The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) received a HK$100 million donation from Otto Poon Charitable Foundation (the Foundation), for the enhancement of HKUST’s development in research, education innovation and knowledge transfer.
The Foundation’s generous gift will be used to set up an endowment fund to boost the work of the University’s faculty, as well as academic and research units focusing on environment, technology and innovation. That includes the recently established Division of Integrative Systems and Design – which oversees a transformative new program set to nurture students’ problem solving ability and critical thinking through close collaboration with the industry.
The endowment fund will support infrastructures and facilities aimed at advancing research in environment and sustainability, such as the University’s Central Research Facilities. It will also sponsor named professorships and scholarships in order to attract talents and promote students’ interests in related areas.
Dr. Otto POON, Founding Chairman of ATAL Group and former President of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, said Hong Kong has great potential to become an international innovation and technological hub. “As an entrepreneur raised and grown in this city, I feel obliged to play an active role in bringing about this transformation,” Dr. Poon said. “I chose HKUST as a partner as its efforts in pursuing innovation through technology has made it stand out among the others. I hope the donation could further reinforce HKUST’s commitment to encourage innovation among students and faculty members, and pave the way for more research breakthroughs in environment and sustainability that are beneficial to mankind and nature.”
In an expression of gratitude, HKUST Council Chairman Mr. Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing said, “Dr. Poon is not only a successful engineer and entrepreneur, but also an untiring advocate of sustainable development. His perseverance and creativity - no matter in running a business or supporting environment sustainability - have been a great inspiration to many. The munificent donation of Dr. Poon will enable HKUST to thrive in its continuous pursuit of research excellence, and to contribute to the environmental development of Hong Kong and the Mainland.”
HKUST President Prof. Wei SHYY said, “HKUST is deeply grateful for Dr. Poon’s trust and support. Our collaboration over the years has brought about many research projects and facilitated talent development. The University has common goals with Dr. Poon in stimulating innovation, making changes and building a sustainable future, which are what eventually leads to this long-lasting partnership. We will return Dr. Poon’s trust and generosity by building a better environment for all with our pursuit in research, education and knowledge transfer.”
Founded by Dr. Poon in 1977, ATAL Group has become an industry leader known for its total approach in engineering services, spanning environment, information and communications, building technologies, energy management, big data, security and smart city. Extending his commitment to philanthropy, Dr. Poon established the Foundation last year to further benevolent causes. He has assumed different public roles including former President of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Chairman of Lift and Escalator Safety Advisory Committee and Life President of Hong Kong Federation of Electrical and Mechanical Contractors.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (www.ust.hk) is a world-class research university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. HKUST attained the highest proportion of internationally excellent research work in the Research Assessment Exercise 2014 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, and is ranked as the world’s best young university in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2018. Its graduates were ranked 12th worldwide and top in Greater China in Global Employability University Survey 2017.
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Anita Lam
Tel : 2358 6313
Email: anitalam@ust.hk
Lindy Wong
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Email : lindywong@ust.hk
