HKUST’s Groundbreaking "Major + X" Curriculum Equips Next Generation with AI and Sustainability Expertise

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has introduced its groundbreaking "Major + X" curriculum, a transformative academic framework designed to directly support Hong Kong’s development into a global AI hub and contribute to the national 15th Five-Year Plan's "AI+" initiative. By empowering students to fuse their core majors with high-demand fields like AI and Sustainability, the program is building a pipeline of talent capable of driving the scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation called for in the national strategy. This initiative has already equipped more than 1,300 students with the hybrid expertise to tackle tomorrow's challenges.

HKUST has long been at the forefront of interdisciplinary education and research. As early as 2008, it pioneered the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Programs Office, which was upgraded to the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies in 2023, alongside the launch of the innovative "Major + X" extended major curriculum in 2021/22. This program enables students to combine their core majors with specialized fields in cutting-edge areas. In addition to options such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Media, and Creative Arts, Sustainability has also emerged as a popular track, designed to help students deeply understand its critical role in advancing long-term economic, environmental, and social well-being. Students learn to apply Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across various domains, whether it involves developing green financial models, designing low-carbon engineering solutions, or formulating socially responsible business strategies.

This structure empowers students to build a unique academic portfolio, combining their primary discipline with a second key field. For instance, a student can pursue "Engineering + AI" to develop smart infrastructure, or "Business + Sustainability" to lead corporate ESG initiatives. This flexibility ensures graduates are prepared to embrace transformative trends like AI and sustainable development within their chosen field.

Prof. TAM Kar-Yan, Vice-President for Administration and Business, and Chair Professor of Information Systems, Business Statistics, and Operations Management at HKUST, has long bridged academia with industry demands. His team leads and curates the HKUST Emerging Jobs and Skills Portal, which provides insights into the latest market trends in emerging jobs across seven key sectors, including AI and Machine Learning, Big Data Analysis, Generative AI, and Fintech. He observed that job vacancies in related industries surged by 40% to 100% in October 2025 compared to the same period last year, particularly for roles linked to Generative AI.

Prof. Tam highlighted HKUST's role in nurturing the next generation of talent. "With its unique blend of cutting-edge research, world-class talent, and robust financial infrastructure, Hong Kong is poised to become an international innovation and technology centre,” he stated. “The introduction of 'Major + X' options directly addresses these industrial priorities and the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, which promotes the development of AI, data science, and green finance. We go beyond theoretical knowledge by equipping students with the practical skills and problem-solving abilities needed to excel in today’s rapidly evolving industries.”

HKUST continues to refine its curriculum and prepare students for future challenges. All HKUST students are eligible to enroll in the "Major + X" program. Prof. Tam emphasized: "HKUST chooses to provide students with an open learning environment, encouraging them to immerse themselves in emerging fields rather than imposing compulsory requirements. This allows them to explore areas of passion and learn with purpose. Whether developing AI-powered solutions for finance or creating sustainable business models, our graduates are prepared to lead the way.”

The "Major + AI" approach has already trained over 1,300 students, with enrolment surging by 70% by the 2024/25 academic year compared to its inaugural year. The first cohort of over 220 "Major + AI" students has gained exposure to various AI courses and completed capstone projects by applying AI to real-world problems within their respective disciplines.

Mr. CHAN Shing-Chung Sammul, a fifth-year student in the BBA in Global Business (GBUS) program with a focus on GBUS + AI, has successfully developed an AI-powered pedestrian flow counting platform. This innovative solution assists an international jewellery brand in identifying optimal store locations, and the brand has officially adopted his solution.

Reflecting on his experience, Sammul shared, "The GBUS + AI program goes beyond the classroom, providing invaluable hands-on experience and practical skills that are highly valued by employers. During my internship, I applied the AI tools I learned in class to develop innovative solutions for complex business problems. This experience has not only sharpened my problem-solving abilities but also given me a competitive edge in the job market. I am now more confident in my ability to tackle any challenge."

Prospective Student Info Day on November 1

To help prospective students learn more about its innovative academic offerings, HKUST will host an Information Day on November 1. Interested students, especially those taking the HKDSE, are invited to explore the University’s diverse interdisciplinary modules, the groundbreaking "Major + X" curriculum, and a wide range of undergraduate programs from different Schools. The event is a perfect opportunity to discover how HKUST can empower you to build a unique academic portfolio and prepare for the future.