HKUST Alumni Newsletter SUMMER 2024 // Ken Ching // Yi Pan EDGE Breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's GIVING Transform student lives with your donation // Franz Wu AI Innovation and Us
CONTENTS FOREWORD CONTENTS Edge Home and Away Giving 10 12 Alumni Reunion Class Notes World Stage Happenings 16 17 18 20 Cover Story Foreword 01 Technology drives our powerful development 02 14 Dear Alumni, In these historic times, artificial intelligence (AI) is developing into a world-changing force. Reflecting the zeitgeist, our cover story for this issue explores the many ways our entrepreneurial community is leveraging this powerful technology. These tales and experiences not only highlight opportunities but also serve as an inspiration to us all. With AI disrupting industries and reshaping society, we must prepare for the future, particularly in the areas of life, work and health. HKUST is actively taking steps to ensure this. We were the first university in Hong Kong to promote the use of Generative AI in teaching – a landmark step. On top of this, the Hong Kong Generative AI R&D Center (HKGAI) led by HKUST has announced eight projects on AI in the legal, medical, and creative fields. To boost our capabilities even further, the University established the most advanced AI supercomputing facility in the region last year, and is planning to set up an International Hub of AI for Medicine. Aside from AI, we have been actively developing initiatives for entrepreneurs to support, strengthen, and expand our alumni business community. This year’s HKUST Unicorn Day drew a huge number of attendees that included innovators, investors, industry leaders, and other stakeholders, all eager to witness our best ideas. Furthermore, we have launched the HKUST Redbird Innovation Fund (RIF), a HK$500 million initiative to create multiple Venture Investment Fund (VIFs) worth HK$2 billion in collaboration with investment partners, to support HKUST start-ups. With much fanfare and anticipation, plans for our new medical school are also entering a more concrete stage. Our goal is to nurture doctors with expertise in scientific research and medical practice and a deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies, to address the urgent needs and challenges in healthcare. We are also exploring medicalengineering collaboration, an area that holds great promise in accelerating healthcare innovation. These exciting developments align with the objectives of the University Strategic Plan 2031. We aim to further develop world class talent; establish ourselves as an international leader in education and research; be a global visionary in innovation and entrepreneurship; forge best-in-class sustainable and quality practices; and champion diversity, inclusiveness, and openness. These are ambitious plans and we need your support to achieve them. A simple and impactful way is to generously donate to the Alumni Endowment Fund, among other worthy University initiatives. Your contributions will support our endeavors and help propel HKUST to the forefront of global excellence. Together, you can transform our University into a world leader in education, research, and innovation. Our alumni are very important to us and one of my major goals as president is to foster as many opportunities as possible to connect with you. It was an absolute privilege to meet our alumni recently at the Alumni Reunion and Convocation Meet-up Series in Hong Kong, and through gatherings in Beijing, Dubai, and Seoul. With our global network rapidly expanding, we will continue to build closer ties with alumni communities around the world. Alumni have shaped our success and will continue to do so. Your contributions, experiences, and expertise serve as a guiding force, inspiring current and future generations to excel and innovate. Please continue to keep in touch and support us. By working together, we can chart an even brighter future. Yours, Nancy Ip President I had an amazing time at the Beijing Alumni Reception held on March 3, 2024. In attendance were more than 250 alumni, Council Chairman Professor Harry Shum, Senior Management, and friends of HKUST.
HKUST Alumni FEATURE 2 3 // Yi Pan // Ken Ching // Franz Wu AI INNOVATION AND US Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing business for HKUST entrepreneurs. Three alumni working in completely different fields share their experience of how AI is shaping innovation, service, and the future of commerce. What tips can they share? The world has become enamored with the pursuit of AI. Yet what we hear in the news is not necessarily the reality on the ground. We ask our alumni who are leaders in the business world to tell us more about how they use AI on a day-to-day basis. Importantly, how can we all embrace this new paradigm?
