HKUST President Nancy Ip Advocates International Collaboration for Longevity at APRU Presidents' Meeting 2025

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) President Professor Nancy IP attended the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) 29th Annual Presidents' Meeting (APM), hosted by University of California, San Diego from June 22-24. The three-day conference, themed “Human Longevity in a Changing World: Innovation, Education, and Leadership for a Resilient Future”, uniting global academic leaders and experts to discuss the future of longevity and artificial intelligence (AI) research.

In light of the dual challenges posed by aging populations and increasing chronic diseases, President Ip joined distinguished university leaders, including President Kohei ITOH, Keio University; Vice-Chancellor and President Peter HØJ, The University of Adelaide; and Prof. LU Yanqing, Vice-President of Nanjing University, to share insights on how AI can advance research and innovation focused on longevity and improve quality of life across various disciplines.

President Ip stated, "AI allows a shift from reactive to preventive healthcare and promotes healthy aging. It’s not just adding more years to our lives, but it’s adding life to our years." She emphasized the responsibility of researchers to leverage AI for solutions that enhance lives globally, highlighting the essential role of international collaboration in sharing expertise and maximizing resources.

During a student panel at the Annual Presidents' Meeting, HKUST undergraduate student Kai Lam Karl YU, majoring in Computer Engineering, Bioengineering, and AI, shared his experiences using technology to improve public health in a service-learning trip to Sri Lanka as part of the Student Innovation for Global Health Technology (SIGHT) program. 

To harness AI in healthcare, HKUST is dedicated to a dual approach: learning FROM AI and learning WITH AI. This approach creates an environment where cutting-edge technology intersects with innovative research to power longevity breakthroughs.