By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-11-22 16:11:37 | Updated at 2024-11-22 21:28:05
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Today, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) proudly celebrates the graduation of the Class of 2024 who navigated their academic journeys through the challenges of the pandemic and at the forefront of the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI).
As we step into a future marked by pressing global challenges like climate change and aging populations, HKUST has empowered our graduates to become cross-disciplinary innovators. They are ready to contribute meaningful solutions to these critical issues, thanks to our very agile and adaptive pedagogical approaches that respond swiftly to the evolving societal demand. We were among the pioneers in Asia to launch Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and one of the firsts to implement cross-disciplinary teaching. Built on a robust foundation of 45 majors and 22 minors spanning science, engineering, business and management, humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields, we have continued to innovate by the recent introduction of two extended majors that seamlessly combine traditional science or engineering disciplines with cutting-edge technologies like AI and Digital Media and Creative Arts, fostering a richer integration and application of emerging knowledge.
A trailblazer in AI and innovation, we proudly became the first university in Hong Kong to integrate Gen AI into our teaching and learning practices, empowering our graduates to harness emerging technologies in their respective professional fields to enable them to tackle a variety of pressing challenges. The University also established this year the Division of Arts and Machine Creativity – a cross-disciplinary center that promotes the convergence of technology and art, launching postgraduate programs to nurture Art Tech talents who can leverage cutting-edge technologies such as AI and machine learning in art creation process.A vibrant and conducive learning environment is vital for fostering personal growth and broadening perspectives.
With faculty members and students hailing from over 40 and 80 countries and regions respectively, HKUST stands as one of the most international universities in Hong Kong. We continue to enhance our diversity by attracting fledging young minds from emerging economies. For instance, following a proactive delegation led by our President to the United Arab Emirates this April, we proudly welcomed the city’s first three Emirati students who received fully-funded scholarships from their government. Additionally, we are the first university in Hong Kong to support exceptional Indonesian undergraduates through the Indonesia Education Scholarship for Degree sponsored by the Republic of Indonesia, with 12 top Indonesian undergraduates already joining us this September. These efforts play a crucial role in our broader strategy to strengthen Hong Kong’s connections with members of the Belt and Road Initiative while underscoring HKUST’s contribution to developing Hong Kong as an international hub for higher education.
Today, HKUST takes pride in seeing some 6,000 emerging young leaders joining our close-knit alumni network, which boasts over 104,600 distinguished individuals worldwide. This year also marks the first inaugural congregation of HKUST(GZ), embodying our vision of “Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses”.
Our graduates will carry forth our spirit and identity into their future endeavors, embodying the innovative mindset that is deeply embedded in the DNA of HKUST. This spirit of innovation is evidenced by the establishment of enterprises like DJI and over 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns, all of which have made a significant impact on the global landscape. For those pursuing careers in the corporate world, our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the top 30 most sought-after employees globally. These successes highlight our dedication to nurturing a vibrant community where innovation and entrepreneurship flourish, paving the way for future breakthroughs.