HKUST Alumni Artificial intelligence with real outcomes AI has become crucial to Inovance – since 2015, the company has used artificial intelligence to explore a wide range of industrial applications from quality checking of tiles to analyzing the purity of cooking oil; all the way to leading-edge coding and decoding that can help companies streamline their production processes. Inovance’s high voltage frequency converter, universal servo system, elevator human-machine interface are the first in China’s market, and many of its other products are among the leaders for the country. “AI is not the future, it is really the ‘now’. This revolution is critical because far from taking agency away from people, it is indeed giving it back to them. I believe that people will always be giving directions, and AI will be doing the hard work,” says Yi. Entrepreneurism rooted in HKUST experience Having completed an EMBA, Yi is always seeking to enter new markets and has a finely honed business mindset. In 2017, he also founded Value Capital, focused on investing in semiconductors, industrial software, intelligent manufacturing, new materials, and new energy sources, with the goal of empowering start-up technology companies to develop into global powerhouses. "Quality not quantity" is the ethos Yi lives by. Established a solid name for itself, Value Capital is recruiting only graduates of top universities with a master's degree or above, all supported by well-developed legal and professional teams. Yi’s EMBA program helped him mold his vision. “I gained a complete knowledge system on how to manage a company, cultivate industry vision, and lay a good foundation. A bonus was that during my studies I also became actively involved in marathons, exercise, and meditation, which was a significant change for me.” He also became passionate about social causes – from becoming deeply involved in the relief effort for the Ya'an earthquake in 2013, Yi has now established several foundations, including the Nanjing Li Zhi Yang Guang Xin Hui Xin Foundation, to support education projects for Chinese children. Showing his generosity, Yi made a significant donation to HKUST, establishing the Pan Yi Named Professorship in Business. This accolade recognizes professors at HKUST, encouraging talent cultivation, and supporting the Business School to grow its already stellar reputation. FEATURE AI is not the future, it is really the‘now’. This revolution is critical because far from taking agency away from people, it is indeed giving it back to them. Robots on the rise We begin our journey in Inovance ( 匯川技術), a worldleading automation machinery manufacturing company which has its own building in Shenzhen. The company makes robots for industrial applications. Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2010, Inovance develops everything from elevators to plastics, electric vehicles, and robotics, producing a diverse range of goods from low voltage AC drives to intelligent controllers, industrial robots, electric vehicle inverters, light rail transit converters and industrial internet applications. Yi PAN (2013 EMBA) co-founded the company in 2003, having worked at Huawei and Emerson, both global leaders in industrial applications. Success came quickly – Shenzhen Inovance Tech went public on the Shenzhen A-share Growth Enterprise Market, and now boasts a research base in Suzhou with more than 20,000 staff. The company has quickly expanded its network to include research bases in Yueyang, Changzhou, Nanjing, Xi’an, Jinan and other cities, along with establishing a presence in Hungary and India. “The whole process has been absolutely incredible,”says Yi.“What we have been able to achieve in such a short time is remarkable,”he adds. While all of this seems so easy, the reality is that the early days of Inovance were marked by struggle. “We had limited capital and profits, so we worked hard to find the right talents who were going to come on board with good value and belief in our mission. After we went public, it was easier to get more talents onboard,” Yi says. 4 5
HKUST Alumni You need to be all-rounded, be savvy, have wisdom and develop a sense of worldliness. If you treat everyone with respect and care, things will look up. FEATURE An e-commerce icon In a city where people still spend a lot of their money offline, YOHO ( 友和) stands out as a star in the e-commerce pack. Its CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder is Franz Wu (2008 BBA Economics), who now runs the largest e-commerce platform with a primary direction towards consumer electronics and home appliances in Hong Kong while also having the honor of being listed on the HKEX in June 2022. You wouldn’t have realized it from chatting with him in person – Franz is down-to-earth and easy-going, and loves playing football.“My favorite memories at HKUST were on the pitch, and of course the beautiful halls. Too bad we don’t have enough staff for a YOHO team!”Franz says. Although having outstanding academic results, he graduated during the turmoil of 2008, and with limited jobs available due to the financial "tsunami", started trading consumer electronics and home appliances, including items big at the time like portable media players. It was this experience, combined with a strong interest and education in Economics (with minors in Humanities and China Studies), that drove him forward. This diverse education, along with a firm network of friends, offered him the right mix of innovation, creativity, and nous to go on to bigger and bolder things. In 2013, Franz noticed the lack of channels to buy new electronics and founded YOHO with his now wife Kathy Tsui. “At the time she was my girlfriend,”he says with a laugh.“But we saw an opportunity, with high rents, and that Hong Kong consumers would love a business like ours. In 2013, it was a different world,”Franz says. From an initial capital investment of HK$500,000 each, they have blossomed into a force to be reckoned with. Indeed, with their market operating in a new environment, innovation is at the core of the company. The duo learned everything there was to know about e-commerce, delivery, payment systems, operations, and marketing. The YOHO team pioneered the concept of online-merge-offline (OMO) business, with showrooms supporting the online experience, and a dual experience for consumers. YOHO says ‘yoohoo’ to AI The Group now has more than 1,000,000 registered users with a diverse product portfolio. Gross profit was HK$130 million for 2022-23, and online sales have surpassed direct competitors. YOHO also has 4% of its sales coming from Mainland China. Merchants can also open shops on YOHO, including the likes of LEGO, meaning the range of products will expand. With such a large customer base, AI is essential to keeping customers happy. YOHO has been using AI assistants that can be customized to help people make choices and offer a convenient shopping environment. YOHO is working with HKUST Business School to create a suite of AI offerings. The projects include a product recommendation system.