HKUST Annual Report 2024-2025

18 HKUST ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25 DEGREES DESIGNED TO MEET EVOLVING NEEDS In line with our strategic goal to cultivate leaders who address emerging global trends, HKUST introduced or planned nine new research and taught postgraduate programs for 2025-26. These pioneering degrees cover critical fields such as drug regulation policy, net-zero and green finance, arts and creativity, cybersecurity management, AI, and the first master’s degree of its kind in Asia on family offices and family business. Our undergraduate portfolio also expanded to meet evolving demands. Recognizing the rapid global expansion of healthcare and related sectors—driven by aging populations and biotech advancements—we launched the BSc in Biomedical and Health Sciences to develop talent for pharmaceuticals, research, and public health. To advance our leadership in AI, we introduced the BSc in Data Analytics and AI in Science, equipping graduates to apply data skills across scientific disciplines. The School of Engineering further addressed technological needs with new BEng programs in Artificial Intelligence, Microelectronics and Integrated Circuits, and Energy and Environmental Engineering. We also refined our admission pathways to better serve prospective students. The School of Engineering introduced a "dual track" system, offering direct department-based entry alongside school-based admission. The School of Business and Management established a Graduate Program Pathway for high- achieving undergraduates to transition seamlessly into i t s MS c p r og r ams . F i na l l y , t he Ac ademy o f Interdisciplinary Studies expanded its postgraduate offerings with new programs in Arts and Machine Creativity (MPhil/PhD, MA) and Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MPhil). CHAMPIONING GO-GETTING EDUCATORS, STRENGTHENING GLOBAL AI LEADERSHIP To further empower our educators and enhance innovative teaching, the University launched the Academy of Education Excellence under the Center for Education Innovation (CEI) in 2025. The Academy conferred its inaugural fellowship titles on 21 faculty members in recognition of their outstanding dedication to advancing educational best practices. CEI continued to lead transformative projects, such as the Co-Designer ChatGPT Platform, supported under the University Grants Committee (UGC)’s Fund for Innovative Technology-in-Education. The platform assists course design, quality assurance, and faculty development, and was shortlisted for the QS Reimagine Education Awards in December 2024. For AI developments, the Extended Major in AI continues to be one of the most sought-after programs, with over 1,200 students declaring it in 2024-25. Its curriculum undergoes regular review and enhancement to keep pace with technological evolution. We also deepened our commitment to cross-institutional collaboration internationally by hosting the second Cyber Physical Learning Alliance Summit, which convened global leaders to share research and pedagogical innovations in cyber- physical learning. The University also chaired the Digital Education Council’s Thematic Working Group on AI and Education, leading to the Ten Dimensions of AI Readiness Framework 2025, a strategic guide to help institutions navigate AI-enhanced teaching, learning, and governance. HKUST is a proud founding member of both groups. 1,200+ Students Declared Extended Major in AI