Stories
Community and Sustainability

Life-saving Blood Donation Drive Launched with the Hong Kong Red Cross

03 Good Health & Well-Being
The blood donation drive was launched by Prof. Tam Kar Yan, Vice-President for Administration and Business (right), and Dr. Lee Cheuk Kwong (left), Chief Executive and Medical Director, Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service.

The blood donation drive was launched by Prof. Tam Kar-Yan, Vice-President for Administration and Business (right), and Dr. Lee Cheuk-Kwong (left), Chief Executive and Medical Director, Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service.

The officiating guests—Prof. Tam Kar Yan, Vice-President for Administration and Business (sixth right), Prof. Pong Ting-Chuen, Vice-President for Administration, HKUST (Guangzhou) (online), and Dr. Lee Cheuk-Kwong, Chief Executive and Medical Director, Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (sixth left)—were joined by representatives from HKUST to kick off the blood donation drive.

The officiating guests—Prof. Tam Kar-Yan, Vice-President for Administration and Business (sixth right), Prof. Pong Ting-Chuen, Vice-President for Administration, HKUST (Guangzhou) (online), and Dr. Lee Cheuk-Kwong, Chief Executive and Medical Director, Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (sixth left)—were joined by representatives from HKUST to kick off the blood donation drive.

Prof. Tam reminded the audience at the kick-off ceremony that a single act of kindness can make an enormous difference, especially during this meaningful 35th anniversary year.

Prof. Tam reminded the audience at the kick-off ceremony that a single act of kindness can make an enormous difference, especially during this meaningful 35th anniversary year.

Prof. Tam (back row, third right) and Dr. Lee (back row, third left) poses with HKUST blood drive ambassadors.

Prof. Tam (back row, third right) and Dr. Lee (back row, third left) poses with HKUST blood drive ambassadors.

In a powerful demonstration of community spirit, HKUST is encouraging the campus community to mark our 35th Anniversary by donating blood throughout the celebratory year.

The 35th Anniversary blood donation drive reflects HKUST’s longstanding spirit of mutual care and commitment to giving back to society.

The blood donation drive kicked off at a ceremony titled 35 for Life: Every Drop Counts, Every Life Matters” on March 5, 2026 at the University’s Clear Water Bay campus. 

The drive responds to the urgent need to maintain adequate blood supplies against falling numbers of donors. Over the past decade, the number of active donors has fallen by 24% with participation among people aged 16 to 30 dropping sharply, from 45% to 17%.

“Our blood donation initiative reflects a simple yet powerful belief that a single act of kindness can make an extraordinary difference,” said Prof. TAM Kar-Yan, Vice-President for Administration and Business, HKUST, at the kick-off ceremony.

The other officiating guests at the event were Prof. PONG Ting-Chuen, Vice-President for Administration and Business, HKUST (Guangzhou); and Dr. LEE Cheuk-Kwong, Chief Executive and Medical Director, Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service.

“This initiative highlights the important role universities play, not only in education and research, but also in contributing positively to society,” Prof. Pong added.

In his address, Dr. Lee highlighted the longevity of the partnership between HKUST and the Hong Kong Red Cross.

“This partnership began shortly after the University’s foundation, reflecting the strength of our relationship,” said Dr. Lee, adding that over 22,000 units of blood have been collected in nearly 280 blood donation drives since 1992, saving thousands of lives.

The blood donation push has been warmly embraced by the Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses. The first three-day blood donation drive quickly attracted hundreds of registrations from staff, students, and alumni.

Following the kick-off ceremony, students, staff, and faculty can take part in 35 blood drives taking place throughout the anniversary year. For details, please visit: http://35forlife.hkust.edu.hk

The blood donation drive is co-organized by:

  • Dean of Students Office (HKUST Connect)

  • Health, Safety and Environment Office

  • Shaw Auditorium Unit

Sign Up for Our Latest News

Stay informed with the latest updates, events, and breakthroughs from HKUST.