HKUST Annual Report 2022-2023

2 3 to providing consent to acquire advanced computing servers and other related infrastructural set up to augment our state-of-the-art high performance computational facilities. Furthermore, the University is committed to collaborating with leading technology companies in different industries to promote the application of AI. In March, the University allocated HK$10 million to launch the “Education and Generative Artificial Intelligence Fund” (EDGE-AI Fund), inviting faculty and teaching staff to submit proposals to explore new methods for using AI technologies in teaching, and developing best practices. Upon the solid foundation built in Clear Water Bay (HKUST 1.0), and an expansion into the Greater Bay Area afforded through HKUST(GZ) (HKUST 2.0), the Council endorsed the new administration’s HKUST 3.0 Vision Plan in March 2023, which sets the University’s long-term strategic directions for the next three decades. Among HKUST 3.0’s visionary goals is a University Innovation Technology Park (USTInnoTech Park), the objective of which is to extend our innovation pipeline and foster interactions with industries, contributing to Hong Kong’s aspirations to become an innovation and technology (I&T) hub. The University is also exploring the option to establish the third medical school in Hong Kong to address a critical demand for locally trained healthcare professionals and physician-scientists in biomedical discovery. HKUST’s commitment to sustainability leadership gains fresh momentum following the Council’s approval of the University’s updated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policy in relation to its investment pool. The move sees HKUST become the first university in Hong Kong to pledge to eliminate fossil fuel investments, attesting to the University’s commitment to support the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have made some remarkable progress in 2023. HKUST (Guangzhou) has admitted its first class of undergraduate students. As HKUST(GZ) is moving onto the second phase of its infrastructure development, the Council is committed to providing its full support to help HKUST(GZ) to become a leading contributor to the economic and social development of Guangzhou, the Greater Bay Area and the Country. The University has made some substantial achievements in collaboration between our Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses under the innovative “Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses” framework. The Council has provided some guidelines through a Cross- campus Coordination Framework which manages various academic and non-academic issues of common interests. A joint academic consultative mechanism is put in place whereby a Joint Academic Board and joint committee sessions between both Senates will discuss and reach consensus on matters concerning HKUST(GZ)’s academic programs, teaching and learning quality assurance and related issues. Senior management of both campuses have scheduled regular meetings to address practical issues. The Council will continue to review and enhance the governance framework of HKUST(GZ) to ensure accountability and effective management. We held our unprecedented Council meeting on HKUST(GZ) in October so Members can witness firsthand the opportunities and challenges faced by HKUST(GZ). The above underscores the commitment of the two campuses towards a successful collaboration in driving common education, research and knowledge transfer agenda. The past year has also seen the transformative development of generative AI. HKUST is the first university in Hong Kong to embrace this technology and recognizes the potential of its role in transforming education and research, improving productivity, and supporting knowledge advancement. The Council endorses the incorporation of generative AI technologies, particularly HKUST ChatGPT, into our pedagogical practices starting June 2023. Technological advancement also hinges on the strength of our computing hardware infrastructure. The Council has responded quickly