HKUST Annual Report 2024-2025

14 HKUST ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25 Our participation in the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025 in Istanbul provided a platform for HKUST experts to showcase scalable sustainability solutions, including vertical solar panels for smart buildings, eco-bricks made fromwaste materials, and multipurpose nano-coatings for urban applications. Locally, HKUST became the first university in Hong Kong to announce a comprehensive Net-Zero Action Plan, outlining a multi-pronged framework to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. This plan will guide campus decarbonization and catalyze collaboration with partners, industry, and government on this critical societal challenge. CELEBRATING HKUST AT 35 As we look ahead to the University’s 35th anniversary in 2026, let us remember and extend heartfelt thanks to our late Founding President, Prof. Chia-Wei WOO, whose visionary leadership set HKUST on a fast track to global academic achievement and enduring contribution to Hong Kong, the nation, and beyond. As a founding member myself, I recall the early days of energy and can-do spirit that Prof. Woo inspired—a spirit that remains a defining characteristic of our institution. For three and a half decades since its founding, HKUST has stood as a prominent and respected member of the global academic community. The collective achievements of our faculty, staff, alumni, and entire university community are integral to our identity and serve as a daily testament to our shared commitment to excellence. I also wish to acknowledge the vital contributions of our Council and Court members, alongside our broader stakeholders, whose dedicated guidance and support ensure that our tradition of excellence, diversity, and inclusivity continues to thrive. Together, we have much to celebrate today—and look forward to a future of even greater excitement, discovery, and achievement. President Nancy Y. IP SBS, BBS, MH, JP