HKUST Appoints Prof. Charles NG Wang-Wai as Vice-President for Institutional Advancement

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Charles NG Wang-Wai as Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, effective August 1, 2025. 

An Eminent Scholar with Global Recognition

Prof. Ng is an internationally acclaimed expert in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, specializing in unsaturated soil mechanics, eco-geotechnics, and debris flow mitigation and landslide prevention. His groundbreaking research has earned him a place among the 2024 Stanford University’s list of top 2% Scientists Worldwide in Geological & Geomatics Engineering and Civil Engineering. Notably, he stands as the youngest scholar ranked in the top five for career-long impact in these fields. His numerous prestigious honors include the 2025 Telford Gold Medal from the Institution of Civil Engineers (their highest honor), the 2022 Varnes Medal by the UNESCO-International Consortium on Landslides, the 2022 Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress, and the State Council of PRC’s 2020 National Natural Science Award (2nd class) and 2015 Scientific Technological Advancement Award (2nd class). He was elected as a Fellow of Hong Kong Academy of Engineering and Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008 & 2020, respectively.

A Visionary Institutional Leader

Since joining HKUST in 1995, Prof. Ng has demonstrated exceptional leadership across multiple roles. He currently serves as Dean of HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School and Vice-Chairman of the HKUST Foundation, having previously held positions as Associate Vice-President for Research and Development, Associate Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies, and Associate Dean of the School of Engineering. Under his leadership as Dean, HKUST has consistently attracted the highest number of Hong Kong PhD Fellowship awardees since the scheme's inception in 2009, drawing top talent from over 50 countries worldwide.  His commitment to nurturing global talent is evidenced by having solely supervised over 80 PhD and 60 M. Phil students from more than 20 countries and regions to graduation  

Active Engagement in Hong Kong, National and Global Development

Beyond HKUST, Prof. Ng plays a significant role in shaping scientific policy and innovation. He serves as Member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and contributes his expertise to several key national bodies including the China Association for Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education's Science and Technology Committee. In Hong Kong, he is the Chairperson of Veterinary Surgeons Board, Vice-Chair of the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation, and a Member of Chief Executive Policy Unit Expert Group.

As Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, Prof. Ng will drive the University’s initiatives to deepen international partnerships, expand global alumni networks, and advance institutional strategies that elevate HKUST’s worldwide influence in research and education. He will also oversee fundraising efforts to support these goals.

HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM praised the appointment: "Prof. Ng embodies HKUST's spirit of excellence and innovation. His outstanding academic achievements, combined with his deep institutional knowledge and extensive global networks, make him uniquely qualified to advance our university's international standing and foster transformative partnerships."

President Prof. Nancy IP added, "Having worked closely with Prof. Ng for decades, I have witnessed firsthand his capability to connect academia with industry and government. His leadership will be invaluable as we progress in our HKUST 3.0 journey, strengthening our ties with alumni, benefactors, and international partners while amplifying HKUST's role as a global leader in innovation."

The University extends its sincere appreciation to Prof. TAM Kar-Yan for his service as Acting Vice-President for Institutional Advancement since March 2025 while continuing his responsibilities as Vice-President for Administration and Business.

Prof. Ng's academic journey includes earning his PhD from the University of Bristol in 1993, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge. He joined HKUST as an Assistant Professor in 1995 and rose through the ranks to become Chair Professor in 2011, a testament to his outstanding contributions to both academia and the university community.