News & Stories
2025

Stories
A Dazzling Night of Philanthropy: Dr. Jensen HUANG’s Autographed Leather Jackets Found its Way to An Educational Cause
The inaugural Gala Dinner of the HKUST Foundation recently took place amid an outpouring of kindness and generosity—hosting over 200 distinguished guests of academia, business, and philanthropy. The gala dinner marked the official launch of the HKUST Foundation, which aims to foster a greater sense of belonging among the University community while broadening its fundraising network for strategic development.
Amidst the glitz and glamor, what truly stole the limelight was the auction of two exclusive leather jackets autographed by NVIDIA’s Founder and CEO, Dr. Jensen HUANG. These two jackets raised a staggering total of over HK$20 million to support strategic development at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

Stories
The Spelling Bee Spells Magic in HKUST’s Annual Community Musical
With its origin rooted in fostering literacy, the buzz of the Spelling Bee has echoed through centuries of American history. What began as a simple tradition has evolved into national spectacles over time, where participants dedicate themselves to memorizing thousands of words and sparking friendly rivalries in competitions.
This year, the Spelling Bee took center stage of Shaw Auditorium at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) as part of the University’s signature Community Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, filling the hall with vibrant energy and the laughter of over 1,800 enthusiatic spectators.

Stories
Linchpins of Loyalty: Celebrating HKUST’s 158 Long-Standing Pillars
Loyalty is a virtue quietly forged through dedication. This year, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)’s Long Service Awards celebrates this very spirit by honoring 158 colleagues who have served for 20 years or more. Notably, HKUST is presenting its inaugural 35-Year Awards, recognizing colleagues whose 35 years of service—a milestone predating the University’s founding—underscores the deep-rooted commitment within our community. Join us to meet three of the remarkable honorees who have helped shape HKUST into the institution it is today.

News
HKUST Community Benefits from Award-Winning AIoT Project to Estimate Queue Status and Occupancy
HKUST’s Engineering Commons, opened in 2013, has been the School of Engineering’s “family room” that enhances interaction of the engineering community and enables the display of top-notch research of its faculty members. Located at a key intersection of the campus, the Engineering Commons was renovated in 2024 after being used for more than a decade. As the Commons officially reopened in October 2024, it features an array of new research applications that are most relevant to campus life, including AIoT sensing research led by Prof. Gary CHAN Shueng-Han of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Stories
“I am an HKUSTer” Series: Mei’s Heartwarming Tale of Community Building
For over 30 years, Mei has been the gentle heartbeat of the HKUST campus. Her warm presence at the China Garden, the University’s Chinese restaurant, has touched and rippled through generations of HKUSTers. While daily tasks like greeting diners, preparing ingredients, and brewing tea may appear routine, for Mei, they have evolved into meaningful connections with the students, staff, and alumni who define this university community.
As one of the earliest staff members at this restaurant on campus, Mei has witnessed HKUST transform into the remarkable institution it is today. Through her dedication, she is so much more than just a hard-working staff, she is a true “community builder” in every sense—someone who has contributed to cultivating the vibrant and welcoming spirit that unites the HKUST family.