Exploring AI’s Next Frontier: HKUST and World Economic Forum Convene Young Global Leaders
From December 1 to 5, 2025, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), hosted the 2025 edition of the prestigious Young Global Leaders Education Module.
The flagship event, themed “Our AI Future is Now: Reflections and Next Directions,” brought together 35 influential young leaders from 24 countries and regions for an intensive exploration of artificial intelligence’s societal and economic implications. The program also served as a key milestone ahead of HKUST’s upcoming 35th Anniversary, underscoring the University’s commitment to fostering innovation-led global impact.
Marking the third consecutive year as the WEF’s exclusive academic partner in Greater China for the module, HKUST reaffirmed its role as a leading convener of dialogue on technology, sustainability, and leadership. Through curated seminars, fireside chats, and experiential sessions, participants examined AI’s transformative potential across sectors including healthcare, finance, climate action, and creative industries.
In his opening address, HKUST Provost Prof. GUO Yike highlighted both the urgency and the opportunity of the AI era: “As we stand at the crossroads of rapid technological evolution, AI has moved from concept to reality. This module is about engaging with AI critically, responsibly, and strategically.”
A standout session featured an open lecture by Dr. LI Yifan, Co-founder and CEO of Hesai Technology—the world’s leading LiDAR sensor manufacturer and a fellow Young Global Leader. In his presentation, “Infrastructure for AI – for both autonomous cars and robots,” Dr. Li detailed how integrated engineering innovation and scalable AI infrastructure are critical to advancing autonomous mobility and intelligent robotics, offering grounded insights from China’s technology landscape.
The module also featured perspectives from a distinguished roster of HKUST faculty and industry experts:
- Carmen CHU, Executive Director (Banking Supervision) at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), outlined HKMA’s supervisory approach to facilitate responsible AI innovation.
- Jen ZHU SCOTT, Co-founder and CEO of Power Dynamics, delivered a keynote on the architecture of intelligence, examining the limitations of large language models and potential pathways for AI’s next evolution.
- Prof. SU Hui, Global STEM Professor and Chair Professor in HKUST’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, presented pioneering research in AI-enhanced tropical cyclone forecasting that integrates satellite data with machine learning models.
Participants also engaged with HKUST alumni at the forefront of AI entrepreneurship, gaining insight into how the University’s innovation ecosystem supports startups translating research into real-world applications. A tour of the HKUST Von Neumann Institute offered delegates a firsthand look at emerging technologies, with an introduction by Prof. JIA Jiaya, Chair Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, to the latest breakthroughs in multimodal AI systems.
The program concluded with HKUST extending appreciation to the World Economic Forum, the dynamic cohort of Young Global Leaders, and all contributing speakers and faculty members. With top-tier academic programs, advanced research facilities, and sustained investment in AI and interdisciplinary leadership development, HKUST continues to strengthen its mission of shaping the future of technology and global stewardship.
Testimonials from the Young Global Leaders:
