The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) held its first specifically named HKUST IdeasLab session at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum, convened in September in Dalian, China. Premier Li Keqiang officiated at the Forum, also known as the "Summer Davos", which brought together more than 2,000 political and community leaders, academics, experts and global entrepreneurs from over 90 countries and regions to discuss key global challenges and share related strategies on the theme of "Meeting the Innovation Imperative". The HKUST Ideas Lab featured an expert team from the University, led by the HKUST President, in a discussion on brain research and aging issues with other global specialists.
HKUST President Prof Tony F Chan said the University was privileged to have the opportunity to interact with global leaders and experts, and to share its latest research studies and views at the HKUST IdeasLab. Prof Chan said that aging was a global challenge which needs to be tackled holistically, by seeking strategies to work together on different aspects of the issue, ranging from scientific innovation to policy research. HKUST is a staunch supporter of interdisciplinary research.
The University has been invited to participate in the "Summer Davos" for two consecutive years. The wide recognition received by HKUST for its innovative achievements and efforts show the University's commitment and contribution to social development locally, nationally and globally.
At the HKUST IdeasLab, four senior professors from HKUST engaged in in-depth dialogue with internationally renowned scholars and experts on the subject "How will breakthroughs in brain research transform our lives?". The four discussion leaders were Prof Nancy Ip, Dean of Science, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Morningside Chair Professor of Life Science; Prof Zhang Mingjie, Kerry Holdings Professor of Science, Division of Life Science; Prof Karl Tsim, Chair Professor, Division of Life Science; and Prof Albert Park, Director of the Institute for Emerging Market Studies (IEMS), Chair Professor of Social Science and Professor of Economics. They shared their ideas on multidisciplinary avenues to combating brain disorders, synaptic development, signaling, and neuro-disorders, traditional Chinese medicine approaches to brain health, extended working life, and rethinking the demographic transition, among other topics.
Summer Davos was conceived by Prof Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum and Mr Wen Jiabao, China's former Premier. Starting from 2007, "Summer Davos" meetings have been held annually in China, with the venue alternating between Tianjin and Dalian. The event provides an exchange of ideas on key global agendas. The meetings also foster closer cooperation among global leaders, cities and technology pioneers from around the world.
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Ella Au Yeung
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