HKUST kicked off the new academic year in style on September 1 with the “Fire Up Your Year” orientation carnival. Held at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Atrium, the event welcomed new and returning students with a festive atmosphere, interactive activities, and appearances by university leaders.
The event set the perfect tone for the year ahead, made even more special as HKUST is currently celebrating its 35th anniversary.
This year’s 8,000-strong new student cohort reflects the University’s growing global footprint. Non-local undergraduates have joined HKUST from more than 65 countries and regions, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to campus.
Diversity in Action
Addressing the students, HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP shared encouragement for the journey ahead.
“Since the founding of the University, we have always taken pride in our diversity. We want our students to learn how to work across cultures and geographical borders so they can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world,” she said.
This diversity is illustrated by the incoming students. Nearly 30,000 non-JUPAS applications from over 120 countries and regions were received, representing a 20% increase from last year, including applications from Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Malawi, Qatar, and Togo. Newly registered international students in the 2026 cohort represent over 65 countries and regions, including students from Qatar, Finland, Costa Rica, Georgia, Romania, Serbia, Zambia and Switzerland.
In addition to strong representation from Asia, the cohort includes students from a broad range of European, Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including Germany, France, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
President Nancy Ip welcomed the newest members of the HKUST community, encouraging students to seize every opportunity, embrace new challenges, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
University management, deans, faculty members, alumni, and students came together for a group photo in front of a birthday cake celebrating HKUST’s 35th anniversary.
A Bold Vision and a Can-do Spirit
Prof. Ip urged students to embrace HKUST’s can-do spirit, pursue what they are passionate about, and build lasting friendships here on our beautiful Clear Water Bay campus.
“Thirty-five years ago, HKUST was just a bold idea,” she told the audience. “Our founding President and pioneering leaders dared to envision a university that would not simply follow established paths but create new ones. United by a 'Can-Do' spirit, they built HKUST with ambition, courage, and an unwavering belief that great ideas can change the world.”
As this new academic year begins, Prof. Ip encouraged all students to be curious, courageous, connected, and engaged.
“Embrace every opportunity, challenge yourself to grow, and strive to make a meaningful impact on the world around you," she said.
A Campus Alive with Cheers and Possibilities
The celebration quickly turned into a showcase of talent. Performance after performance kept the energy high and the crowd cheering.
The HKUST Band Society, joined by physics lecturer Dr. Giorgio MANZONI, delivered a lively set that had the audience clapping and swaying to the beat. The Rope Skipping Club wowed the crowd with lightning-fast footwork and gravity-defying tricks. Then, the Dance Society brought the house down with a dynamic performance packed with tightly synchronized moves and unadulterated enthusiasm.
The exceptional standard was no surprise, as several performers were finalists in the 2026 HKUST Talent Quest, a reminder of the creativity and passion within the HKUST community.
Games and gifts also fueled the excitement. Students’ knowledge about HKUST was put to the test in an interactive quiz featuring questions about HKUST’s past, present, and future.
Meanwhile, adventure awaited outside the Atrium as students, with campus maps and game cards in hand, embarked on a two-day stamp collection journey across checkpoints hosted by various university offices. Each stamp brought them closer to redeeming exclusive souvenirs while helping them discover new corners of HKUST. Schools also organized meet-and-greet sessions, giving students a chance to connect with faculty members early on.
This is the kind of fresh start that makes you look forward to a year full of discovery, friendship, and unforgettable memories. Together, let’s Fire Up Your Year and make our 35th anniversary one to remember!
The HKUST Band Society took the stage alongside physics lecturer Dr. Giorgio Manzoni (centre), energizing the Atrium with an electrifying performance that had the crowd clapping, cheering, and singing along.
Beneath soaring “Where Miracles Happen” banners and bunting, the Rope Skipping Club thrilled the audience with breathtaking jump tricks and precision.
The Dance Society lit up the stage with a high-energy performance, blending powerful choreography and synchronized moves that brought the crowd to its feet.
The audience was keen to show off their knowledge about HKUST during the interactive quiz.
Students traced the campus map and collected stamps at checkpoints to redeem surprising souvenirs such as tote bags, tumblers, and plushies.
Students discovered fascinating stories about the University at the HKUST Fun Facts Wall.
