News & Stories

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. 

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.

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.

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.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) launched HKUSTours in 2023, an innovative community engagement initiative in partnership with Kaifong Tour, a social enterprise founded by HKUST alumni. This ongoing program promotes sustainable tourism practices while fostering deeper appreciation for ecosystem conservation within our local community.Educational FocusHKUSTours offers visitors an immersive experience centered on the region's natural heritage and biodiversity. Through carefully curated tours of HKUST's picturesque Clear Water Bay campus, participants gain valuable insights into the area's rich natural resources and discover the university's sustainable development initiatives. The program emphasizes the critical importance of environmental and biodiversity conservation through engaging storytelling and hands-on experiences.

Over 400 students from different universities, amateurs and professional athletes from a diverse cultural background, gender identity and ethnicity joined the Unity Games – a two-day sports event co-hosted between The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2023 (GGHK) during the weekend, as part of the University’s unceasing efforts to promote diversity, equality and inclusion.

Five distinguished persons were conferred the title of Honorary Fellow of HKUST in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the University and society.

HKUST students design future trams to achieve low-carbon transportation