HKUST and NetDragon Partner to Establish Medical Technology Professorship

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has received a generous donation from NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (NetDragon) to establish the “NetDragon Professorship in Medical Technology”, this will support the University's pursuit of research excellence. By integrating academic strengths in engineering and medicine, the Professorship will foster scientific breakthroughs in frontier areas of healthcare and public health, further solidifying HKUST's leadership in interdisciplinary research.

This Professorship will be conferred upon a distinguished scholar from the School of Engineering, recognizing exceptional contributions to the field and supporting ongoing academic and research endeavors. The signing ceremony was held on the HKUST campus. Witnessed by Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, and Dr. LIU Dejian, Chairman and Executive Director of NetDragon, the agreement was signed by Prof. Charles NG, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of HKUST, and Dr. Simon LEUNG, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of NetDragon.

President Ip expressed her heartfelt gratitude for NetDragon's generous support, stating, "The convergence of medicine, engineering, and data science is creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation in healthcare and medical science. This vision is also a key impetus behind the establishment of the HKUST School of Medicine. By integrating the cutting-edge technologies of the School of Engineering with the clinical expertise of the School of Medicine, we aim to build a vibrant ecosystem for interdisciplinary innovation. This will further solidify HKUST's position as a global leader in interdisciplinary research.”

Dr. Liu strongly endorsed HKUST's strategic vision, saying, "NetDragon has long been committed to integrating education and technology. From digital entertainment and online learning to immersive technologies, artificial intelligence, and AI-powered education, we are dedicated to leveraging technology to create greater value for society and improve people's lives. As AI continues to transform the way we learn, work, and live, we are committed to harnessing its potential for positive impact. Through the establishment of the “NetDragon Professorship in Medical Technology”, we hope to support outstanding scholars, advance frontier research, and accelerate the translation of research breakthroughs into practical applications that benefit patients and society. We also see this initiative as an important step toward further strengthening the long-term partnership between NetDragon and HKUST."

As a pioneer in digital transformation, NetDragon leverages technology to connect people and drive social progress across online gaming, digital education, and immersive technologies. The establishment of the "NetDragon Professorship in Medical Technology" reflects the shared commitment of HKUST and NetDragon to advancing innovative research for a better future. HKUST looks forward to this partnership fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerating breakthroughs in emerging fields such as precision medicine and digital health. By leveraging the University’s strong research capabilities, this initiative aims to catalyze advancements in medical technology and facilitate the translation of pioneering discoveries into real-world applications that benefit society.