PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

HKUST was born of a visionary idea and built through determined action—a testament to what becomes possible when foresight meets unwavering dedication.

At the heart of our establishment stood Prof Chia-Wei WOO, our Founding President. His bold dream was to build a university anchored not by tradition but by ambition: a global hub of learning, research, and innovation designed to propel Hong Kong forward. As we mark 35 years of turning that vision into reality, we pay tribute to his pioneering spirit and the principled courage that defined our earliest days.

Prof. WOO envisioned HKUST as a unique academic institution, one where interdisciplinary collaboration was inherent and excellence in science and technology walked hand-in-hand with business, humanities, and social science. From the start, our mission was clear: to educate transformative leaders and pursue inquiry that serves society. This founding ethos has guided our ascent to become a world-ranked university recognized for its impact, agility, and steadfast commitment to the greater good.

Key milestones have charted our growth over the years: a rapid rise in global stature, the cultivation of a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and leadership in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Today, we embrace another defining chapter—the launch of our School of Medicine. This initiative will nurture a new generation of clinician-leaders and bolster Hong Kong's development as a world-class hub for healthcare and advanced research.

The endeavor reflects the core of our founding vision: to address pressing societal needs through pioneering education and research. Our medical school will train clinician-scientists, integrating compassionate care with mastery of cutting-edge technologies to meet the challenges of an aging population and a fast-evolving world. It is a natural extension of our resolve to innovate for humanity’s well-being.

As President, I am continually inspired by the legacy entrusted to us and energized by the community that brings it to life every day—our scholars, students, staff, alumni, and partners. Together, we have built an institution that looks to the future with both purpose and passion.

This 35th anniversary is our moment to embrace the “Can-do spirit” that defines us and reaffirm our commitment to the original vision that launched us: to explore fearlessly, to educate deeply, and to serve meaningfully for Hong Kong, for our region, and for a future we can all believe in.

To commence the next chapter of our evolution, HKUST will rely on the active engagement, strength, and fortitude of our entire community. I warmly invite all  our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends to participate in and support the initiatives of this milestone year. Let us come together to honor our vibrant legacy and shape our promising future. Your commitment is the very cornerstone of our shared success. 

Professor Nancy Ip, PhD, SBS, BBS, MH, JP
President
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology