News & Stories

Chemists at the School of Science of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have recently made a significant breakthrough in photocatalysis by unveiling a “super” photoreductant, marking a major advancement in organic synthesis. Quantum dots (QDs) hold great promise as photocatalysts for promoting photoredox chemistry, however, their application in photocatalytic organic transformations has lagged behind that of small molecule photosensitizers due to the limited understanding of their photophysics. While various studies have explored the generation of hot electrons from QDs as a strategy to enhance photoreduction efficiencies, achieving effective hot-electron generation under mild conditions has posed a significant challenge.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today inaugurated the Otto Poon Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability (CCRS), a transformative initiative designed to accelerate research, innovation and policy solutions in climate resilience and sustainable development. Established through the generous support of Ir Dr. Otto POON, Founder of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation, the Center unites HKUST’s world-class expertise in climate science, advanced modeling systems, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy and sustainable policy to deliver scalable and actionable strategies for governments, industries, and communities worldwide.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) held a flag-raising ceremony on campus this morning to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. Officiating guests included Mr. QIN Hong, Counsellor of the Policy Research Department of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR; Dr. John CHAN, HKUST Pro-Chancellor; Ms. Edith SHIH, HKUST Council Vice-Chairperson; Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST President; and other senior management.  Took place at the center of the HKUST Piazza for the first time, the ceremony was attended by over 200 students, alumni, and their families, with an additional 30,000 people joining the livestreaming online. The audience witnessed the solemn moment as the National Flag, Regional Flag, and University Flag were hoisted in front of the Red Bird Sundial Sculpture, symbolizing aspirations for Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability under the nation's support.

The inaugural Gala Dinner of the HKUST Foundation recently took place amid an outpouring of kindness and generosity—hosting over 200 distinguished guests of academia, business, and philanthropy. The gala dinner marked the official launch of the HKUST Foundation, which aims to foster a greater sense of belonging among the University community while broadening its fundraising network for strategic development. Amidst the glitz and glamor, what truly stole the limelight was the auction of two exclusive leather jackets autographed by NVIDIA’s Founder and CEO, Dr. Jensen HUANG. These two jackets raised a staggering total of over HK$20 million to support strategic development at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

Global healthcare is facing a wide range of challenges, including ageing populations and an increase in chronic diseases, which are putting immense strain on healthcare systems. The demand for advanced medical technologies like less invasive and more precise surgical tools has never been more urgent. The situation prompted a global wave of innovation in micro-scale medical robotics designed to assist clinicians with unprecedented accuracy and effectiveness.  This ambition drives Professor SHEN Yajing and his research team at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)’s Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering on their journey toward medical innovation. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies, they have recently developed three pioneering smart medical devices for health monitoring, surgical assistance, and rehabilitation, ushering in a new era of smart healthcare.

Once a student from modest beginnings, Terry TSANG is now the CEO of Madhead, a leading mobile game developer. His smash-hit game, Tower of Saviors, has over 23 million downloads worldwide and features collaborations with top animation franchises. Despite his success, Terry remains deeply connected to his alma mater, HKUST. As an Alumnus, Council Member, and Donor, Terry’s devotion to HKUST is unwavering. What he treasures most in his office is a 20-year-old letter from HKUST—reminding him of when the University gave him emergency support during a family tragedy. “My father passed away suddenly during my final year of study,” Terry recalls, holding the letter. “It was devastating, but I’ll never forget how much HKUST supported us during that difficult time. This letter still sits on my desk today.”

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has been appointed by the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (APO), a collaborative partnership hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific, to spearhead a regional research consortium focused on digital health innovation. This prestigious appointment, secured through a competitive process, underscores HKUST’s global leadership in policy research under the theme “Leveraging Digital Health Technologies and Data to Strengthen Health System Outcomes.”

For many, sticking to familiar paths feels safe and comfortable. But not for the trailblazers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). They are not just thinking outside the box—they are pushing boundaries and aiming for the skies—quite literally. At HKUST’s Low Altitude Economy Research Center (LAERC), researchers are revolutionizing the future of urban airspace to support HKSAR Government’s policy in promoting the low-altitude economy. Their mission? Harnessing the groundbreaking Digital Twin technology—a virtual replica of the physical world—to transform drone management, airspace control, and infrastructure monitoring.  Spearheaded by Professor Jack CHENG of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, this innovative technology is set to unlock unprecedented potential for the low-altitude economy.