HKUST Annual Report 2024-2025

51 L O C A L T O G L O B A L 350 International Partnerships We further expanded avenues for interaction by renewing and initiating close to 100 partnerships with global universities and institutions. As of June 30, 2025, HKUST’s total active partnerships reached 350, including over 30 new partners such as Auckland University of Technology, the University of Warsaw, and the University of South Africa. The University’s Global Knowledge Network, now in its second year, continued to build opportunities for joint undertakings by adding new institutional partners, including Pohang University of Science and Technology and the University of Bristol, and funding of 35 new collaborative projects through its joint research seed grant program. Enlarging Global Reach and Showcasing Dual-Campus Unity The University welcomed over 120 delegations, comprising more than 800 participants from government bodies and academic partners across Chinese Mainland, Southeast and East Asia, Europe and Australia. Senior management strengthened ties with over 40 diplomatic missions and engaged with Consulates-General from countries including Brazil, Hungary, Egypt, the UAE, and Pakistan, as well as international institutions such as UNESCO and the World Economic Forum. In addition, HKUST hosted its inaugural Belt and Road Forum, featuring a panel of diplomats from Thailand, Turkey, Malaysia, Pakistan and Indonesia who discussed “Navigating New Frontiers: The Future of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)”.