

Mr. Andrew Leung, President of the Hong Kong Legislative Council takes a group photo with the  delegation.

This field trip to Shenzhen and Hong Kong seamlessly integrates theories in class with practical experience, engaging individuals from different cultures in equal and open-minded communication. In the future, the School of Government will focus on building a diversified development system, offering a multiple practical channels to further promote international exchange and mutual learning.