HKUST Annual Report 2021-2022

3 HKUST Annual Report 2021-2022 With the support of our Government and our partners, the two Campuses will create a unique synergy. We are encouraged by the active involvement and enthusiasm of the University community in this project which have made this unprecedented partnership and ground-breaking educational initiative possible. The success of HKUST and HKUST(GZ) under “Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses” will support the Country’s initiatives in advancing higher education and research, innovation and technology in the Greater Bay Area region. Underpinning all these exciting and important developments is good governance, the foundation for every organization’s success. In this regard, as the University’s supreme governing body, HKUST’s governing Council and its Members have been devoting their efforts wholeheartedly and selflessly to maintaining and striving for the highest standard of corporate governance in universities, principally through steering of the University’s overall strategic directions, and ensuring accountability and efficient management through effective oversight. During the past years, apart from regular meetings of the Council and Standing Committee, more than 40 meetings were held on matters on and relating to the establishment and operation of HKUST(GZ). I am truly grateful to my fellow Council Members, including the President and members of the Administration who have actively and responsibly participated in these meetings, and in the process further contributing to the development of governance at HKUST in the continuous drive for institutional excellence. A case in point is Council’s continuous efforts in reviewing the “Guidelines and Code of Practice for Council Members” which define the roles and responsibilities of Council Members in their discharge of duties. The Council has also, based on the Terms of Reference of Council Committees, devised their Scope of Responsibilities as part of Council’s scheme of delegation. Given the increased complexities of Council’s businesses, a number of newWorking Groups and Committees have been set up by Council, including the most recent Working Groups on land resources and university anthem, and Council Committee on legal affairs. In fulfilling its duty of monitoring the performance of the University, the Council has been tracking the progress of work of various University functions with reference to the Strategic Plans, the University Accountability Agreements developed by the University Grants Committee since 2019 to ensure that the overall strategic directions and principles have been complied with in a satisfactory manner, in accordance with performance indicators as agreed. Alongside governance matters, the Council also hosted numerous ceremonies and activities, including the Congregation and University retreats. Over the period, we were delighted to have the opportunities to interact with various groups of stakeholders through the hosting of alumni, students’ and donors’ receptions, and campus visits. These events have allowed us the opportunities to engage with various parties, and strengthen the rapport within our University community and ties with external supporters. HKUST is moving on its way to a new chapter, under the presidency of Professor Nancy IP, a world-renowned molecular neuroscientist, an eminent researcher, educator, and a seasoned university administrator. Nancy has been a member of the HKUST family since its early days and is an award-winning role model for women scientists. We have every confidence that her steadfast commitment to education and her love for HKUST will bring the University to its next level of excellence. On behalf of the University Council, I would also express our thanks to Professor Wei SHYY for his leadership of the University for 12 years in the past, first as Provost, and finally as President. In discharging our public duties, we gratefully carry on the vision of HKUST’s far-sighted founders, and are thankful for the support of the University’s friends and donors, and the concerted efforts of our faculty, students, staff and alumni. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow Council and Court Members, past and present, for their wholehearted and selfless commitment, professional and wise counsel, tremendous and unfailing support to the University over the years. Looking ahead, I am confident that the entire HKUST community will work closely together in moving forward under HKUST 3.0 for the next 30 years, riding on the success of our 1.0 foundation at Clear Water Bay and the opportunity of 2.0 development in the Greater Bay Area. With the University community’s DNA as adventurers and trendsetters, I firmly believe that HKUST is ready to take on and embrace new opportunities and challenges, and create even more miracles in the years to come! Chairman, University Council Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing GBM, GBS, SC, JP