News & Stories

Nestled amidst the majestic mountains and verdant tea plantations of Haputale, a town perched high in Sri Lanka’s highlands, the invigorating scent of foliage enveloped a group of undergraduate students from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), rejuvenating their spirits.Captivated by the breathtaking landscapes, the students trekked up the hills, laden with backpacks and equipment, until they reached a local community. This marked the beginning of their transformative journey: introducing telemedicine to the remote communities in Sri Lanka's mountainous regions.

Physics unlocks many of the universe’s enigmas, thanks to the relentless dedication of many great minds. Among them is Prof. DAI Xi, the Dr William M W Mong Professor of Nanoscience and Chair Professor of Physics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). His theoretical work in condensed matter physics and topological materials research has added fresh perspectives to modern physics, earning him the prestigious 2025 Future Science Prize—widely regarded as China’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize.

Mastering one discipline is admirable; excelling in two is extraordinary. At The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), student-athletes are proving that elite sports and rigorous academics can thrive side by side.Through the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA) under the University Grants Committee, HKUST welcomed a group of outstanding athletes this year. The scheme offers flexible study arrangements and financial support, empowering athletes to pursue higher education without sidelining their sporting dreams.Among this inspiring cohort are four exceptional athletes whose journeys reflect the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and ambition—values that HKUST proudly champions.

Prof. WANG Yiwen, Associate Professor in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) at HKUST, develops brain-machine interfaces that restore motor function to paralyzed patients. Her journey from dismantling bicycles to pioneering neural engineering reveals how curiosity, resilience, and mentorship can literally transform lives.

With a warm smile and larger than life personality, it is easy to see how Michael Leung leads the charge at his firm – a world leader in design and manufacturing of cutting-edge technologies, software and services for the professional construction industry. A personality that can put anyone at ease, his own journey from a young student growing up in Hong Kong’s own Kennedy Town to being the first Asian to lead a global company in Australia, he attributes much of his career success to his alma mater, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

How will our collective future take shape? Our students may have the answer. To empower global citizens to build a safer, more resilient world, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) joins hands with Stanford University as a founding partner to launch the Global Sustainability Challenge.This competition represents a powerful collaboration between sustainability and education experts.  By pooling experience and expertise, the competition was shaped by founding partners from prestigious institutions as founding universities, such as Imperial College London, Zhejiang University, Technical University of Munich, and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, its potential to ignite human creativity is quietly revolutionizing storytelling—even in filmmaking. Leading this charge is Professor RAO Anyi, an assistant professor in the newly established Division of Arts and Machine Creativity at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).  Prof. Rao, named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, is pioneering AI’s role in democratizing storytelling. He develops AI tools that empower filmmakers to generate content and control complex elements or special effects like scene lighting. With a mission to merge the realms of filmmaking, art, and AI, he aims to nurture a tech-savvy generation of storytellers. 

The buzz surrounding drones and eVTOL vehicles signals an exciting future—faster deliveries, rapid medical aid, and efficient public services just over our heads. But as these technologies take flight, they face two critical challenges: noise pollution and public safety. Drone and eVTOL operation in low altitude airspace produce noise and face flight safety challenges in micro-weather and building wind environment. Professor ZHANG Xin, Swire Professor of Aerospace Engineering, and Professor ZHOU Peng at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) are leading efforts to overcome these issues. Combining cutting-edge research in aerospace engineering with practical solutions, their team is striving to ensure drones and eVOTL  vehicles can integrate harmoniously into urban life.