HKUST Alumni Newsletter WINTER 2024 GIVING Making the impossible a reality EDGE Going to the next level // Mohamed Butt // Jack Lau CONNECTING THE GLOBE OF INNOVATION
CONTENTS FOREWORD CONTENTS Edge Home and Away Student Center Relocation Program 08 10 Giving Class Notes World Stage Happenings 14 17 18 12 20 Cover Story Foreword 01 Creating a lasting impact across the world 13 Dear Alumni, Connecting Hong Kong to regions across the world is becoming increasingly important as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of our current age. In this issue’s cover story, Connecting the Globe of Innovation, we meet two HKUST alumni - Mohamed Butt (2007 EMBA), Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and Jack Lau (1994 PhD (ELEC) & 2010 EMBA), President of the Qatar Science and Technology Park - who are bringing the world to Hong Kong, and our vibrant city to the world. Building connections is part of HKUST’s DNA, and I am excited to welcome the Class of 2024 to our alumni community to join this mission. We have now surpassed 100,000 members, a signi"cant milestone! Meanwhile, our sister campus, HKUST(GZ), welcomed their "rst batch of graduates this year at their inaugural graduation ceremony. At HKUST, we believe in the power of role models and celebrate visionary leaders whom our community can look up to. At our Congregation 2024, we conferred Honorary Doctorates to four distinguished individuals – NVIDIA Founder & CEO Dr. Jensen Huang, Venice Film Festival Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement Awardee Mr. Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Nobel Laureate Prof. Michael Levitt, and Fields Medalist Prof. David Mumford. By taking risks and pushing boundaries, these extraordinary leaders have signi"cantly advanced the "elds of AI, entertainment, chemistry, and mathematics, respectively, and are helping to shape a brighter future for us all. 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of our University. We are planning to kick o# a series of celebratory events next year to commemorate this momentous occasion. I invite you all to join us as we re$ect on our achievements and celebrate our community. I look forward to seeing you at these events. HKUST has come incredibly far in just over three decades and our success would not be possible without the unwavering support of our alumni. To help us further our mission of excellence, please consider donating to the Alumni Endowment Fund (AEF) and our other university initiatives. Your support will nurture future generations of leaders and innovators and help us create lasting societal impact. HKUST is immensely proud of our alumni community. I wish you all the best in 2025 and anticipate meeting you on campus. Yours, Nancy Ip President Photo at the HKUST Alumni Association and HKUST Convocation Homecoming Feast, a special Poon Choi fundraising dinner on campus. 02
HKUST Alumni FEATURE 2 3 CONNECTING THE GLOBE OF INNOVATION // Mohamed Butt // Jack Lau Innovation technology and engineering drive progress, foster development, and improve the well-being of people globally. HKUST alumni Mohamed Butt, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), and Jack Lau, President of the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), are doing just that. Find out more about their journey from HKUST to across the world. Both of these visionaries share a drive to keep Hong Kong in the spotlight as a tech and trend leader, all while connecting our city to the world. For Mohamed, the main focus of this is as a facilitator of collaboration with GBA and beyond. Meanwhile, Jack is using his expertise to foster an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar, and looping this back to Hong Kong and other regions. Their roles highlight the edge of HKUST in pushing innovation and fostering links at home and abroad.
