HKUST Welcomes the Reappointment of Prof. Harry SHUM as Council Chairman
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Harry SHUM on his reappointment as Chairman of the University Council by Mr. John LEE Ka-Chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Chancellor of HKUST. The reappointment is for a three-year term, effective March 6, 2026. This milestone reinforces the University's leadership foundation and provides strong momentum for advancing the Strategic Plan 2031 and realizing the ambitious vision of HKUST 3.0.
Prof. Shum has served as HKUST Council Chairman since March 2023. Under his visionary leadership over the past three years, HKUST has achieved significant breakthroughs in institutional development and made remarkable strides in its global standing. The University has been entrusted by the Central People's Government, the HKSAR Government, and the broader community with several strategic missions. These include establishing Hong Kong's third medical school, reorganizing two existing State Key Laboratories and securing approval for a new one, and leading a project—together with an international research team—to develop a multi-functional lunar surface operation robot for the national Chang'E-8 lunar exploration mission.
HKUST continues to strengthen the synergies between its Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, enhancing interactions and collaborations in teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition, HKUST has established the HKUST Shanghai Center, where it draws on its strengths in innovation and entrepreneurship in fields such as semiconductors, AI, and biomedicine, successfully extending the University’s influence from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area) to the Yangtze River Delta. Under the leadership of the Council, these accomplishments not only demonstrate HKUST's outstanding contributions and robust research capabilities in cutting-edge technological fields, but also highlight its role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong and the nation.
Prof. Shum stated, "At this historic milestone marking HKUST's 35th anniversary, I am deeply honored to be reappointed as Council Chairman and fully aware of the responsibilities this role entails. My association with HKUST began 25 years ago when I joined as an adjunct professor, and my bond with the University has only strengthened since then. Looking ahead, I will work closely with President Prof. Nancy Ip, members of the Council and the Court, the University's senior leadership, as well as our faculty, students, alumni, and the wider community. Together, we will continue to advance the progress and development of HKUST, support Hong Kong's alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, strengthen its role as an international hub for high-caliber talent, and contribute HKUST's knowledge and expertise toward the nation's vision of becoming a powerhouse in technology and education."
Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, expressed her delight at the reappointment. "Prof. Shum has steered the Council in setting the University’s overarching strategic direction, and supported the University management in executing a range of critical initiatives. His efforts have further enhanced HKUST's global academic influence and recognition. I look forward to working closely with Prof. Shum, members of the Council, and the entire University community to continue driving HKUST's pursuit of excellence in education and research, and raising its international reputation to new heights."
"One of our key missions is to advance the establishment of the HKUST School of Medicine, which will nurture a new generation of medical leaders capable of integrating technological innovation with clinical excellence. This will support Hong Kong's development as an international hub for medical training, research, and innovation," said Prof. Ip.
In addition, Ms. Kitty CHOI Kit-Yu, who has served as an HKUST Council member since April 1, 2023, has been reappointed by the Chief Executive for a further three-year term effective April 1, 2026. Prof. Ip congratulated Ms. Choi and thanked her for her contributions to university governance, particularly in auditing, institutional advancement, and knowledge transfer.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” coming in 17th worldwide and first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of July 2025, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 17 exits (IPO or M&A).
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