“As we have a history of consumer behavior from previous purchases, such as brands, categories and what not, we are using AI to help customers make the best choices for their future purchases,”Franz says. YOHO has 20 business use cases they are working on that can help customers, including the AI assistant. “Customers can choose their own attitudes for assistants, so if they want someone sassier and fun, that can make it. No one is doing this globally, even in Mainland China and the US. Meanwhile at the backend, we use AI to help better organize our data and systems. Product descriptions are a nightmare with the requirement of having three languages so this can really help us speed up,”Franz adds. AI will thus lessen mistakes in product descriptions in the backend, improve efficiency and time spent. YOHO is also using AI for product comparison. But what if the AI assistant recommends consumers to buy less or a cheaper item?“Well, at the end of the day, it is a LLM (Large language model) so that could happen,”he laughs. Franz aims to increase users in Hong Kong, along with Mainland China and the GBA. It's very ambitious, but Franz has done it before and can achieve the same again. How should others follow his path?“You need to be all-rounded, be savvy, have wisdom and develop a sense of worldliness. If you treat everyone with respect and care, things will look up,” Franz says. 6 7
AI will help us create better conditions for users, and ultimately, that is the best use of any technology. FEATURE bikes in terms of real-time users and locations," says Ken. Mapping out a strategy The team focused their efforts on districts with comprehensive cycling networks including Tai Po, Ma On Shan and Sha Tin. "Essentially we committed to only building bike stations in areas that have cycling infrastructure or in new development areas. Because of road conditions, we agreed to limit our services and avoid Hong Kong Island and Kowloon in the beginning, as at times the road conditions can be really dangerous,”says Ken. This strategy has allowed Locobike to expand with government co-operation. In 2022, they finally created the first smart bicycle route in Hong Kong Island, with an app to accompany and an IoT (Internet of things) system to manage the route. In 2023, they partnered with the Transport Department to launch the first shared electric mobility trial in the New Territories. The company is now moving towards deployment of electric scooters and electric-assist bicycles. Robust hardware meets super software Locobike also improved the useability of their app, created patrols to monitor the condition and location of bikes and to tackle issues such as blocking up streets. As the project progressed, AI became essential, especially as Ken has a background in data mining and management. The team set about collecting more bike data to help with urban planning, moving from 2,000 bikes to more than 10,000 bikes in 13 districts with the help of AI. The company has patented the world's first AI dockless micro-mobility management system. “The system helps us plan collection, maintenance, and repair. AI uses data from patrols and usage, if a bike is not being used for a few days, it means there may be a problem, or it might be in a bad place for pickup. This data helps us determine why users like certain places better than others for pickup." In many ways the inspiration for Locobike came from HKUST, and not only because it sparked the original idea. "At HKUST I loved the campus and the atmosphere, but I also learned how to combine hardware and software, the education I received in the CPEG (computer science and electrical engineering joint degree program) that made the birth of Locobike possible. CPEG provided me with a well-rounded understanding of both software and hardware, which are fundamental to the development of IoT. I would say all because of HKUST CPEG, I unlocked the Hong Kong first Locobike in my home,”says Ken. The next step for Locobike is expanding its corporate network, having started working extensively with Shell which is keen to develop micro-mobility concepts. In Chengdu, they are working together with an international luxury resort brand to provide customized E-bike services to guests. Recently, they established a joint micromobility loT research center at the HKUST Shenzhen-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Research Institute in Futian. That is just the beginning. Locobike is now setting its sights worldwide, expanding to four tourist resorts and parks, one university campus in Mainland China and one industrial campus in Taiwan. For Locobike, AI is a way to optimize their work on road conditions, safety, user systems, and to run its solar energy-based wireless charging stations. Locobike has developed a global first green energy micro-mobility network powered by solar and wireless charging.“AI will help us create better conditions for users, and ultimately, that is the best use of any technology,”says Ken. Bike business becomes tour de force Hong Kong can seem dominated by cars and buses, but for many New Territories residents, biking is a widely used mode of transportation. Former eBay engineer Ken Ching (2007 BEng Computer Engineering, 2011 MSc IT) founded Locobike in 2017 to address this reality. Having grown up with bicycles from a young age, he started looking at the feasibility of bike-sharing in Hong Kong. "We strongly believe in the shared bike model, I have a personal interest in biking because at the time I was studying at HKUST as a part-time master's student, but was working at Science Park in Tai Po. The pain point was I could ride to HKUST, but I couldn't ride back home after classes because it was late at night. There was nowhere to leave or pick up bikes, so I thought that the share market had its place," says Ken. Life often comes full circle – Now based in Science Park, Locobike took center stage in the Hong Kong market by leveraging the use of big data and AI and partnering closely with government departments. It has gone from a company that was trying to understand the market to a major player operating a machine-learning based dockless shared-bike management platform, and MaaS (Mobility as a service) solutions for 600,000 registered users. "When we started there were several operators, and the market was fairly chaotic. We had bi-weekly meetings with the Transport Department to set it all up. So we signed agreements with the government as the first operator to implement transport department systems and monitor the HKUST Alumni 8 9 We have developed a global first green energy micro-mobility network powered by solar and wireless charging.
