Sun Yat-sen University: A Century of Academic Excellence and Innovation

Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), also known as Zhongshan University, stands as a prominent public university in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Affiliated with the Ministry of Education, it is co-funded by the Ministry of Education, SASTIND (State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence), and the Guangdong Provincial Government. Founded in 1924 by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary and founding father of the Republic of China, SYSU has a rich history shaped by mergers, restructurings, and a commitment to academic innovation. With a global outlook and a dedication to being "comprehensive, innovative, and open," SYSU has become a leading institution in China.

Historical Overview

The university's origins trace back to 1924 when Sun Yat-sen established National Kwangtung University in Canton, inscribing the motto: "Study Extensively, Enquire Accurately, Reflect Carefully, Discriminate Clearly, Practise Earnestly." Following Sun Yat-sen's death, the Nationalist government renamed it National Sun Yat-sen University in 1926.

During this time, several National Sun Yat-sen Universities existed across China, including those in Wuhan (now Wuhan University), Hangzhou (now Zhejiang University), and Nanking (a predecessor to Nanjing University, Southeast University, and National Central University). In 1949, the university dropped the "National" prefix and became simply Sun Yat-sen University.

Merger with Lingnan University

A significant chapter in SYSU's history is its integration with Lingnan University. Lingnan University was a private institution founded in 1888 by American missionaries in Guangzhou. After the communist revolution in Mainland China, Lingnan University remained in Guangzhou. In 1952, the humanities and sciences departments of Sun Yat-sen University merged with those of Lingnan University. A restructured Sun Yat-sen University was formed, relocating from its Shipai campus to the former Lingnan University campus in Hong Lok. Lingnan University ceased to be listed as a separate higher education institution in China. However, its traditions, spirit, and faculty were incorporated into Sun Yat-sen University.

In 1979, a delegation from SYSU, led by President LI Jiaren, visited UCLA to explore international exchange opportunities. This led to a meeting between Huang Huanqiu, a vice president of SYSU, and Dr. Henry Frank, a senior trustee of Lingnan University in New York. This meeting paved the way for future cooperation between Sun Yat-sen University and the Trustees of Lingnan University, which was renamed as Lingnan Foundation in 1989.

The Lingnan Foundation resumed its connection with Hong Lok Campus in 1980 after a 30-year suspension. The cooperation between the Foundation and Sun Yat-sen University led to the Alumni Association of Lingnan University in Guangzhou being located within the SYUS campus, and the SYSU leadership decided to reinstate the names of 11 of the legacy Lingnan buildings.

In 1987, the National Education Commission approved Sun Yat-sen University’s proposal to establish ‘Lingnan (University) College’ within SYSU.

The collaboration between Sun Yat-sen University and the Lingnan Foundation focused on establishing the Department of Sociology, developing the School of Business, and strengthening the Department of Chemistry. The foundation also assisted the University in enhancing the professional competence of personnel in the President’s Office and the External Affairs Office. After the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008, the Foundation made a special grant to subsidize the 276 students from the stricken region, and to support the Mental Health Education and Counseling Center of the University to carry out the Post-Earthquake Mental Health Program.

Integration of Medical Institutions

The development of SYSU's medical programs also involved mergers and integrations. The Pok Tsai Medical School evolved into the College of Medicine of Lingnan University in 1936. The Kung Yee Medical School and Hospital, founded in 1908, was taken over by the government in 1925 and became the Medical Department of the National First Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University.

In 1953, the Colleges of Medicine in Sun Yat-sen University and Lingnan University merged to form the College of Medicine of South China, which was joined by the Guangdong Guanghua College of Medicine in 1954. The university was renamed Guangzhou College of Medicine and Sun Yat-sen College of Medical Science successively, and finally Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Science in 1985.

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Campuses and Location

Sun Yat-sen University has five campuses located in three cities: Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen.

South Campus: Located in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, covering 1.17 square kilometers. This is the main campus, inheriting the campus from the former Lingnan University.
- Address: No. 135, Xingang Road West, Guangzhou 510275, P. R.
North Campus: Located in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, covering 0.39 square kilometers.
- Address: No. 74, Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510085, P. R.
East Campus: Located in the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center in Xiaoguwei, Panyu, covering 1.13 square kilometers.
- Address: Xiaoguwei Island, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, P. R.
Zhuhai Campus: Located at Tang Jia Wan, Zhuhai City, covering 3.48 square kilometers.
- Address: Tang Jia Wan, Zhuhai 519082, P. R.
Shenzhen Campus: Located at Guangming District in Shenzhen City, covering 3.217 square kilometers.

