Staff and students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) can now access Hong Kong’s first homegrown artificial intelligence large language model (LLM), developed by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), at no cost! Previously exclusive to civil servants for pilot use, HKUST is the first local university to trial the HKGAI V1 LLM, marking a significant milestone in the University’s AI development, unlocking new possibilities for learning and teaching while fostering innovation, collaboration, and responsible AI practices.

Developed by HKGAI, a joint-university collaborative venture led by HKUST with funding from the HKSAR government’s InnoHK initiative, HKGAI V1 is Hong Kong’s first locally developed generative AI model utilizing full parameter fine-tuning of DeepSeek. Tailored for Hong Kong's cultural and linguistic landscape, the HKGAI V1 chatbots, supporting both Cantonese, Putonghua, and English, not only match the capabilities of leading LLMs but also excel in localized applications, ensuring safety and relevance. 

Under the pilot trial at HKUST, the HKGAI V1 chatbot will enhance education by facilitating classroom discussions, fostering deeper reasoning, and serving as collaborative tools. With HKGAI V1’s improved accessibility, a wide array of options for using AI tools in pedagogical contexts have been unlocked. From collaborative tools and reasoning companions to reflection aids and analytical resources, students can access a broader range of resources for learning both in and beyond the classroom. Additionally, HKUST’s Center for Education Innovation will provide training support for faculty members to deepen their understanding of these new tools to encourage more innovative pedagogies in the era of AI. 

Prof. GUO Yike, Provost of HKUST and Director of HKGAI, said, “The rise of AI has not only enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching and learning but has also made education more inclusive and personalized. The incorporation of HKGAI V1, a locally developed generative AI model, will provide new learning and teaching resources that resonate with the unique culture of Hong Kong's local context. We believe this will better meet the needs of our faculty and students as they explore innovative pedagogical approaches and engage in collaborative research."

As a leader in innovative education, HKUST is the first university in Hong Kong to adopt generative AI in response to its increasing prominence. With the incorporation of HKGAI V1, the HKUST GenAI Platform now offers over 10 large AI language models, including the GPT-4 model, image generation tool DALL-E, and DeepSeek-R1. This comprehensive suite covers chatbots, document processing, image generation and analysis, data analysis, and logical reasoning, providing a one-stop solution for faculty and students.