EDGE 10 11 HKUST Alumni In a landmark breakthrough, the first multi-protein blood test for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been developed by the HKUST and the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND). Spearheaded by HKUST President Professor Nancy Ip, the pioneering research team includes Professor Amy Fu, Research Professor at HKUST’s Division of Life Science, and Dr. Fanny Ip, Chief Scientific Officer at HKCeND - both HKUST PhD Biology graduates. “This is the first multi-protein blood test for AD and MCI. We developed it based on the results of our large-scale and comprehensive screening of AD blood biomarkers. This blood test has the potential to revolutionize AD diagnosis and management. It’s simple, highly accurate, non-invasive, and cost-effective, and can be applied to diverse ethnic populations,”says Prof. Fu. A disease affecting lives globally AD affects over 55 million people worldwide, imposing immense burdens on the economy and society. Early detection and timely intervention are important for mitigating the impacts of AD. The new blood test provides a reliable solution for the early detection and monitoring of AD and MCI. This can help medical professionals to identify individuals at risk of AD or showing early signs of pathological changes, so they can administer timely disease management strategies. The blood test could also facilitate population-wide screening, according to Dr. Ip: “Overall, the early detection and close monitoring of MCI and AD will empower individuals to better understand their brain health and take proactive measures, such as lifestyle modifications and personalized disease management strategies, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life. Ultimately, the test will lead to the development of precision medicine and can improve healthcare resource allocation as well as reduce societal and economic burdens.” A decade-long battle The team started patient recruitment and sample collection for this project 10 years ago. In 2019, they were able to start developing new AD blood biomarkers and assays because of advances in protein detection technologies. Clinical diagnosis of AD mainly relies on cognitive assessment, which is subjective, and brain imaging or cerebrospinal fluid assessment, which are expensive and/or invasive. The new blood test is a game-changer, providing a remarkably accurate, convenient, and non-invasive tool for early detection and monitoring of the disease. “Our blood test simultaneously measures the levels of 21 proteins associated with multiple biological processes involved in AD development. By capturing a more comprehensive profile of the AD blood, our test reveals the development of pathological changes in the brain and accurately detects AD with over 96% accuracy and MCI with over 87% accuracy,”says Prof. Fu. The majority of existing AD blood biomarker studies focus on developing bloodbased assays for the pathological hallmarks of AD such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins. Nonetheless, capturing a more comprehensive profile of the dysregulation of biological processes, such as inflammation and the vascular functions, by a blood-based test, may help better evaluate the progression of the disease, particularly at the early stage. Chip and algorithms make their mark Using cutting edge technology, the team developed an integrated blood assay chip that simultaneously measures 21 key AD blood biomarkers with high precision, based on their large-scale proteomic profiling study in 2021. They further developed a machine learning-based algorithm to calculate AD risk score for individuals, based on the levels of these 21 blood proteins. The team optimized this scoring system by training it on more than 2,000 human plasma samples from diverse ethnic groups, which enables the blood test to accurately evaluate an individual’s AD status. Driving towards global impact The team is currently preparing a clinical research program in multiple regions and countries – the first stage includes Hong Kong, Mainland China, the US, and some countries in Europe – to gather more clinical data to validate and optimize the blood testing technology, and ultimately benefit the global population with the blood test for AD. “Our test can be used in clinical settings to help the screening of individuals with early AD or MCI, as well as the monitoring of disease progression and drug responses. This will greatly facilitate targeted clinical trials, says Dr. Ip. “It can also help reveal potential disease-causing factors in the blood in AD, which can serve as novel targets for the development of drugs and therapeutic strategies,”she adds. About the team Professor Amy Fu, Research Professor, Division of Life Science, HKUST “I was originally a technician in Prof. Nancy Ip’s lab at HKUST,” recalls Prof. Fu.“I then transitioned into a PhD program, focusing on basic neuroscience, with the same team.”Prof. Fu played a critical role in developing the platform and databases for AD in the Chinese population.“Everything began from scratch,”she explains.“We established the research paradigm, pipelines, and protocols. We published the first paper on understanding of the regulation of synapse communication in Nature Neuroscience. I’m proud that we developed all the most advanced approaches and technologies in a lab here for diagnostic and drug target studies for AD at HKUST, and in Hong Kong.” Dr. Fanny Ip, Chief Scientific Officer, Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND) “I was the first PhD student in Prof. Nancy Ip’s lab at HKUST in 1993,”says Dr. Ip.“Determined to unlock the secrets of the human brain and find a cure, I’ve been researching brain degeneration ever since.”In recent years, Dr. Ip has shifted to developing novel diagnostics and treatments for neurodegenerative and neurological disorders.“Now, I’m working closely with our teams and diverse stakeholders to translate our research discoveries into tangible solutions,” she adds. For Dr. Ip, this achievement is a proud moment not just for her, but for the entire team and HKUST community. “This is a true testament to HKUST’s research excellence and innovation,”she says. Breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s An HKUST team has developed the first comprehensive blood test for early Alzheimer’s disease.