HKUST Alumni Entering a new era for HKPC Mohamed is greatly focused on promoting technological innovation in manufacturing technology, upgrading and transforming local SMEs in the GBA, at the same time providing a boost to enterprise R&D and enriching the talent pool in Hong Kong. “HKPC and GE are very similar in many ways, especially with their development of talent and innovation, and an ethos to serve the needs of the community and bringing things to the public that can change their lives,” says Mohamed. HKPC’s headquarters in Kowloon Tong has a spacious feel to it, with a recent round of new renovations adding a large wow factor, especially with its public exhibitions of advanced manufacturing and robotics capabilities, and buzz brought by visiting school students eager to learn more about all this future tech. “When I "rst started the role this site was ready for a new lick of paint, and now I beam with pride, every time I walk in and see the advances that we have made. So many of our displays and exhibits look like they could be part of an Instagram highlight reel,” Mohamed says. “We have incredible scientists and engineers, so one thing we worked on deeply was telling our story,” he adds. Aside from the GBA, HKPC is expanding its reach to Southeast Asia: “Whenever there is a need from Hong Kong enterprises, our mission and goal is to be there with a helping hand, whether that is in Beijing, the Yangtze River Delta or as far as Bangladesh,” says Mohamed. “Innovation, transformation, upskilling, these are all essential components of our operations, along with managing government funding. We engage with manufacturing technologies, focusing on applications, production lines and IP,” Mohamed says. FEATURE Talent, innovation and the future HKUST alumnus Mohamed Butt (2007 EMBA), Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), is leading the vanguard for innovation, applied technology and value creation, bringing Hong Kong into the new generation of business connections with the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and other cities in Mainland China, Asia and beyond. Born in Hong Kong, Mohamed was raised locally, before studying in Minnesota for his undergraduate degree at Winona State University. Mohamed’s father hailed from a South Asian background, and moved to Hong Kong, marrying his mother, who was a local Hong Kong Chinese. A graduate of the Kellogg-HKUST EMBA program, Mohamed cut his teeth on a plethora of projects in di#erent sectors with more than two decades at General Electric (GE), including roles with GE Consumer and Industrial Sourcing, and serving as President and CEO in Asia Paci"c for Security, Lighting, and Transportation in three separate roles. Whether it was working in Indonesia building train networks or working on whole city lighting in Sydney, GE helped Mohamed hone the necessary chops to be the leader of HKPC, which is largely focused on supporting the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) business, comprising approximately 70% of the work they do. When he was inbetween jobs at GE, Mohamed received a fortuitous call from a head-hunter, who introduced him to HKPC in 2017. 4 5 Reminiscing on HKUST days With so much experience, what did being at HKUST add to his career? “We had classmates from all over the world, and this provided me with an international perspective that I have needed throughout my career. Networking was a strong aspect of the program, and I was able to learn and gain new perspectives from people in a range of di#erent businesses including banks, family o%ces, entrepreneurialism, media, and more. I made a lot of friends, that was a bonus, it helped my career immensely,” Mohamed says. One concept that Mohamed took from his time at HKUST was to follow the mantra of being high impact at work but keeping a low ego. This philosophy encompasses being competitive without having arrogance. At Kellogg, the focus often turned from learning to sharing realworld experiences, which Mohamed sees as a big plus. The next "ve years will be critical to keeping HKPC ahead of the game, particularly with transformations abreast in supply chains, with geopolitical changes happening all across the globe. Talent is key, with 15 percent of employees on an internship as of September 2024, helping invigorate the organization with a youthful spirit, while developing the next generation of talent. “We don’t let them do scanning, "ling and making co#ee, we want them to learn real skills, and hopefully they will want to work with us in the future. Seeing is believing, we bring them to the GBA and tell them a good story about Hong Kong.” At HKUST, we had classmates from all over the world, and this provided me with an international perspective that I have needed throughout my career.
HKUST Alumni A journey back in time Harking back to HKUST days, it is clear that Jack is a living mascot for the University. “I had some of the most amazing experiences at HKUST. I am probably the only person who had so many di#erent roles, which include PhD and EMBA student, Professor, Council Member, and CEO of the "rst HKUST spin-o# to go IPO on the main board in Hong Kong,” he says. Jack also has demonstrated his passion as a pioneer donor of the Alumni Endowment Fund (AEF), also getting initially known for setting up Perception Digital Limited, under HKUST’s Entrepreneurship Program, along with two other HKUST professors. “I just keep looking for opportunities which allow me to be completely absorbed in that task. When I was younger, of course I had more dreams. Now, I just want to be helpful to whoever I can help and enjoy every step of the way,” he says. It all started from very humble beginnings as a youngster in California, interested in making model boats and being a “huge Star Wars fan”. He studied Engineering at UC Berkeley, moving to Hong Kong and becoming fully immersed in the HKUST