Angela MUI (QSA) Angela (center) recently represented HKUST at the ASPIRE Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Design Challenge (UIDC) 2026 at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Collaborating with a diverse team of students from across Asia over five days, she and her teammates tackled critical issues surrounding the “Active Aging.” She effectively applied her QSA program’s strengths to provide solutions for senior social connectivity. Together, the team developed Kampong Steps, which is a digital platform integrating live-mapped community walks, intergenerational knowledge exchange, and a multilingual interface with real-time environmental safety updates. The team ultimately secured the Gold Excellence Award. Through rigorous cross-border collaboration and interdisciplinary brainstorming, the challenge sharpened her communication, teamwork, and cross-cultural adaptability. She is incredibly grateful to the School of Humanities and Social Science for financially and academically supporting her. As Angela notes, this is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with top regional talents and judges, making this international experience intellectually fulfilling and unforgettable.” Jason WAN (QSA) Jason has received numerous awards and achievements in recognition of his academic excellence, perseverance, and community service this year. The awards include the Centaline Charity Fund Scholarship for 2025-2026; the HKUST Alumni Endowment Fund Perseverance Scholarship (AEFPS) for 2025/2026; the HKUST Alumni Endowment Fund Community Service Award in 2026; recognition as a Social Good Contributor for 2025-2026; the Deutsche Bank – CareER Scholarship Program in 2026; and being named a Grand Finalist in the Eco-Innovation Challenge 2025. These accolades collectively highlight Jason’s well-rounded achievements and the significant contributions he continues to make to both the university and the community. Jacky SIU (GCS) In Fall 2025, Jacky took the course EMIA 1901: Introduction to Smart City Development. Inspired by a professor’s insights on technology and urban challenges, Jacky and his teammates developed “WeGuide” — a mobile app prototype helping visually impaired individuals navigate roads safely, fostering a more inclusive and barrier-free society. From sustainable urban development to Chinese poetry and media communication, the Common Core program has a profound impact on Jacky’s personal growth— not only shaped his multidisciplinary mindset and preparing him with practical skills to thrive in the AI era, but also strengthened his critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which later helped him with his internships in sustainability and data-driven communication. Marcus WONG (GCS) This summer, Marcus traded his usual routine for a two-week adventure at Peking University. He took a course on International Organisation Law in a class that felt like a mini-United Nations, with a UK barrister teaching peers from four continents. Different cultures approached the same legal issues, sparking new ideas. They also visited a real International Organisation office in Beijing. Outside class, cycling along Weiming Lake and catching the sunset over campus became the highlight of his trip. Besides, Marcus moved into an operational role with St John and the Red Cross. At the Annual Crash Exercise at Hong Kong International Airport, lifting a stretcher with the call “2–3 up!” made him feel the weight and trust involved. Serving on the frontline in large relief operations taught him that life and death are not abstract. Staying with a family who had lost everything showed him that frontline service is about humility, silence and accompaniment. 15
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