Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute (GZ) Unveiled—An Enduring Partnership Flourishes

In the 35 years since HKUST’s establishment, the Cheng family and their Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation have been steadfast supporters of the University’s development, working closely together on research and innovation. 

The naming and unveiling of the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute (Guangzhou) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST(GZ)) on August 26 symbolizes how this longstanding partnership has now extended beyond Clear Water Bay to Nansha in Guangzhou. 

The Institute deepens collaboration among HKUST, the Cheng family, and the Foundation, and cultivates the growing research synergy between HKUST’s two campuses, reflecting their shared determination to advance innovation and development in robotics.

Highlighting the significance of the Institute's launch, the ceremony was graced by Mr. Peter CHENG Kar-Shing, Chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation. Both Directors of the Foundation, Ms. Leonie KI Man-Fung, SBS, JP, and Mr. KOO Tong-Fat, were present, as were Mr. LI Yaozong and Ms. LU Qi, Secretaries-General of the Foundation. 

These distinguished guests were joined by Prof. Nancy IP, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Dr. Kitty YAM, Special Assistant to the President & Associate Vice-President (Development and Alumni), Prof. Ling SHI, Director of the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute, Prof. Lionel M. NI, President of HKUST(GZ), Prof. Ricky LEE Shi-Wei, Vice-President (Research) of HKUST(GZ), Prof. HUANG Qiang, Acting Director of Embodied Intelligence Research Institute, Prof. ZHAO Hang, Leader of the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute (GZ), and Mr. LI Nan of the HKUST(GZ) Education Foundation.

In his address at the ceremony, Mr. Peter Cheng Kar-Shing, Chairman of the Foundation, said he was deeply honored to witness the unveiling of the Institute on behalf of his brother, Dr. Henry CHENG Kar-Shun. 

“Technological innovation is closely linked to the changing times, and now we see robotics being applied across various fields, from industrial transformation to improving people’s livelihood and well-being,” he said. 

The naming and unveiling of the robotics institute is a further testament to the Foundation’s robust support for HKUST’s research and development, he continued.

“The Institute is set to serve as a new launchpad for HKUST’s two campuses to advance robotics technology and innovation, contributing to both technological development and social progress,” he said.

In her address, Prof. Nancy Ip thanked the Cheng family and their Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation for being HKUST’s longstanding and valued partners. 

“The official naming and unveiling of the Robotics Institute at the Guangzhou campus marks a further extension of our close collaboration and continued friendship. Going forward, the robotics research institutes at our two campuses will fully leverage their complementary strengths and collaborative efforts to attract top talent, drive breakthroughs in frontier technologies, and facilitate knowledge transfer. This will benefit both the Greater Bay Area and our country,” she said.

Prof. Lionel M. Ni, President of HKUST(GZ), also noted the Cheng family’s enduring relationship with HKUST and their sustained support for the University’s education and research. 

He added that the Cheng family’s extended support from Clear Water Bay to Nansha, Guangzhou, reflects both their trust in HKUST’s educational mission and their vision for the future of technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA. 

It is his firm belief that the Institute will become a vital pillar for interdisciplinary research at the Guangzhou campus and an important hub bridging fundamental research and industry applications. 

Following the speeches, Mr. Cheng Kar-Shing, Ms. Leonie Ki, Mr. Koo Tong-Fat, Prof. Nancy Ip, Prof. Lionel M. Ni, Prof. Ricky Lee, and Prof. Zhao Hang unveiled the commemorative plaque of the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute (Guangzhou).

Following the ceremony, the guests were given a tour of the Institute, where students and faculty members shared their research work and achievements and exchanged views with the guests, offering them a closer look at HKUST(GZ)’s frontier research and real-world applications of robotics technology. 

Looking ahead, HKUST(GZ) and HKUST will continue to draw on their complementary strengths and collaborate with partners across fields to advance robotics research and technology transfer and to nurture future-ready talent, together turning innovation into real progress.