community. “When I "rst arrived in Hong Kong, the campus was not "nished yet, and yes, they call me the University’s ‘"rst PhD’, which is a great honor,” he says. FEATURE The path less taken Jack Lau’s (1994 PhD(ELEC)/2010 EMBA) journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In his career, the President of the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) has traversed the worlds of entrepreneurship and academics. Describing his path as “surreal, rewarding, and full of joy,” he has been a HKUST Adjunct Professor in Electronic and Computer Engineering and an Honorary Fellow; all while serving on boards including the HKEX and several for the HKSAR Government. His current role sees him at the head of QSTP, which has the mission to create a comprehensive platform for nurturing and growing tech enterprises in Qatar and placing the country at the forefront of scienti"c research and tech, generating global impact for the Park. Comprising nearly 500,000 square feet of o%ces, laboratories and business facilities on 120 hectares of land, QSTP is currently home to more than 40 multinational companies, including General Electric, Microsoft and Siemens, to name a few. Jack is responsible for driving the development of products and services, commercializing market-ready technologies, and helping Qatar diversify. 6 7 The Qatari adventure Jack’s career is full of adventurous and unconventional turns – his stint at QSTP began in February 2024, a role which he describes as being an enriching experience, with unique challenges and rewards. “Building an innovation hub here involves navigating cultural and economic dynamics that di#er from other markets.” It all started from a chance encounter. An impromptu stopover in Doha was initiated by a friend who asked Jack to a talk on innovation and entrepreneurship. The sell-out lecture at the Hamad bin Khalifa University in Doha altered his career and led to him taking on what many people felt to be a surprising role, particularly as he has become the "rst non-Qatari to helm QSTP in its two-decade existence. The job is somewhat di#erent from his previous engagements, and while Hong Kong has a more mature and established "nancial center, Qatar is diversifying in technology and innovation, so there are synergies between the two cities. “There are growing links between Hong Kong and Qatar, especially in "nance and investment. Through my role, I encourage collaboration by fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange,” he says. From Gulf States to further a"eld such as Armenia, Uzbekistan and beyond, QSTP has expanded and focused on new markets and innovation. As Hong Kong and HKUST develop, students and young people will be playing a greater role in delivering new excitement to the Hong Kong market. Jack believes that it is crucial for them to be “curious, observant, bold and want to change things, with the grit to see things through.” Gazing into the future When asked what his career goals are for the future, Jack stresses the importance of “enjoying every opportunity when it comes.” Ultimately, he says his life goal is simply to be useful and in service of others. “I don’t think I ever have a career goal. Look at my own career. People often think that I am crazy – eccentric, Engineer, Professor, CEO, Public Services, and now in the Middle East,” he adds. When I was younger, of course I had more dreams. Now, I just want to be helpful to whoever I can help and enjoy every step of the way.
EDGE 8 9 HKUST Alumni Going to the next level STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning is becoming increasingly important to society. We learn more about what is happening at HKUST… On campus at Clearwater Bay, deep in the lab of the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), students are working furiously away on their projects. At the center of it all, Prof. Chi Ying Tsui, professor and founding head of the Division of ISD re$ects on decades at the University and the importance of learning STEAM for children growing up in Hong Kong high schools and universities. “STEAM is of critical importance to the future of Hong Kong and its competitiveness,” says Prof. Tsui. A legend at HKUST Having worked on campus since 1994, Prof. Tsui’s wide variety of research interests include the design of integrated circuits and very-large-scale integration (VLSI) architectures for energy-efficient embedded machine learning, smart embedded sensing and systems, energy-efficient VLSI design for wireless applications, and power management system design for embedded portable devices. “We are confronted with a huge variety of challenges, from climate change, energy shortages, to arti"cial intelligence, and need to cultivate a new generation of innovators and technologists who can bring knowledge from diverse "elds, collaborate with experts, and approach problem-solving with a human-centered perspective,” Prof. Tsui says. Grabbing the bull by its horns ISD was established at HKUST in 2017 to nurture students to become innovators and technologists, and what he calls “generating disruptive ideas.” Thinking about how to make change in society starts from an early age, the reason why Prof. Tsui is a founder and acts as Director of the Academy for Bright Future Young Engineers (ABFYE). Inaugurated in 2016 under the School of Engineering (SENG) at HKUST with generous support from Dr. Roy Chung, the Academy brings school students together with the purpose of building meaningful change in society. “We needed to provide an innovative and studentcentered platform to engage primary school and secondary school learners in authentic engineering experiences and inspire them to embrace an engineer’s habits of mind,” says Dr. Chung. “Students must start thinking in terms of building resilient problem-solving skills and execute like engineers,” Dr. Chung adds. Dr. Chung is no stranger to innovation