Celebrating 35 Years of Innovation: HKUST Launches Anniversary with Reflection and Ambition

Amid the fun-filled entertainment— from robot dogs and musical performances to drumming, dance, and jaw-dropping rope skipping routines— the ceremony was characterized by a moving tribute to the legacy of HKUST founders, reiterating how HKUST’s “can-do” energy can fuel the future development of Hong Kong and the region.

HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP established the reflective tone in her welcoming address, in which she accentuated how HKUST’s founding spirit had guided the University’s dynamic evolution over the past thirty-five years.

This foundational ethos was set in motion by the late Founding President, Prof. Chia-Wei WOO, who had envisioned HKUST as Hong Kong’s first research-intensive university, an institution designed to create knowledge rather than merely transmit it.

The President added that Prof. Woo had clearly anticipated how the destinies of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland would become more closely intertwined in the future. Long before the “Greater Bay Area” had a name, and long before cross-border collaboration became possible, Prof Woo understood that Hong Kong’s future was inseparable from that of the region. 

“This forward-looking vision laid the groundwork for the establishment of HKUST (Guangzhou) decades later and continues to guide our commitment to connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland, advancing knowledge and innovation across borders,” President Ip said.

This sense of deepening connections within the region was further emphasized in the vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Harry SHUM, Council Chairman, who underlined HKUST’s readiness to respond rapidly to the needs of Hong Kong and the nation. 

HKUST’s comprehensive response includes, for example, establishing Hong Kong’s third medical school, fully supporting initiatives in the low-altitude economy, and integrating AI into HKUST’s teaching and research, Prof. Shum said.

“The exciting technology areas HKUST is innovating align remarkably well with our nation's 5th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s 1st Five-Year Plan,” continued Prof. Shum, warmly inviting the entire HKUST community to work together to share these aspirations.

HKUST’s contributions to the country's strategic priorities under these long-term plans for social and economic growth were also commended by the Guest of Honor at the launch event, Chief Secretary for Administration Mr. CHAN Kwok-ki.

He noted several areas of alignment with local and national priorities, including high-quality development and greater self-reliance. He also highlighted strengths in science and technology, industrial modernization, and advances in original innovation and breakthroughs in core technologies. 

In addition, he commended HKUST’s support for the "Study in Hong Kong" initiative that the HKSAR Government is pursuing to deepen the city’s role as an international hub for post-secondary education.  

“HKUST is a great example of how our universities can support national priorities,” Mr. Chan said. “It's already making good progress in areas like AI, data science, life and health sciences, advanced materials, and sustainable energy.”

These sentiments were warmly received by the hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and friends gathered for the launch of the year-long 35th anniversary celebration. Their presence added to the deep sense of pride that permeated the occasion.