These campuses are strategically located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, offering distinctive geographical advantages and access to a vibrant economic region.

Academic Structure and Programs

SYSU's disciplinary strengths encompass a wide range of fields, with 71 schools and departments across Liberal Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, and Arts. Starting from the end of 2022, Sun Yat-sen University has implemented a three-tier academic governance system consisting of "University-Faculties-Schools (Departments)." The university comprises a total of 67 schools (including directly affiliated departments and teaching units), which are divided among seven faculties:

Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Economics and Management
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Information Science and Technology
Faculty of Medicine

Key Programs and Disciplines

SYSU is known for its strong programs in various fields, including:

Medicine: SYSU’s medical programs are highly regarded, ranked #91 globally in Clinical Medicine.
Business and Management: The School of Business at SYSU is recognized for its quality education and research. The Executive MBA program is ranked among the top 100 globally. SYSU is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Lingnan (University) College is also accredited by the Association of MBAs.
Environmental Science and Engineering: SYSU excels in environmental studies, with its Environmental Engineering program ranked #26 globally.
Computer Science: SYSU’s Computer Science program is ranked #66 globally.
Strong research fields: Sinology, History Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Law, Executive Manager, International Business, Tourism Management, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geosciences, Life Science, and Medicine.

Research and Innovation

At Sun Yat-sen University, scientific research is oriented towards the academic frontiers, the national strategic needs, the demands from the regional economic and social development and people’s health. SYSU encourages research and innovation in all disciplines through the construction of large projects, large platforms, and large teams.

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Research Output and Rankings

Nature Index tracks the affiliations of high-quality scientific articles and presents research outputs by institution and country on a monthly basis. The Nature Index 2024 ranked SYSU among the top universities globally. According to statistics of the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) database from January 2003 to February 2013, the total number of citations of papers in 15 disciplines of Sun Yat-sen University entered the global top 1%. Following Peking University, Sun Yat-sen University ranked 2nd in universities in China, tied with Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Zhejiang University.

Affiliated Hospitals and Medical Facilities

SYSU boasts the largest affiliated hospital system in China, providing first-class clinical services. These hospitals include:

The First Affiliated Hospital
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital (or Sun Yat-sen University Second Hospital)
Sun Yat-sen University Third Hospital
Sun Yat-sen University Fourth Hospital (has merged into the First Hospital)
Sun Yat-sen University Fifth Hospital (or Zhuhai Hospital)
Sun Yat-sen University Sixth Hospital (or Sun Yat-sen University Gastrointestinal & Anal Hospital)
Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
Sun Yat-sen University Stomatologic Hospital
Sun Yat-sen University Ophthalmologic Center
Sun Yat-sen University Seventh Hospital (Shenzhen)
Sun Yat-sen University Eighth Hospital (Shenzhen)

Specialized Medical Centers

The First Affiliated Hospital: Established in 1910, initially called the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Public Institution of Medicine.
Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC): A level III (highest rank in China) and class A hospital, designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for research on cancer in 1980. Since 2003, SYSUCC has been a sister institution of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Sun Yat-sen University Ophthalmologic Center: A leading advanced ophthalmic center in China, integrating eye care, teaching, eye research, and blindness prevention. Founded as Ophthalmic Hospital in Canton by American Peter Parker in 1835. It originally dealt with diseases of the eye, but later treated other ailments.

International Cooperation and Exchanges

SYSU actively engages in international exchanges and cooperation, emphasizing network partnerships with university alliances and cooperation with international organizations. Aside from its engagement in APRU, SYSU is also an active player in the University Sino-Australia Research Alliance, and the University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The First Affiliated Hospital of SYSU is also a member of AMEE, the Association for Medical Education in Europe. In 2016, SYSU, together with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the University of Macao, formed the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance. The Alliance now has 41 member institutions in the Guangdong- Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and has developed 37 discipline sub-alliances under its general structure.

Libraries and Resources

The university's system of libraries is one of the largest in China. In June 2005, Harvard College Library of Harvard University donated 158,000 volumes in Hilles Library to Sun Yat-sen University.

Student Life and Accommodation

Sun Yat-sen University offers student accommodation across its four campuses: South, North, East, and Zhuhai. The price range for single rooms is around RMB 1,500 per month or RMB 9,000 per semester. On the other hand, double rooms range from RMB 950 per month or RMB 6,000 per semester.

Rankings and Reputation

Sun Yat-sen University consistently ranks among the top universities in China and Asia.

Notable Alumni

Sun Yat-sen University has produced numerous successful graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields.

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