and entrepreneurialism, having founded Techtronic Industries Company Limited, a Hong Kong-based multinational company that designs, produces, and markets power tools and outdoor power equipment. Dubbed “The King of Power Tools” by local media, Dr. Chung has made several signi"cant donations to support both ABFYE and HKUST, providing resources for a startup research fund and setting up research labs. Building the next generation of superstars Together Dr. Chung and Prof. Tsui are helping develop the next generation of engineering superstars at the Academy. “As the largest engineering school in Hong Kong, HKUST SENG is igniting young minds to foster new generations of engineers in Hong Kong,” says Prof. Tsui. “We have the history – engineering is at the heart of our city and our future, transforming ideas and materials into global infrastructure, products and services to boost the wealth and health of our economy and society,” he adds. ABFYE features a range of programs, most of which are for students, but some are intended to train teachers in the realm of STEAM. Aside from the “WeCan X HKUST STEAM” initiative and the Electric Vehicle Program, there are workshops on airships and drones; electric bicycles; gra%ti robots; baking biscuits and bread; and modules on mathematics. Robots in the world of football A highlight at ABFYE includes an annual "Bright Future Cup - Robo-soccer Competition" that has been very popular with students and university sta# alike. While the robots don’t exactly ‘Bend it like Beckham’, the students are absolutely enthused with the challenge of making a robot that can play in a soccer game. “This looks like a mere game, what we are teaching is teamwork, execution, and developing prototypes. These are essential skills for young people who want to change the world with their innovations and ideas,” says Dr. Chung. Other competitions are a strong attraction for students, with an Underwater Robot Competition, Paper Towel Challenge and Electronic Circuit Challenge proving popular. On top of all this, a Student Academic Conference a#ords the opportunity for young people to learn and demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired. “I see a whole younger generation that is bright, enthusiastic and ready to learn. These students will form the bedrock of the next entrants and disruptors, who will be able to bring advancement and betterment to society,” says Prof. Tsui.
HKUST Alumni HOME AND AWAY 10 11 California dreaming The Northern California Alumni Chapter welcomes you to join fellow HKUST alumni. Married couple Jack Lai (President/1999 BEng(CPEG)) and Carey Lai (Committee Member/2002 MA(CHIN)) are here to tell you more. Tell us about how you met? Carey: Jack and I met through a friend from HKUST in an unexpected way. I had asked my friend to help me "nd someone who could pick up an electronic dictionary, and that person turned out to be Jack! We would also like to hear more about your HKUST experience? Jack: One of my favorite moments was graduation day, especially because my parents were so happy and proud to see me complete my undergraduate degree. Carey: My best moments at HKUST often revolved around the diverse and delicious food options on campus! I’m a big foodie, so exploring the di#erent canteens was a real treat. How are Hong Kong and California di"erent in lifestyle? Carey: Hong Kong’s fast-paced culture emphasizes e%ciency and a strong focus on earning and career advancement, while California o#ers a more relaxed environment with room for exploring diverse paths and personal passions. Jack: California is very diverse, with people from various cultures coming to live and work here. In the Bay Area, you frequently see and interact with people from di#erent countries. By contrast, life in Hong Kong is more fastpaced, with people generally working harder each day. In California, we enjoy a more balanced work-life lifestyle. Jack Lai Carey Lai Learn more about the Chapter and get involved here: The Northern California Alumni Chapter is ten years old now! Congratulations! Tell us about the history and its evolution? Carey: This all began as part of my personal journey. When I "rst moved to the US, I didn’t have family or friends here, and the feeling of isolation was overwhelming, "nally we formed a community speci"cally for HKUST graduates. Jack: Our mission is to empower the overseas HKUST community by connecting HKUST alumni, promoting friendship, and providing continuing education, personal and professional development opportunities. Giving back to the community is also an important part of our mission. You both have active careers, is it hard to balance? Carey: I’m focused on building my startup, Yohocare, which aims to help people stay healthy and sharp through a personalized app. Balancing an active career with my roles and responsibilities in the Chapter requires solid time management. Jack: I am an Aerospace Engineer at NASA, conducting research and participating in software development within the Aviation Systems Division. It was much harder to balance the roles and responsibilities at the beginning, especially during the formation of the Chapter. There were many meetings to attend and tasks to complete. Fortunately, after several years, we gained experience and became more familiar with the process. Anything else to add? Carey: I’m incredibly grateful for the support and connections within the HKUST community, both in the Bay Area and globally. I’m always open to connecting with more alumni, whether it’s to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, or simply share our journeys. Jack: I want to sincerely thank everyone in the Executive Committee and Development & Alumni O%ce for the tremendous support they have given us over the years. If any alumni in the Bay Area are interested in joining us and strengthening this vibrant network, please feel free to reach out!
RELOCATION PROGRAM STUDENT CENTER 13 12 With sustainability core to what we do, the new Student Center is an innovative addition to the campus, promoting sustainability, wellness, and student engagement. To set the tone, a key design feature is the use of wood sourced from the campus, adding a warm and organic feel but critically reducing its carbon footprint with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Form meets function The incorporation of natural lighting and ventilation is a stunning complement maximizing the use of large windows to enhance the amount of natural light entering the building, reducing the need for arti"cial lighting. The overall e#ect is a greater appeal for the Center, with well-being and productivity placed in the spotlight. Strategically placed green spaces and indoor plants improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere, with green elements making it more inviting and "tting into our sustainability drive. At the heart of campus It all starts from here In terms of student engagement, a standout design feature is the map of the campus displayed on one of the walls. This not only serves a practical purpose by helping students navigate the campus but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride as part of the University community. Branding is crucial to get right, and the Center features a red bird lighting feature, which serves as a symbol of University’s spirit and identity. Our warm welcome Alumni are warmly invited to return to campus to explore the Student Center. This space embodies the University’s dedication to sustainability and student well-being – we look forward to you experiencing our innovative designs and vibrant atmosphere. A fully renovated phenomenon, the Student Center is turning heads and providing a welcoming home for HKUST members. A program that makes all the di"erence The Relocation Program allows exchange students and alumni to be eased into a new city and culture by connecting to a Relocation Host, an HKUST alumnus who works and lives there. The Program helps guests integrate into the local community by providing cultural tips on things to do, places to see, restaurants to try, apps to download and other important pieces of advice. When students move to a new environment, there are many things they need to learn and acclimatize to, and for many, it can be a very daunting experience to deal with. This is where the Relocation Program comes in. Established for more than a decade, the signature program pairs many Relocation Hosts (alumni) and Relocation Guests (alumni and exchange students). We are on the lookout for alumni to help Relocation Program thrive. If you have what it takes, please get in touch. The brilliance of this Program lies in taking the stress away from the situation, with our network spanning over 100 cities and countries worldwide, students never feel alone. Aside from providing essential on-the-ground support, hosts provide useful advice and help newcomers settle in. As a guest, you will get connected with a friendly host who can answer your questions and ease the transition. JOIN NOW RELOCATION PROGRAM Matthew (for right) hangs out with exchange students in Austin, US I am honored to be part of this Relocation Program which not only provides essential resources to students who are looking to "t in, but also o#ers me invaluable experiences and memories. Matthew Lau BBA(GBUS) Relocation Host
15 GIVING HKUST Alumni Making the impossible a reality The Alumni Endowment Fund (AEF) acts as a crucial source of help for students, whether they are in need due to illness and difficulties, or require assistance to excel in fields like sports and the arts. We would like to thank alumni for their donations which are a major source of financing, and have a significant positive impact on our students. Chan Wai Hang (BEng in Computer Engineering Year 3) is a recipient of the AEF Student Emergency Fund 2023/24. The Fund allowed him to continue studying at HKUST despite suffering an emergency in the family. We learn more about his life on campus, achievements and challenges. How did you get into Computer Engineering as an interest? I have loved Computer Engineering since I was in Primary School, when we learnt some basic coding. Nowadays, I am working on an AI model to play Chess. I used to play with my roommate and lose to him all the time, so I built an AI to beat him! What were your favourite moments at HKUST? I have been so impressed by the campus and people. I met some friends at orientation camp and now study with them overnight at the learning commons – we have watched the sunset and sunrise together, which is so memorable. I am the secretary of the Computer Science and Engineering Students’ Society, and during orientation we had a big campfire that we shared together and that was amazing. Professional skating star Chow Hiu Yau, (BEng in Civil Engineering Year 4),has been rising in the scene for years, aided by the AEF Sports Scholarship 2023/24, given to students who have proven achievements and potential in regional or international competitions. A winner of many competitions across an illustrious career, she stays resilient. How did you get into figure skating? I started skating through my elder sister. When I was 3, my sister was skating, and my parents decided it would be more cost-effective for us to train together. Tell us about your career highlights? As a member of the Hong Kong Figure Skating National Team and a full-time elite athlete of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, figure skating is an integral part of my life. I have represented Hong Kong in international competitions, winning the Hong Kong Junior National title in 2019, a bronze medal at the 2019 Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy and two bronze medals at the 2nd Chinese National Youth Games. That year was What were some of the challenges? I was a direct entry into HKUST from IVE, which is very practical, but HKUST makes you think more outside of the box, and it took me a year to get used to this. The people here, how friendly they are, makes it all worthwhile. When I ask questions, people help me – we have this study culture that is very helpful to each other. I am very grateful for the AEF because it has helped me tremendously after my father was seriously injured on the job in a lorry crash and almost died in A&E. The injuries severely affected his hip and leg, and he is unable to drive anymore. I once considered dropping out of my studies to help my family, so the AEF has been essential, especially since we are not a wealthy family. A lifeline when needed Tell us about your career ambitions? I want to be an AI developer, the knowledge I have and the projects I have done will help me, so I’m hoping I can achieve that and secure a job. How about your hobbies? I like cars and I have a provisional license. I would like to import a car from abroad to Hong Kong. I love US cars and I really would like to get a muscle car. In three words: I am ordinary, hard-working and positive. What advice would you give to other students? Live a little! Don’t study too hard! a career highlight for me! In 2023, I qualified for the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, one of the most prestigious international figure skating events held in Colorado Springs. How did you get into Civil Engineering as an interest? I have always been interested in Science and Maths, particularly Physics, and had some family members who are engineers. Engineering is hard, and balancing skating is even harder because we have training in the early morning or late at night. My friends and HKUST have helped me with everything, I’m grateful. Tell us about your ambitions? I actually wanted to quit training and skating, since transitioning from junior to senior was very hard. Looking ahead to 2025, I have qualified for the Winter Universiade and Asian Winter Games, which will be held in Torino, Italy and Harbin, China respectively. My goal is to perform my best with no regrets. At the same time, I am preparing for my career in Engineering. Tell us how the Scholarship has helped you? Receiving this Sports Scholarship has greatly supported me in pursuing my goals by providing financial assistance for my training and traveling to overseas competitions, which has enabled me to strive for excellence in competitions and win for Hong Kong, as well as HKUST. I am immensely grateful to be awarded such an opportunity. Skating is expensive and I don’t have time for a part-time job – this Scholarship has been essential. What were your favourite moments at HKUST? Although my skating schedule stopped me from joining orientation camp or living in a dorm, I have made lifelong friends – and what could be better than that? Three words that describe you are: I’m optimistic, humble and resilient. What advice would you give to other students? You need to be disciplined and have good time management. The impact we see in the above stories is clear, so please consider a donation today! Simply scan the QR here to donate online. FEELING INSPIRED? ACT TODAY! 14 Smooth skating superstar
CLASS NOTES ALUMNI ECARD Right here, right now Exhilarating developments have been rousing alumni across the globe. Here is the latest news about your classmates. Remember, we also want to see your stories, so don’t forget to share your photos and updates via this QR code. 17 Kelvin Lo 2004 BBA(IS) I have been nominated by the Canadian Information Processing Society and awarded the David O’Leary Award for 2024 by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) IP3. The IFIP, established in 1960 under the auspices of UNESCO, presented this award on September 19, 2024. The David O’Leary Award acknowledges an individual or organization that has promoted and demonstrated professionalism, acted as an ethics evangelist, and/or made strides in fostering diversity among ICT practitioners. Dickson Lau 2007 BSc(BICH) I am a secondary school teacher, so it is with much pride that I announce that I have secured "rst prize in the "STEAM TOOL" category at the 26th Hong Kong Youth Science & Technology Innovation Competition. Additionally, the Hong Kong Association for Science and Mathematics Education awarded me the Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching 2024 (Biology). Addie Choy 2010 MA(LIBS) I have been o%cially appointed as "A Mentor in The Greater Bay Area" by the Foshan Government, China. My mission is to empower young talent to adapt and thrive in Mainland China's dynamic business environment. With my extensive experience in entrepreneurship guidance in Mainland China, I am supporting Hong Kong and Macau youth in Shunde through various channels. Kobe Yung 2016 BEng(CIVL) 2018 MPhil(CIVL) I am thrilled that my research proposal recently won international