News & Stories

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Alibaba Group (Alibaba) today, outlying their plans to establish the “HKUST-Alibaba Joint Laboratory on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence”, with an aim to fostering forward-looking research in emerging technologies including generative AI and big data. Signing the MoU on campus today were Prof. Tim CHENG, HKUST Vice-President (Research & Development) and WU Zeming, Chief Technology Officer of Alibaba Group. Under the agreement, Alibaba and HKUST plan to jointly establish the lab over the next three years, researching on frontier areas including AI, data science, language models, multimodal training and inference, computational infrastructure and system software. The joint lab and its research projects will be managed, coordinated and planned by committees formed by experts from both parties.

Researchers at the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have recently developed a new generation of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for lithium-metal batteries (LMBs), that can greatly improve the safety and performance. This groundbreaking discovery can help advance the development of energy storage technologies for battery applications like electric vehicles, portable electronics, and power grids. Compared to traditional liquid electrolyte LMBs, all-solid-state LMBs offer enhanced safety and higher energy density by replacing the flammable organic solvent electrolytes with solid electrolytes and suppressing a harmful phenomenon called dendrite growths. They present a promising future for developing energy storage technologies. However, their wider adoption has been limited by low ionic conductivity and Li+ transference number at room temperature.

Three research projects led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) were awarded a total funding of HK$212.5 million by the Research Grants Council (RGC)’s Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme and the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2024/25, the highest funding amount among all local universities. It also marks a record-high result for the University.  The three studies cover a wide array of aspects, including a frontier and human-centric AI and robotics technology for geriatric care, the development of “Hong Kong Coastal Twin” for management of extreme weather on coastlines, as well as a technological approach to enhance Hong Kong’s role in sustainable supply chains. 

The School of Business and Management at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST Business School) yesterday hosted a forum in Singapore, uniting experts from academia and industries to delve into the vibrant development of the family office and supply chain management (SCM) sectors in the region. This forum aims to foster collaboration and uncover new opportunities in these pivotal industries, strengthening the ties between Hong Kong and the Lion City.  With an esteemed audience consisting of industry practitioners and school alumni in Singapore, the forum served as a dynamic platform for the school to share valuable insights, foster meaningful connections, and embark on new avenues for collaboration. The event also facilitated the school’s engagement with its alumni and the formation of a vibrant network of professionals.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) warmly welcomed Prof. Martin VETTERLI, President of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), on July 6. HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP and Vice-President for Research & Development Prof. Tim CHENG met with Prof. Vetterli, sharing updates on HKUST's latest developments and strong presence in the Greater Bay Area. HKUST and EPFL have cultivated a longstanding partnership, as international collaboration remains central to HKUST's mission. HKUST remains committed to enhancing ties with world-class, research-intensive institutions like EPFL to drive greater innovation and impact. By strengthening bonds between pioneering partners, breakthroughs can be catalyzed to shape tomorrow. The leadership of HKUST and EPFL aim to propel this collaboration to new heights in the years ahead.  

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) embraced a week of French flair, connecting with philanthropic institutions from France. In close collaboration with Fondation de France (FDF), HKUST participated in the inaugural gala hosted by FDF Asia on July 2 at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The HKUST team met with the representatives of selected philanthropic organizations funded by FDF headquarter in France, including Fondation HEC Paris, Fondation École Polytechnique, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Institut Imagine and Handicap International.  On July 4, HKUST Director of the France-HKUST Innovation Hub Prof. YEUNG King Lun and Prof. Stéphane REDONNET of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department were invited to present their research projects to the French delegations at the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau.

The School of Business and Management of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST Business School) and Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen collaboration, including launching a bilingual Doctor of Business Administration program, fostering exchange opportunities for students and faculty, and exploring the development of non-degree executive programs that leverage the strengths of both sides. Under this partnership, both schools will utilize their respective strengths to foster cooperation in academic exchange, research, and education and training, and carry out other strategic cooperations.

Five projects from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) were among the first batch of 24 projects awarded funding under the “Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme” by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Government. The new funding will help speed up commercialization of research discoveries that benefit the society, creating a win-win outcome among industry, academic, and research sectors. These research projects, led by professors at the HKUST School of Engineering and School of Science, cover a wide range of topics, including genome-editing, cancer tumor imaging, wastewater treatment, sensing chips, and artificial intelligence robots.  In no particular order, details of the projects:  Project 1: Genome-editing Strategy for Familial Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy