HKUST Thanks Esteemed Alumni Jensen Huang and Terry Tsang for Generous Donation to Establish the Top Engineering Scholars Award

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today unveiled a display case featuring a signed leather jacket gifted by its esteemed alumnus Dr. Jensen HUANG, the Founder and CEO of NVIDIA.  The event also marked the formal establishment of the HKUST Top Engineering Scholars Award, made possible by generous donation from Dr. Huang and Mr. Terry TSANG Kin-Chung, an HKUST Council Member and fellow engineering alumnus.

The ceremony's officiating guests included the donor and donor representative: HKUST Council member and alumnus Mr. Terry Tsang, Founder and CEO of Madhead Limited, and Mr. Kian Tat TAN, Senior Director of APAC Corp and Enterprise Marketing at NVIDIA respectively, along with senior HKUST leadership: HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM, Council Vice-Chairperson Ms. Edith SHIH, President Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST Foundation Chairman Prof. Albert IP, Provost Prof. GUO Yike, and Dean of Engineering Prof Hong LO. 

A Legacy of Commitment 

Inscribed with the message “From a proud alum to the future of AI and HKUST”, the leather jacket was gifted by Dr. Huang to HKUST for a fundraising initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of engineering leaders.  As Hong Kong’s top engineering school according to major global rankings, the HKUST School of Engineering will use the funds to establish two annual awards:

•    The HKUST Top Engineering Scholars Award (UG) will honor three outstanding undergraduates every year who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, and significant contributions to the University community. Each awardee will receive a cash prize of HK$50,000. 

•    The HKUST Top Engineering Scholars Award (PhD) will recognize six PhD students who have made distinguished contributions to research, innovation, and academic excellence every year. The top prize valued at HK$200,000. 

A Shared Vision for the Future

Prof. Harry Shum, Council Chairman of HKUST, expressed his gratitude to the two esteemed alumni.  He said,  "Today, we celebrate not only the deep affection and generosity of our alumni, but also the spirit of innovation and the unwavering pursuit of excellence that define HKUST and are passed down through generations—this is the very essence of our community. Dr. Jensen Huang’s leather jacket, along with the generous contributions from him and Mr. Terry Tsang, serves as a powerful reminder that every student possesses boundless potential. This exhibit will inspire our students to dare to dream big and create meaningful change in the world."

Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST stated: “This display stands as a powerful testament of the visionary generosity of our two outstanding alumni. We extend our deepest gratitude to Jensen for this iconic gift and his profound support in nurturing talent, and to Terry for his unwavering loyalty and dedication. The HKUST Top Engineering Scholars Award established through their contributions ensures that we continue to cultivate pioneers who will shape the future technological landscape for generations to come.” 

Mr. Kian Tat Tan, Senior Director of APAC Corp and Enterprise Marketing representing NVIDIA, conveyed Dr. Huang’s congratulations on the establishment of the award. “Education is the foundation of innovation. Through this award, we are investing in the next generation of engineers and leaders. We thank HKUST for its commitment to fostering talent and eagerly anticipate the future contributions of these scholars,” Mr. Tan said at the ceremony. 

Mr. Terry Tsang, a donor and Council Member of HKUST, added, “As an alumnus, I am deeply committed to giving back to the University that has provided me with so many opportunities. Dr. Huang’s jacket is a symbol of pride and vision, and I am honored to play a part in this initiative. I hope this award encourages students and alumni to pursue their passions, make meaningful contributions to society, and always remember their roots at HKUST. And most importantly - GO BIG AND GO HOME!”

The Story Behind the Iconic Jacket 

The iconic jacket, emblazoned with "HKUST," was first worn by Dr. Huang during a fireside chat with Prof. Harry Shum in November 2024, following his receipt of an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree. Gifted to HKUST, the jacket was later presented at the HKUST Foundation Inaugural Gala Dinner, where Mr. Terry Tsang pledged HK$10 million. The Jen-Hsun & Lori Huang Foundation – co-founded by Dr. Huang and his wife Lori, matched this with an additional donation of HK$10 million.

This event and the establishment of the Top Engineering Scholars Award exemplify HKUST's core mission to serve as a catalyst for talent and innovation. The University remains dedicated to creating an environment where future leaders can thrive and develop the skills to make significant contributions to society and the global community.