We need volunteers to help our Alumni Association in Ontario grow. If you are interested in this or joining the WhatsApp group, don't hesitate to email alumni@ust.hk. HKUST Alumni HOME AND AWAY 12 13 Welcoming you to Toronto Patrick Hung is President of the HKUST Alumni Association in Ontario. A 1995 MPhil and 2001 PhD in Computer Science from HKUST, Patrick is a Professor and Graduate Program Director of Computer Science at the Faculty of Business and Information Technology, Ontario Tech University, Canada. He is a Leverhulme Visiting Professor at Aston University, England, and an Honourable Guest Professor at Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan. Previously, he worked with Boeing Research and Technology in Seattle, and was a Research Scientist with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Australia. Meet Christina Ng, a volunteer of Alumni Association in Ontario. A 2001 BBA in Marketing, she is currently Operations Project Manager at Amico Accessories. She has deep experience in marketing, tradeshows, sales operations, administration and customer service. WEBSITE INSTAGRAM Patrick Hung Christina Ng How did you start your association with HKUST? I am one of the originals, I joined HKUST in 1993. My path to Toronto included a stint in the Hong Kong Civil Service, working at HKUST, studying for a PhD and then finally moving in 1999. It was just for fun at first, but somehow I really liked it. After a time in Australia, I went back to Ontario and got a job in Toronto. What is great about Toronto? I would say it is metropolitan and diversified. There are all languages from Spanish to Asian dialects – but what is great is there is a huge community from Hong Kong. People are open to anything. What I love is the city is still growing and changing. Some people enjoy the weather, but I would say it’s quite snowy and that can be hard to adjust for Hong Kong people. How can people adapt to Canadian society? Be ready to understand and change. Be open to new experiences. Learn to relish problems and find solutions to them. Integrate with the wider society. That way you will understand more customs, culture and values in Canada, and ultimately grow as a person. What activities do you have to make people feel at home? We have a lot of small activities like picnics, which are fantastic. We also have annual meetings, one with other alumni associations in Toronto, and the other for Lunar New Year. When you have no family and friends you will never feel lonely. This year we held our Lunar New Year dinner in the classroom! Many of our activities include alumni associations How many years have you been in Toronto? I have been living in Toronto for close to 15 years. Immediately I found this diversity of lifestyle that you cannot find in Hong Kong. What are the advantages of living in Toronto? The weather is amazing, although winter is cold, it's great if you love nature, the outdoors, and snow sports. The long daylight hours are perfect, while you don't have as many mountains there are many green areas. Over here you can also kayak and camp easily. What are the challenges? I would say there is a big cultural difference to building your own lifestyle, thriving in your job and career. In Toronto you might need around 6 to 10 months to find work, or a year before you discover a dream job. So, network is important? New arrivals should explore the Alumni Association in Ontario network, because there is a job market that is completely hidden from view. When I moved to Canada I started from scratch from very elementary work. How are things different now? Graduates are much more prepared when they come to Canada. You still need to get accustomed to the local language and the culture. It is important to watch the news and have things to talk about. from other universities, so there is no shortage of people to meet. Thanks to the efforts of our Founding President Albert Wan, we have gained strong support from alumni. What makes you so passionate about HKUST alumni? HKUST changed my career. Before I thought I would simply be a good IT manager. My supervisor encouraged me to do a PhD. I said:‘no way I want to be a boring professor’! Somehow he convinced me to do a PhD and gave me his entire support. Eventually I grew a passion for academia. Without HKUST this would have never happened. Now I travel around the world, and I am so appreciative. That’s why I want to give back so much. Do you see comparisons with your experience and those of new immigrants? When I see young people now, I can see myself. The challenges I faced, being abroad for the first time, and the changes I went through. You may be able to talk and communicate with anyone, but the psychological aspect of being new is the same. In 1999, I knew nobody, I could find a job in a month. Now it might take six months to one year. This world is complex, that’s why we need to support each other. But is taking the plunge still worth it? I tell students who move that breaking through barriers and challenges will help you grow as a person, and help you hone your tastes, abilities and understand your talents. See challenges as opportunities! And remember to come say hi, we want to hang out with you. Canada seems like a very welcoming place... There is a huge focus here on multiculturalism which is great because they are always willing to help new immigrants. Canadians are very willing to make conversation with people they don't know. How did you get involved with the Alumni Association in Ontario? I started around six years ago, and it has grown tremendously, particularly in the last two years, where we have seen many more young people arrive. I have been focused on settlement advice. What problems do you help solve? We are looking at finding people a good place to live, connecting them with alumni, jobs and a support network. We are organizing more activities because many people are moving without family, and many miss family and friends. How did you get so passionate about alumni affairs? I was always quite active with volunteering in school and HKUST so it just came naturally to me. It is fortunate that in the last two years we have had around 200 newcomers as well. I have seen people find friendships, networking, and adapt to the new environment through even simple activities like picnics, so this is very rewarding. I'm reliving my most exciting university life again! What are the most popular activities? I want to organize more nature-based activities. Predictably, the most popular activities are about food! Our Lunar New Year Eve dinner is always amazing, and during COVID we kept it going. I actually asked my mom to volunteer as a cook! That year we cooked, packed and dropped food off. We all ate together on Zoom. Now we can do things like Poon Choi. Anything else to add? Reach out to us. Join our WhatsApp group before you land. People want to share their experience to help you settle in.
