HKUST Annual Report 2022-2023

HKUST annual report 2022-2023 CHAIRMAN'S Foreword  To strengthen the University’s capacity to undertake such developments, proposed amendments to the HKUST Ordinance to enhance the management structure were taken forward over the year. Following Council’s endorsement and subsequent passage of the HKUST (Amendment) Bill by the Legislative Council, the University will now be able to recruit additional Vice-Presidents. This flexibility in manpower planning will enable HKUST to support our research in six strategic areas and enhance our ability to attract talents. With all these exciting plans on the horizon, it was heartening to see HKUST’s robust local, national, and international support over the year, with numerous delegations and visitors, including Mr. XIA Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council in April, Mr. John LEE, our HKSAR Chief Executive in October, and Ms. WANG Yaping and Mr. ZHANG Lu, Chinese astronauts in November. In drawing my first Annual Report Foreword to a close, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the former Council Chairman, Dr. Andrew LIAO Cheung-sing, over his extended eight-year tenure. Having now taken up the role of Court Chairman, Dr. Liao and I will remain in close communication. We are also grateful to Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak, for his unwavering dedication to his leadership and service in HKUST’s development over the past two decades. We are lucky that Dr. Chan is willing to retain a leadership position in the capacity of the University’s Pro-Chancellor. To all Council Members, Administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and all university stakeholders, thank you for your warm welcome and sterling support. Together, not only will we take on the challenges of this globally testing time, but we will also help address them through ensuring HKUST’s continued and far-reaching achievements and impact on both higher education and society. Chairman, University Council Prof. Harry SHUM Heung-Yeung