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 with impact at its core 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.

This same forward-looking vision continues to resonate today. It laid the groundwork for the establishment of HKUST (Guangzhou) decades later and continues to guide our commitment to connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland, advancing knowledge and innovation across borders.

This strategic expansion has also propelled our broader development over the years, a journey marked by key milestones, including a rapid rise in global standing, the cultivation of a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and leadership in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Whether in artificial intelligence, data science, advanced materials, sustainable energy, fintech, or life sciences, HKUST has consistently led at the frontiers of discovery. We have not simply kept pace with global trends—we have helped to shape them.

Today, we embrace another defining chapter—the launch of our School of Medicine. More than a new academic unit, this School signifies a transformative milestone in our evolution. Our mission, bolstered by the HKSAR Government's trust and support, is to nurture a new generation of clinician-scientists with the knowledge and skills to shape the rapidly evolving frontiers of modern medicine. This significant endeavor aims to address the challenges of an aging population and a fast-evolving world, while bolstering Hong Kong's development as a world-class hub for healthcare. It is a natural extension of our founding DNA: to anticipate the needs of society and meet them with excellence.

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.

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