competitive funding with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore under the A*STAR Research Attachment Programme. I will develop an advanced Arti"cial Intelligence (AI) Deep Learning model for Floating O#shore Wind Structural Digital Twin with the support of the Institute of High Performance Computing and collaborate with the world’s leading experts in AI. This will explore the potential of digital transformation of the o#shore industry and support the world’s Net-Zero target. Exodus Sit 2020 BSc(MATH) As the Chair of the IAU National Astronomy Education Coordinator and Co-National Outreach Coordinator for Hong Kong, China, I was honored to have the opportunity to share insights and educational approaches to STEAM at the XXXII IAU General Assembly 2024 in August, in Cape Town, South Africa. I presented on the topic of "Hands-on Astronomy: How to Integrate STEAM Educational Elements into Astronomy Outreach and Public Education". BEING PART OF THE ALUMNI NETWORK HAS ITS PERKS! You are a proud member of our community, now it is time to join us and unlock the power of alumni services. It is a new life after graduation, but you should continue to enjoy a wide spectrum of services no matter where life takes you. Whether you are a fresh graduate, or a more seasoned alum, the Development and Alumni O%ce (DAO) is o#ering an unparalleled range of exclusive services and bene"ts including a unique alumni email alias, Alum eCard, library services, sports facilities, special o#ers from alumni entrepreneurs, and much more. Want to Get Started? Here’s What to Do! 1. Download the HKUST Alumni App and apply for your HKUST Alum eCard 2. Apply for a Library Card to access the library and book borrowing services 3. Apply for a Sports Facilities Card to use the "tness center, swimming pool, badminton courts and more 4. Take advantage of o#ers on campus and by alumni entrepreneurs, with myriad discounts and o#ers What are you waiting for? Get your Alum eCard now:
HKUST Alumni WORLD STAGE 19 Delicious dinner with Tokyo alumni An alumni dinner gathering was held in Tokyo in October with the HKUST delegation led by Provost Professor Yike Guo. The Tokyo alumni community had a wonderful time. Shanghai whimsy Our Shanghai Alumni Association has been moving and shaking with lots of parties! These have included a badminton gathering; sharing of traditional values and codes of life; parent-child club - used book $ea market event; 2024 WeStart Global Entrepreneurship Investment Conference; Wang Yangming theme reading book sharing session; and rowing experience activity. City of love… and gatherings! Paris saw an alumni dinner in September with the HKUST delegation led by Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Professor Yang Wang. The event provided a delightful opportunity for the Paris alumni community to meet. Living it up in Shenzhen China’s tech capital has seen HKUST alumni have a great time with a live music dinner gathering and visit to the Qianhai administration and alumni enterprises in September. Both were organized by our Shenzhen Alumni Association. It’s been a great run The Clearwater Bay Gobi Alumni Association faced the gauntlet and joined the 19th Ultra Gobi® Running Challenge with 53 top EMBA and 13 MBA schools mainly across Asia Paci"c. A four-day consecutive,122 km gorgeous gobi desert running experience was the result, with no one quitting and many awards won. In addition to this, there was a training session in Xiamen in August! Mumbai magic Alumni had an amazing dinner with the HKUST delegation led by Associate Vice-President for Research and Development (Knowledge Transfer) Dr. Shin Cheul Kim in November and reconnected with their alma mater. The city that never sleeps Paddlers of our Alumni Chapter in New York have kept busy with the HK Dragon Boat Festival that saw them crowned the "rst runner-up in their debut race in the Educational Invitational Division. There was also a HKU x CUHK x HKUST: Mid-Autumn Celebration in September sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade O%ces (HKETO). Canadian celebrations Members of the Alumni Association of Ontario have raised the roof with parties including a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration; Markham Milne Dam Conservation Park activity with Joint-U Alumni in Ontario; tea and table tennis gathering; Joint-U sports day; Halloween gathering and a Christmas party in Ontario. Lion’s share of parties The Singapore Alumni Chapter hosted a gathering in Singapore in September, a wonderful opportunity for alumni and friends to connect and share memorable experiences. On top of that there was also a Hong Kong Joint-Uni Annual Mid-Autumn Festival Dinner in September and International Alumni Thanksgiving Dinner in November. From Beijing with love The nation’s capital has been buzzing with activities organized by the Beijing Alumni Association including entering alumni enterprises: gathering alumni strength - Hejun Consulting Group; Haituo camping; Yinshan Pagoda Forest hiking; Joint school outdoor activity - mountain hiking at Bei Ling Mountain; visiting Beijing collaborators - parent-child experience activity; fun run activity; colorful Autumn outing in the Shallow Mountains; cultural experience trip to Qingdao and 2024 year-end gathering. 18 Global party gets going Check out all the fun, frolics and unforgettable moments from our squad across the globe.
