HKUST Annual Report 2022-2023

HKUST annual report 2022-2023 PRESIDENT’S Report  we held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Martin Ka Shing Lee Innovation Building: a state-of-the-art facility that will expand opportunities for cross-disciplinary and collaborative research in areas ranging from robotics and AI to sustainable living and health science. Other infrastructure upgrades include a high-performance computational facility to support big data and AI research, and two additional research buildings: one focused on life and chemical sciences and technologies, and the other on physical sciences and related technologies. All will significantly elevate existing research capabilities. Together with the growth of facilities on campus, we have expanded HKUST’s footprint through collaborations and alliances both nationally and internationally. In 2022-23, the University received numerous mainland delegations and visits from leading research universities and government bodies, including the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. Memoranda of Understanding with mainland public organizations and industry will further foster cooperative undertakings. HKUST now has 315 global partnerships. This year, we were honored to be accorded the Executive Presidency of the 15-member Asian Universities Alliance in 2023-24 and chair the 17-member Association of East Asian Research Universities for 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, our ongoing participation in leading platforms, such as the World Economic Forum, is reinforcing the University’s thought leadership to shape critical global agendas. Ready for the Future We are looking toward the realization of the multifaceted HKUST 3.0 Vision Plan, with many more exhilarating and meaningful advances in store. In particular, we are working toward the establishment of the HKUST Innovation and Technology Park (USTInnoTech Park), which will enhance the real-world actualization of academic research outcomes and foster industry partnerships. We are also striving to establish a third medical school in Hong Kong to nurture future-ready physicians and address local healthcare demands against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s aging population. We are also working hard to secure additional land near our Clear Water Bay Campus. Another priority is to foster empathy and compassion by creating avenues to strengthen the humanities on campus and promote the fusion of humanities and innovation through novel academic programs, such as Sports Tech@HKUST and Art Tech@HKUST. Such initiatives will enable us to create societal impacts and sustain an inclusive, supportive environment where the entire HKUST community can thrive. Our launch of the University Anthem in three languages earlier this year is an example of how we can celebrate our shared identity and build a strong sense of belonging. To ensure the success of various initiatives and developments, we have intensified fundraising efforts to secure major donations from both the public and private sectors. Accordingly, we have received substantial donation pledges, reaching the HK$500 million ceiling of the Research Matching Grant Scheme. We also nurtured relationships with alumni and potential donors. Overall, we will persist in setting the pace as a globally leading institution of higher education and research by leveraging our strengths in science and innovation to actively propel Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub. I look forward to working closely with all members of the HKUST community to reach new heights of excellence in the exciting times ahead. President Prof. Nancy Y. IP SBS, BBS, MH, JP