15 GIVING 14 HKUST Alumni Transform student lives with your donation The Alumni Endowment Fund (AEF) is an important way you can help students thrive, and create a future legacy at HKUST that everyone can be proud of. In the process, you will help make HKUST a powerhouse university for the future. Perseverance pays off Our Business undergraduate Theo Wong was awarded the Alumni Endowment Fund Perseverance Scholarship in 2021/2022. A special education needs (SEN) student, Theo’s scholarship was made possible by the Alumni Endowment Fund (AEF), showing its deep value to the community. Read his story and witness how important alumni contributions are in action. When did you know you were different from other students? I had an uncommon childhood and development. When I was still an infant, there were differences between me and same-aged babies – I was a little bit clumsier. At primary school, these were becoming more prominent, I had huge difficulties sitting still, thinking patterns were not the same, and learning was very challenging. What have been some of your achievements at HKUST? At HKUST, I have been through many new adventures and interesting encounters, and overcame many of my weaknesses. I have been an MC and a moderator at many events. This gave me the confidence and technical skills to take up other challenges. I must thank all the people that supported me all the way. I never thought I could come this far – let’s see where we can go on this journey. Have you had fun at HKUST? It’s been great. I have become more willing to make new friends and network this semester. I have stopped being a wallflower! I don’t really play sports, but I like some board games and can play with like-minded people. While classmates might not know about my situation, I have always been well accepted at HKUST. It’s the best environment. What’s the importance of this scholarship to you? I am honored to be one of the recipients of this scholarship. The significance of the award goes beyond monetary value. It represents my contributions to the SEN community, and reinforces my belief in the importance of creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Now, I can overcome more hurdles and achieve goals that I once thought were out of reach, and work towards the betterment of the community. What are your career plans? I’ve been gaining experience and honing my skills through internships. I want to study a master’s degree of Social Science in Psychology and pursue a career as an educational psychologist. I also realized knowing more about how business works can also help the SEN community in profound ways as well. It’s good to be all-rounded, whether that is knowing more about diversity and inclusion, environmental, social and governance (ESG), organizational structures, or finance. What message would you like to share with everyone? Special needs students should not be highlighted or think of themselves as being disabled. When we talk about inclusion, what we need to highlight is ability. We shouldn’t see disadvantages or weakness – we should focus on selfacceptance and our strengths. What are our best abilities? Let’s look at how we can excel. Know more about HKUST’s support to students with special needs A unique history Established in 2012, the AEF marks many milestones in the history of HKUST. It is our first-ever endowment fund to receive donations mainly from alumni. It works in a very simple and yet effective way: The principal amount is kept in perpetuity and used only the income from investments. As a result, the fund has become a reliable and stable force benefitting our students. How YOU have helped The AEF Student Emergency Fund provides financial This testimony is witness to what you can do to change lives. Don’t hesitate, and make a donation to the AEF today. In acknowledgment of your contribution, there will be opportunities for plaques engraved with your name, or naming opportunities on campus, depending on the donation amount. Every alumnus donating more than HK$500 will receive a limited-edition Redbird pin signifying your donor status. DONATE NOW Thank you for your support! Act Now I was completely at a loss when my father passed away from cancer as my family didn’t have any savings, even to cover my father’s funeral expenses. Without alumni donors, I might have had to find a job and never got the precious chance to work as an undergraduate researcher in Prof. Nancy Ip’s lab. This experience paved the way for my admission to the Caltech PhD program. assistance to HKUST students facing unforeseen emergencies that severely disrupt their studies. For many years it has been a crucial lifeline for our students, and has changed lives. This is greatly demonstrated by the situation suffered by Kathy Cheung, who encountered serious misfortune in year 1. With the generous and continued support from our alumni, she has been given opportunities that she could have never even dreamed of. Kathy Cheung BSc (Biochemistry and Cell Biology - International Research Enrichment Track) 2018 PhD student at Caltech Beneficiary of AEF Student Emergency Fund 2016/2017
CLASS NOTES 16 ALUMNI REUNION Sustainable alumni reunion raises the roof Meeting old friends was just one element of this landmark occasion. Being green is important to our community, the reason why this year’s HKUST Alumni Reunion was held with an “Eco-Extravaganza, Where Sustainability Takes Center Stage” theme. Hot off the presses HKUST alumni are always up to lots of cool things – whether it is family, careers, education, business or just having fun. Check out what your fellow alums have been doing. Remember, we also want to see your stories, so don’t forget to share your photos and updates with us via this QR code. On 13 January, alumni arrived from far and wide to enjoy a huge range of activities from captivating talks, performances by alumni celebrities and students, garage sale, entrepreneur bazaar, campus tours, game booths, workshops, kids sports activities, and more. Organized by the Development and Alumni Office with strong support from many parts of the University, including alumni and student volunteers, the occasion was an amazing moment for everyone to catch up and savour a heartwarming celebration of past and present. Aside from being a moment to reminisce, the reunion saw sustainability take center stage, with discussions and workshops around eco-friendly practices, fostering a sense of responsibility and a shared commitment to a greener future. Want to know more? Relive the experience via this QR code 17 Sharon Ng 2014 BBA FINA & IS We are delighted to announce the arrival of our precious 8-month-old, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of my career at HKUST since graduation. This decade has been filled with incredible growth, learning, and countless experiences. