The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) received a HK$200 million donation from Guangdong Bright Dream Robotics to enrich the University’s work in talent development and research innovation, with focus on areas including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), smart cities and big data.
The magnanimous gift of Guangdong Bright Dream Robotics - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Country Garden Holdings Company Limited - will be used to sponsor a professorship and a scholarship program among other causes. The donation will allow HKUST to step up efforts in advancing research and nurturing talents, thus supporting the transition of Hong Kong and Mainland into a knowledge-based economy through the development in innovation and technology.
Mr. YEUNG Kwok-Keung, Founding Chairman of Country Garden, said he is committed to driving the growth of AI and robotics in Hong Kong and Mainland. “We are planning to build an 80 billion yuan Robot Valley, and we are delighted to collaborate with prominent universities like HKUST on this major project,” Mr. Yeung said. “HKUST and I share the same vision, we both wish to help enhance the Mainland ’s robotics research and education, and empowering its companies in robotics and related areas to become key players on the international arena. I hope the donation could further support the University’s endeavors to groom talents and stimulate technology innovation.”
In an expression of gratitude, HKUST Council Chairman Mr. Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing said, “Mr. Yeung not only builds homes, but also erects schools for many - especially those from Mainland’s underprivileged families. As an ardent supporter of education, Mr. Yeung has made munificent donations in pursuit of equal opportunities for all to quality education. Today, his significant contribution to HKUST will enable the University to offer its students and faculty members an innovative environment where they could unleash their potential, build their strengths and continue to achieve research excellence in AI and robotics.”
HKUST President Prof. Wei SHYY said, “HKUST is deeply thankful for the benevolence of Mr. Yeung and his contributions to the education sector over the years. HKUST and Mr. Yeung share common interests in our pursuit of AI and robotics, which we both believe will become new tractors of growth. From this common ground we will develop a long-lasting and comprehensive partnership. With his generous donation, HKUST will keep on breaking new grounds and bringing about more research and innovation breakthroughs, thus fulfilling our mission to assist the economic and social development of Hong Kong and Mainland.”
Founded by Mr. Yeung in 1992, Country Garden is a listed company in Hong Kong which has grown to become one of the Fortune Global 500s - an authoritative global company rankings. Expanding its business to innovation and technology, Mr. Yeung established Guangdong Bright Dream Robotics in July this year. The subsidiary focuses on developing core robotics technologies and intelligent manufacturing through research and development on Internet of Things, AI, cloud computing and big data platform.
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
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