News & Stories
2025

Stories
“I am an HKUSTer” Series: From a Student in Need to an Entrepreneur Giving Back
Once a student from modest beginnings, Terry TSANG is now the CEO of Madhead, a leading mobile game developer. His smash-hit game, Tower of Saviors, has over 23 million downloads worldwide and features collaborations with top animation franchises. Despite his success, Terry remains deeply connected to his alma mater, HKUST.
As an Alumnus, Council Member, and Donor, Terry’s devotion to HKUST is unwavering. What he treasures most in his office is a 20-year-old letter from HKUST—reminding him of when the University gave him emergency support during a family tragedy.
“My father passed away suddenly during my final year of study,” Terry recalls, holding the letter. “It was devastating, but I’ll never forget how much HKUST supported us during that difficult time. This letter still sits on my desk today.”

News
HKUST Appointed by WHO to Lead Regional Consortium on Digital Health Innovation
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has been appointed by the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (APO), a collaborative partnership hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific, to spearhead a regional research consortium focused on digital health innovation. This prestigious appointment, secured through a competitive process, underscores HKUST’s global leadership in policy research under the theme “Leveraging Digital Health Technologies and Data to Strengthen Health System Outcomes.”
Stories
Navigating the Skies: HKUST’s Game-Changing Digital Twin
For many, sticking to familiar paths feels safe and comfortable. But not for the trailblazers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). They are not just thinking outside the box—they are pushing boundaries and aiming for the skies—quite literally.
At HKUST’s Low Altitude Economy Research Center (LAERC), researchers are revolutionizing the future of urban airspace to support HKSAR Government’s policy in promoting the low-altitude economy. Their mission? Harnessing the groundbreaking Digital Twin technology—a virtual replica of the physical world—to transform drone management, airspace control, and infrastructure monitoring.
Spearheaded by Professor Jack CHENG of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, this innovative technology is set to unlock unprecedented potential for the low-altitude economy.
News
Seven HKUST Projects Secure Funding in RAISe+ Second Round
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has shone in the second round of Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme launched by Innovation and Technology Commission’s (ITC), securing grants for seven teams – the highest number among local institutions.
The seven funded projects encompass a diverse array of innovative research and development efforts. Three projects focus on health and medical innovation, addressing areas spanning diagnostics, medical treatment and gene therapy. Three others focus on AI chips, semiconductors and their materials, while the remaining one explores novel displays and optoelectronic technology.

News
HKUST Study Warns of Accelerating Climate Threat: “Precipitation Whiplashes” Could Strike as Early as 2028
A recent study by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) reveals a looming climate crisis: the world could face heightened risks of “precipitation whiplashes” – violent swings between extreme droughts and floods – as early as 2028. This research, led by Prof. LU Mengqian and Dr. CHENG Tat-Fan of HKUST’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, attributes the escalating risk to climate-driven intensification of Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) events. This large-scale pattern of tropical intraseasonal climate variability is now propagating faster due to global warming.
The findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, pave the way for improved subseasonal forecasts, i.e., two to six weeks in advance, enabling timely decision-making in disaster preparedness and management, and helping to enhance food and water security, energy management, and infrastructure resilience.

News
HKUST Provost Prof. GUO Yike Named "Leader of the Year 2024"
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Provost Prof. Yike GUO has been named "Leader of the Year 2024" in the Education/Professional/Technology and Innovation category from Sing Tao News Corporation for his transformative contributions to education and technological innovation in Hong Kong.
The award ceremony, held last Friday, was graced by Mr. Paul CHAN, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, as the Guest of Honor. The event celebrated outstanding leaders across five categories for their significant contributions to Hong Kong’s development.
News
HKUST Magnetizes Global Talent with 40% Surge in Global Applications
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has received a record of nearly 20,000 non-local undergraduate (UG) applications for the 2025/26 academic year, competing for approximately 800 places. This represents a remarkable 40% year-on-year increase in applications from international students, with candidates from more than 85 countries and regions, including Germany, France, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the UAE, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.

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.