HKUST Annual Report 2023-2024

4 Chairman’s Foreword President Lionel NI for close coordination and efforts to steer the two campuses in the direction towards HKUST’s vision to deepen collaboration and forge close ties with businesses and higher education institutions in the Greater Bay Area and to facilitate Hong Kong’s active role as the bridge between the country and the world. Not only do we nurture talent, but we also draw in brilliant minds from every corner of the globe. I am happy to report that over 70* top scholars and scientists in artificial intelligence, health science, microelectronics, sustainable and green finance from the United States, Germany, France, South Korea and other countries joined our faculty this past year. A large proportion brings with them successful entrepreneurial experience, and thus unique perspectives on how the latest technology could have practical applications in a rapidly evolving industry and business landscape. Staying focused on its mandate to strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness in science and technology, management and entrepreneurship, HKUST has taken a lead in its effort in enhancing Hong Kong’s research and applications in artificial intelligence. In November 2023, we co-hosted with the Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians the AI New Horizons Symposium. Turing Award laureate, industry leaders, academicians and leading experts engaged in a dialogue on the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. In December 2023, HKUST co-hosted with Tsinghua University the influential International AI Cooperation and Governance Forum to explore efforts to develop a global framework of AI governance which will ensure research, development and applications of generative AI models will maximize its potential for humankind. As a research university excelling in science, technology, computer science and artificial intelligence, HKUST has a unique advantage to help address Hong Kong’s long- standing shortage of medical professionals. We are * as of June 30, 2024