HKUST Appoints Ir John KWONG Ka-Sing as Inaugural Vice-President for Development | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced today the appointment of Ir John KWONG Ka-Sing as the Vice-President for Development, effective from September 26, 2024. 

Ir Kwong is a seasoned senior executive and accomplished engineering professional with a global reputation for spearheading reform within the construction industry. He has 37 years of experience in the civil service and served as the founding Head of the Project Strategy and Governance Office at the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government. He oversaw the Capital Works Program to ensure the portfolio of public works projects were delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner.  He was also responsible for formulating strategies to strengthen governance and enhance the performance of capital works projects as well as the construction industry, earning him recognition and respect of the construction sector, academia and the engineering profession both locally and internationally.

In his role as the inaugural Vice-President for Development at HKUST, Ir Kwong will be responsible for identifying and leveraging development opportunities for the University. Additionally, as a core member of the senior management team, he will help formulate strategies to propel the University towards achieving its vision, mission, and strategic goals. He will also enhance campus management and development while working towards building a carbon-neutral campus. His appointment is the result of a rigorous global search.

HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM is delighted to welcome Ir Kwong to the Management team of the University. “Ir Kwong is an experienced engineer with a strong reputation and respect in the areas of construction and engineering as well as the academia both locally and internationally. I believe his professional expertise will greatly contribute to the University's strategic planning and development,” he said. 

HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP also expressed her congratulations to Ir Kwong and said, “We have embarked on our HKUST 3.0 journey and are constructing numerous critical innovation infrastructure and facilities – both on and off campus – to enhance our world-leading position in education, research, and innovation. I look forward to working closely with Ir Kwong during this exciting time. With his extensive experience, we will be able to transform our vision into significant advancements and further strengthen our competency and capacity across various fronts.”

Ir Kwong received his BSc degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from The University of Hong Kong in 1987. He went on to earn four master’s degrees – an MSc in Environmental Management from The University of Hong Kong in 1994, an MSc in Hydraulic Engineering from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK in 1995, an MA in Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution from City University of Hong Kong in 2005, and an Master of Laws (Commercial Laws) from the University of Northumbria in the UK in 2009. He is also a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. He was conferred the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government in July this year.

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 that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, while 12 of its subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, with "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" being ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. 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 latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of June 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A).