HKUST Annual Report 2024-2025

59 University’s aspiration to establish its medical school in order to meet the needs in the region, the Council has set up an Advisory Group in support of Council’s oversight of HKUST’s preparation of related proposal. Led by Dr. the Honourable LEONG Che-Hung, a highly respected leader in medicine, public health and education in Hong Kong, comprising renowned medical experts and scholars with a wide breadth of knowledge and perspective from around the globe, the Group has been providing guidance and invaluable advice to the Administration throughout the process. It is excited to note that the HKSAR Government has announced on November 18, 2025 its approval of the University’s establishment of the third medical school in Hong Kong. Looking forward, the Council aspires to maintain effective oversight to ensure the successful launch of the University’s School of Medicine, which is planned to admit its first cohort by mid-2028. Safeguarding effective governance The Council continues to play an active role in monitoring the University’s operations to safeguard high standard of accountability and effectiveness. In addition to the future strategic initiatives, Council has been paying specific attention to the development of campus resources and talents. During the period, a special group was set up to monitor the University’s capital projects, one of which was on the new Student Residence Development. Council also guided the University on various initiatives to retain talents, including the rolling out of a flexible work policy for staff pioneering all local universities, as well as the plans to promote diversity on campus by attracting more non-local students and faculty members. Promoting closer ties with stakeholders In parallel, the Council contributes to strengthening the University’s fundraising and engagement efforts. Following Council’s approval in December 2023 to reactivate the HKUST Foundation, the University has proactively engaged and secured support from different groups of stakeholders. The Foundation successfully hosted its inaugural Foundation Gala Dinner in May 2025, during which a charity auction was held with over HK$35 million raised to fuel the University’s future in innovation and talent development. The event also garnered significant media attention, elevating HKUST’s profile both locally and globally, and powerfully reaffirming the Council’s commitment to steering the University towards continued excellence. It is expected that with all the meticulous planning of the Board of the HKUST Foundation, the expert advice from the Institutional Advancement and Outreach Committee, as well as the efforts of the newly appointed Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, the University’s relationship with supporters will be deepened and the outreach strategies will be developed in a more targeted manner. Strengthening the platforms on the Chinese Mainland Coping with HKUST’s rapid development beyond Hong Kong, Council has promoted the strengthening of the University’s Mainland platforms in a more strategic way to facilitate research funding opportunities (provincial and national fund schemes) and to expand its scope of research endeavors. On top of its presence in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Foshan, the University’s operation has been extended to other cities including Beijing and Shanghai. As for HKUST(GZ), the Council continued to oversee related governance matters by providing strategic advice to the Administration under the backdrop of the “Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses” framework. The Council also approved a new Donation Acceptance and Naming Policy, as well as the Policy on the Use of the University’s Titles, Names and Logos for HKUST(GZ) to ensure a solid framework for effective fundraising efforts while protecting the brand of HKUST. Under the Council’s guidance, HKUST(GZ) celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony in November 2024 and put forward its strategic plans for the Phase II campus development.