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities provided by HKUST and the meaningful connections. Susana Soo 2018 MBA I established and led the Anti-Sexual Harassment Unit after joining the Equal Opportunities Commission in late 2020, actively promoting prevention of sexual harassment in all walks of life. I am honored to be an awardee of The Ombudsman's Awards 2023 for my services. Grace Chu 2011 BBA(ACCT) I have been in the catering industry now for three years and made great progress. I am now running two restaurants in Kwun Tong serving French and Japanese fusion cuisine at “Boon” and Asian fusion cuisine at “HONBU”. We also provide catering services, including party food and canapés for events. Look us up! Tonia Tsui 2002 BSc(ECOF) I recently completed the Women's Leadership Certificate program at Harvard Business School. This empowered me to navigate the unique challenges faced by women in gender dynamics, negotiation strategies, and personal branding. I gained an in-depth understanding of the complexities of leadership in today's business landscape. Edwin Cheung 2023 MBA My baby daughter, Ella, was born few weeks before my congregation ceremony in October last year – she even witnessed my MBA graduation. In April, I brought her back to campus to attend the induction ceremony of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS). Ella turned 6 months old in April, she is already seasoned in university events. Peihua Li 2012 MA(SOSC) Welcome my little princess and prince! I can't wait to take the twin babies back to campus to explore and feel the beautiful campus and seaside atmosphere.
HKUST Alumni WORLD STAGE 18 19 When you are alumni like us, a good time is guaranteed, no matter where you are. Family fun never ceases Action in Amsterdam We held an alumni dinner on May 11 with the HKUST delegation led by Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Prof. Yang Wang. The event was a delightful opportunity for the Amsterdam alumni community to establish connections and stay updated on the latest news, events, and excitement. California Dreaming It was a busy period and lots of fun! The Northern California Alumni Chapter held an alumni lunch gathering at Pacific Catch in December. There was also an alumni Lunar New Year luncheon in February. We look forward to more wonderful times to see each other. Non-Stop in Shenzhen An AI-themed lecture was hosted by the Shenzhen Alumni Chapter in April with 50 alumni participating. Topics covered included chip knowledge and the current status and development of Chat-GPT. A visit to Lehi Technology Innovation Park was made in March. Participants exchanged ideas on technology transfer and cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Going for Gobi Gold The Clearwater Bay Gobi Alumni Association is ready to go for gold in the next Gobi Desert running challenge. There was a practice weekend in Chengdu in March; a Suzhou River fun run (coorganized by the Shanghai Alumni Chapter) in April; The 13th Asia-Pacific Business School Desert Challenge in May; and regular practices in Shenzhen. Good luck to the team! Shanghai Sights and Sounds We had so much happening that it was hard to keep track of it all! In November, a CityWalk along the Suzhou River in Shanghai was supplemented by a friendly Guandan competition. In December, a visit to Baidu's Apollo Park saw alumni learn about the company's development and technologies. Meanwhile, in January, a project exchange between enterprises and R&D institutions brought together entrepreneurs and inventors to commercialize innovative projects. There was also a book sharing activity and a visit to the Yangtze River Delta National Technology Innovation Center and ByteDance in March. Last but not least, the alumni reunion dinner in June was graced with over 150 alumni. Dubai Night Shines Bright An alumni dinner gathering brought the house down in Dubai in April with the HKUST delegation led by President Prof. Nancy Ip, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Prof. Yang Wang and other esteemed members of the senior management. Mad for Manchester Thanks to the efforts of our enthusiastic alumni volunteers, the first alumni gathering in Manchester took place in March. The amazing Manchester alumni lunch gathering saw everyone reconnected and networking with one another. Tokyo Raiders The Alumni Network in Japan didn’t hold back during a happy hour gathering in May. The gathering was an excellent opportunity to enjoy a pleasant Friday evening together. Swiss Bliss With strong effort from our enthusiastic alumni volunteers, an alumni Lunar New Year dinner was held in Zurich in February. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and network. Getting Down to Business The April HKUST Business School Alumni Dinner in New York provided a fun-filled evening with good food and an exciting lucky draw. It was a delightful occasion to reconnect with peers and make new connections. The Power of Poon Choi The Alumni Association in Ontario turned on the fun with a Lunar New Year Eve Poon Choi Dinner in February that was a resounding success! With 40 alumni, family members, and friends in attendance, we celebrated the tradition of Poon Choi with joy and camaraderie. Thank you to everyone who marked the start of the new year with warmth and togetherness. Guandan Gets Large The popular card game is getting big at HKUST. In addition to the regular online games, the Guandan Card Club held its first physical competition in Nanjing in June. Beijing Blast Off There was plenty to be excited about with an HKUST Alumni Reception in Beijing on March 3 attended by over 250 alumni. The HKUST delegation included Council Chairman Prof. Harry Shum, President Prof. Nancy Ip, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Prof. Yang Wang and other esteemed professors. On top of this, the Beijing Alumni Chapter hosted a friendly Guandan competition in December, Lunar New Year gathering, friendly Guandan competition in January, and canoeing event in April.