HKUST Alumni HAPPENINGS Fun, friends and community Even though we live in all corners of the world, there are plenty of opportunities to come together as one. We are HKUST and proud! An Alumni Homecoming Feast 2024 co-organized by the HKUST Alumni Association and the HKUST Convocation in December delivered an amazing Poon Choi feast for everyone to remember. The event also included an engaging eye-health talk for children, and a nostalgic campus tour that brought back fond memories. All the proceeds have been donated to the HKUST Alumni Endowment Fund (AEF). The alumni community also had the chance to join a Hysan100 heritage tour in July; South American wine tasting dinner in July; indoor golf gathering in August; dinghy level 3 course by HKSF in August and September; joyous Lan Kwai Fong happy hour in September, and tea meditation workshop in December, which were great times to have fun. It’s time to meet up HKUST Convocation held a meetup in July in Shenzhen, with a keynote by guest of honor Mrs. Jennifer Yu Cheng. In August, participants enjoyed a talk on the media and entertainment industry. This was followed by a talk in September from Prof. Philip Chen on the success of major cities around the globe, and a talk by Dr. Vincent Lo Hong-Sui in Shanghai in October. A personalized pin campaign has been initiated and sponsored by Terry Tsang, Convocation Chairman. It encourages alumni to make meaningful contributions to the AEF. Speaking up On a vibrant evening in September, the Speaking Club hosted a full-house event. The highlight was Tony Sabine's workshop, Transform Your Words with Masterful Storytelling Skills, which encouraged attendees to engage their audience with con"dence. The Club also held regular meetings and workshops, a virtual speakathon, and a Mid-Autumn dinner. EMBA Alumni Association goes all out! There has been a lot of action including the following: the Swing for AEF co-organized by the EMBA Golf Club, Development and Alumni Office, and Alumni Golf Club held in Chongqing; the EMBAAA Nanjing Chapter and 2019 class day event; and a special documentary screening event. All we need is wine The Alumni Wine Association organized the Celebrate Sustainability with California Wines beachside wine lunch in July with guest speakers Charles Cheng and Jennifer Luk hosting a guided tasting and sharing session about sustainability in the wine industry. There was also “Bottles on the Table” dinner in September. Engineering greats The Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association (CEEAA) has been busy with a mentorship program and the HKIE Civil annual dinner and CEEAA homecoming reunion dinner. Jointly organized by HKUST Knowledge Transfer Office, HKUST GREAT Smart Cities Institute and CEEAA, the HKUST Industry Engagement Day Plus event featured more than 20 HKUST homegrown or potential start-ups, focusing on innovative solutions that make our city safer, greener and better. Electric atmosphere The Electronic and Computer Engineering Alumni Association held an alumni reunion and graduation dinner for the Class of 2024 in December, providing a joyous occasion for alumni to connect. An action-packed schedule The Graduate Students and Alumni Association has been busy with a series of events including Chinamanned space$ight series lecture; summer music camp concert; freshman orientation; yacht party; Mid-Autumn Festival carnival; expert talks; exchange forum; and an amazing Halloween gathering. Dragon spirit shines In September, a spirited group of 32 Alumni Dragon Boat Club members set sail to Ravenna, Italy, to participate in the prestigious 14th IDBF Dragon Boat Club Crew World Championships. The Club also joined the Perth Chung Wah Cultural Festival and won the second runnerup and third runner-up in November. Congratulations to all participants for representing HKUST with excellence and enthusiasm on the world stage! Management perfection The Master of Technology Management Alumni gathering with a symposium in November saw special memories shared, along with a talk on Navigating Turbulence: Mitigating Global Supply Chain Risks. Keeping active The Mainland Alumni Association is busy with activities including a mystery game activity; a visit to Guangming Science City ; a happy hour drinks gathering; and Mid-Autumn hand brewed co#ee experience. Super swingers The Alumni Golf Club September gathering brought fabulous swinging times to the Zhuhai Golden Gulf Golf Club. 21 20
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