HKUST Alumni HAPPENINGS 21 Events, activations, and much more, have made for amazing times in 2024. Let’s keep the action rolling. The action continues IEDA Turns 30 The Department of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics (IEDA) held a 30th anniversary celebration in May. The event enabled alumni to share special memories of precious times at HKUST with professors and fellow alumni. Aside from cocktails, there were DIY perfume and dessert workshops; calligraphy workshop; photobooth; lucky draw and performance by local award-winning stand-up comedian Vivek Mahbubani. In Love with LIFS Alumni from the Division of Life Science (LIFS) returned to the campus on March 16 to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, reconnect with professors, and learn about the latest developments at the Division. The Alumni Homecoming saw a cocktail reception and buffet lunch. It was wonderful to see our alumni again since the last reunion in 2019 and that they feel a strong connection to the Division. Daring Dragons With Dragon Boat season well underway, the Alumni Dragon Boat Club has been training twice a week for all important races including the Hong Kong Championship; Indoor Dragon Boat Race; Hong Kong Middle Island Cup; Deep Water Bay Race; Shatin Dragon Boat Festival Race and HK International Dragon Boat Invitational. Their efforts were paid off with many awards. All We Need is Wine… to Have a Good Time The Alumni Wine Association hosted the Annual Spring Dinner and Annual General Meeting in February to kickstart the Year of the Dragon. Participants brought their favorite wines to this event and exchanged thoughts about the selections. Let’s Toast to That! The MBA Alumni Toastmasters Club moved to a new venue in 2024! The first meeting was a blast with a full house of members. Its venue is only a 2-minute walk from Sheung Wan MTR. Join the gang to practice public speaking and improve your confidence on the stage! Throughout the first half of 2024, the Club held a series of regular meetings, a Business Presentation Series and a joint meeting, providing an opportunity for members to congregate and collaborate. Too Hot to Handle The Graduate Students and Alumni Association has so many events, the excitement simply keeps growing and growing. Recent gatherings included TechFrontiers: Technology and Innovation Carnival of HKUST; a lecture on the Achievements and Prospects of China's Moon Exploration Project; a dating party for 100 people; a Chasing the Light of HKUST - Campus Orienteering; and Face-toFace Conversations with Outstanding Alumni. Engineering an Excellent Evening The Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association held the 25th Anniversary Dinner on January 19. It was an incredible time filled with wonderful friends, memories, and more. Spring to Life The Electronic and Computer Engineering Alumni Association held its annual spring dinner on February 20. With a range of Chinese cuisine, there was great food and wonderful time reconnecting with professors and fellow alumni. Destressing During Exams The Development and Alumni Office prepared surprises for all graduatesto-be at the “Cheering Station” before the exam period in early May. Other than trying their luck at the prize wheel, participants joined a DIY phone charm workshop for free, and enjoyed a special discount offer for a gold-plated Redbird pin and “Class of 2024” certification folder! Convocation Conversations The Convocation Meet-up Series has been an opportunity to engage and inspire more alumni to support HKUST. Participants of the Series are encouraged to donate to the HKUST Alumni Endowment Fund. Additionally, the 13th Convocation AGM was held on March 30 to conclude the rewarding year. Marathon Mission Over 800 HKUST alumni, staff and students registered for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in January 2024 as Team HKUST. The runners all wore the same HKUST running shirts sponsored by Li-Ning Company Limited, creating a sense of unity. After crossing the finish line, runners visited the HKUST booth, mingling, taking photos, and receiving an exclusive souvenir. Well done all! Friends, Fun and the Final Furlong The HKUST Alumni Association (A1) hosted a successful Happy Hour at Happy Valley event on June 12. Attended by over 130 alumni, the evening at the Happy Valley Racecourse was a chance for alumni to reconnect and network while enjoying the races. Savvy Swingers The EMBA Golf Club hosted a tournament in Nanjing in April with 30 players from the HKUST community. Swing away! Karatedo Kicks into Action The Alumni Karatedo Club hosted a hike in February, followed by amazing success at the first “Shiu-kwong Cup” Karatedo Competition. The Club sent out representatives to participate in the Adult Category and the Expert Category on March 24. The team won more than 10 awards in the Adult category and the first runner-up title in the Expert Category. Golf is Gold The Alumni Golf Association has kept up its reputation for teeing off at any opportunity. In March, a golf gathering with alumni delivered fun, followed by an Inter-university Alumni Golf Competition held at Phoenix Hill Golf Club. Everyone had a wonderful day and what’s more — HKUST was the NNP Champion! Congratulations! 20
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